Tim Kane

Timothy Joseph Kane passed away peacefully on March 24, 2023.

Tim was born in Kalamazoo, MI on August 9, 1953 (on his mother’s 29th birthday!). Tim grew up in a loving home with six brothers and sisters. A lifelong Kalamazoo area resident, Tim spent his childhood roaming the neighborhood with his siblings and close neighborhood friends. Growing up, Tim attended St. Joseph Schools, was an altar boy for the Catholic Church, and fondly remembered his paper route. Tim was a diligent student, received a scholarship to Hackett High School, and graduated in 1971. After high school, Tim enrolled in Western Michigan University studying Mathematics, Education and Political Science.

During his college years, Tim connected with the love of his life, Mary Lawson, having their first date on May 11, 1974. Tim and Mary united in marriage on July 11, 1975, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, then explored the open road to Colorado for their honeymoon. Their love of travel was lifelong, impressively visiting all 50 states, as well as several countries aboard cruise ships. Thanks to his special niece, Sarah, who donated her kidney to her Uncle Timmy in 2011, he was able to extend his love of travel. Some of their favorite international cruises were when they were joined by Tim’s brother, John, and his wife, Bridgett.

After graduating from WMU in 1975, Tim spent the next 45 years as a full time Mathematics Instructor. Moving to the St. Joseph, MI area, he began teaching at Benton Harbor Area Schools, Lake Michigan Catholic and Lake Michigan College. In 1988, Tim furthered his teaching career at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, until his retirement in July 2020. Tim and his family moved to Mattawan, MI in 1989, where he resided until his passing. Tim was actively involved with extracurricular activities at KVCC, attending and hosting several events. Tim developed and sustained close connections with multiple colleagues and enjoyed staying in touch with his students. Tim was a dedicated teacher, remembered fondly for his passion, inspiration, and supportive nature. Tim continued a lifelong journey in education, earning several advanced degrees in higher education.

Tim was an amazing father and role model, having a special relationship with each of his children, Jacob, Nathan and Catherine (whom he often referred to as Jake, Nate and Cate). Every summer, Tim looked forward to taking his wife and children camping at Lake Michigan Recreation Area in Free Soil, Michigan, which he frequented several times a year since the early 70s. These camping trips were very special and are warmly remembered by his wife and all their children. These camping adventures later grew into an annual extended family camping trip, which he also enjoyed. In addition to LMRA, Tim attended yearly camping trips at Camp Leroy with the “guy cousins” which he deeply cherished. Tim also enjoyed his camping trips with Gary every spring and fall, and his Arizona trips to see Mike, both close, lifelong friends.

In addition to teaching and traveling, Tim was an avid bowler, being a member of several leagues throughout his childhood and adult life. He never attained a 300 game but relished in working to achieve that goal! Tim shared a love of baseball with his wife and children, especially the Detroit Tigers, and attended several games each season, specifically with his daughter. A significant baseball experience was taking his two sons on a road trip around the United States to attend games and experience different ball parks. Tim was an enthusiastic card player, enjoying his pinochle groups, and playing various games with his neighborhood friends. Tim’s love for music was eclectic, but his fondness of The Beatles was most evident to anyone who knew him. Tim spent as much time as he could listening to music, especially in his car, playing pool, and attending live concerts with his wife and other close friends. In his little spare time, Tim enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading a variety of newspapers, playing trivia, board games, and watching his favorite television shows.

Tim was proceeded in death by his parents, Jack & Connie, and brother, Mike. He is survived by his wife, Mary (Lawson) Kane; his children: Jake, Nathan (Tara) and Catherine Kane. He was blessed with a grandson, Colson, in 2022. Tim remained close with his surviving brother, four sisters, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Tim lived a versatile, well-travelled life with no regrets. He was in love with his wife of 47 years, his profession, and the people in all areas of his life. He was a true inspiration to many, and genuinely cared for anyone he came in contact with. He was an incredibly intelligent, happy man with a fun sense of humor that everyone got a kick out of. He was gone too soon and will be deeply missed by all.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks and stories will be shared on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 6-8 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A special toast will be held at the conclusion of the visitation. Visit Tim’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.