Tim Kilmartin

As family and friends will certainly agree, Timothy Kilmartin truly lived each and every moment to the very fullest. His vivacious personality brought a spark to every room he walked into, and to know him was to immediately adore him. Nothing made Tim happier than spending time with his loved ones, neighbors, and friends, and he was a pillar of his community. In everything that he did, his strength, courage, and determination were an inspiration to all those around him. Dearly loved, Tim will be forever missed.

The late 1950s were among some of the most exciting years to be alive, especially in the United States. Humanity rose to new heights with space exploration, and rock and roll took the world by storm, breathing new life into the music scene. It was during this influential time that John and Jeanne (Mordaunt) Kilmartin of Port Chester, New York, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their fifth child. On September 11, 1959, Timothy made his entrance into the world, welcomed by his parents and four older siblings. Although he only spent less than two years in his birth state, he would later quip that he was “originally from New York.”

It was while studying for his bachelors degree at Western Michigan University that Tim met the young woman who would quickly become the love of his life. Her name was Amy Boekhout, and the two were truly destined to meet. Amy was performing in a play, and one of the other performers couldn’t make it. The director needed someone who could tackle the role, so he called Tim. There was an instant connection between Tim and Amy, and it only took her two weeks to decide that he was the one for her. For the next 43 years, they’d go on to build an amazing family and life together.

Of all the things that Tim loved in life, his family was always his first priority. He was overjoyed to become a father to his sons, Pete, John, and Matt. Tim thrived in his role as a father, and he molded his children into better versions of himself. Later in life, he was thrilled to become a grandfather to Scarlett and Robinton. Tim adored his grandchildren and doted on them whenever he could, and he always made sure his family members knew just how much they were loved.

Tim was never afraid to work hard when it came to providing for himself and those who depended on him. He made his career in banking, where he put his organizational skills to good use. Tim worked at several banks over the years, and he was the Kalamazoo Regional President for Comerica for a time. He took great care of his clients and would even go so far as to call people to remind them when bills were due. Tim made many valuable connections in his community through banking. He retired from Southern Michigan Bank and Trust, moving into the next phase of his life.

Tim’s talents shone the brightest when he was performing. He sang in the choir at St. Augustine Cathedral and in a barbershop quartet as well. The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre was like second home to Tim. The other performers were always shocked to learn he was a banker because of his larger-than-life personality, and he always had his makeup kit at the ready for any performance. Tim started two charities to help fund the Civic. He even rode his bicycle 950 miles around Lake Michigan to raise money, with Amy following in the car.

Never one to sit still for long, Tim pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He was an avid Detroit Lions fan, and he could make anyone laugh with his sharp sense of humor and sarcasm. Tim enjoyed his life on Gun Lake, and he loved to take people out on the boat whenever he could. He built an Irish pub in his basement, which he called “The Four Fathers,” and he liked to master new drinks and share them with his guests. Tim was a natural entertainer. He loved biking. The DALMAC and the RAGBRAI were memorable, and exhausting, rides spanning multiple days. He and Amy played Wordle together every morning, always competing to see who’d win (usually Amy). Tim always had several projects going around the house, or with his sons, fixing things or improving their homes. In his retirement, he found more activities that brought him joy. He started a business called Phase Consulting, named after the many phases of his own life. He attended hot yoga classes, and enjoyed traveling with Amy. Tim was even recently ordained as a minister.

Tim always said life was like a buffet and he wanted to sample every part of it. He dove headfirst into each plate at that buffet. Everything from acting in musicals, riding his bike, brewing his own beer, podcasting with his sons, singing, floating on the lake, and so much more. He never let a single moment pass him by and made the most of every day he was given. His passion for connecting with people and community with kindness and generosity will leave a timeless legacy that friends and family will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Timothy Kilmartin died on March 25, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Amy; children: Pete (Demi) Kilmartin, John (Brittany) Kilmartin, and Matt (Kate) Carl; grandchildren: Scarlett Kilmartin and Robinton Kilmartin; siblings: John (Pat) Kilmartin, Kaki McClanahan, Pete (Jo) Kilmartin, and Noreen Gayle; mother-in-law, Wanda Boekhout; brother-in-law Tom (Peggy) Boekhout; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Wednesday, April 2, from 4-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900 where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Celebrate Tim’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre.