Tim Wyman

When reflecting on the life of Timothy Wyman, it is easy to see his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was a prankster with a great sense of humor, and his solid work ethic allowed him to provide for himself and those he treasured. As a proud husband and father, nothing brought Tim greater joy than spending time with his family. He was dedicated to serving others in whatever way he could, and he was known to always greet people with a smile. Deeply loved, Tim will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

During the decade that witnessed the rise of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean on the big screen as well as Elvis Presley and his rock ’n roll music, Jack and Joyce (Wyman) Bozeman were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named Timothy on July 7, 1952, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Growing up, Tim was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home in Augusta alongside his brother, Carl. Tim discovered his love for nature at a young age, and he enjoyed doing any activity that brought him outside. Since he grew up on a farm, he quickly learned how to fish and hunt. Tim could often be found on the water or in the fields as soon as school was done for the day. While pursuing his education, he attended Galesburg Augusta High School, but left early to join the Air Force, just one credit shy of graduating. However, once through his training, Tim was able to finish his high school education while stationed up north.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Tim as he met the young woman who would quickly become the love of his life. Her name was Catherine, and at the time she was dating one of Tim’s friends. As time passed, Tim and Cathy began to grow close. She was instantly attracted to him and loved his sense of humor. It didn’t take the two long to realize that they were made for each other. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Tim and Cathy were married on June 5, 1971, at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, just a few days after Cathy’s eighteenth birthday. The newlyweds were able to live on several various Air Force Bases together for a time. When Tim was deployed to Korea, Cathy moved back to Kalamazoo with Tim joining her shortly after he was discharged. Though their lives were not without hardship, Tim and Cathy truly enjoyed a fairytale romance. They would often go mushroom hunting together and, once, Cathy found a bird’s nest and placed it on her head like a hat. Tim, in true prankster fashion, warned her that “nests have fleas,” and that was the end of that. Needless to say, that gave Cathy quite the nervous and animated reaction. Tim and Cathy would go on to spend fifty wonderful years together.

As many can attest, of all the things Tim loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. He and Cathy were overjoyed to welcome two children into their hearts and home. Tim dedicated himself to raising Tim and Anna into kind and hardworking individuals. He shared his passion for the outdoors with them and taught them how to live off of the land. One of their most beloved traditions was how they would always stop for a soda on the way home when he took them hunting. Tim was known to host a huge fish fry every year, and he and the children would fish for days in order to catch enough fish for the fry. Tim’s family was his top priority, and he was always happiest when they were together. Later in life, Tim was thrilled to become a grandfather to Zackary, Ella, Ava, and Dominic. He adored his grandchildren and doted on them whenever he could. Tim was so proud to watch his family tree grow, and he considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

In order to support himself and his family, Tim worked with a construction firm for a while. The job took him to sites outside of the state to work on skyscrapers. Tim’s work allowed him to meet many people, and out East he could often get a good deal on lobsters. He once brought live lobsters on an airplane all the way from New York, and he sang to the lobsters before placing them in the boiling pot. Later, Tim began working for various tree trimming services, most recently Asplundh, as a Foreman. He was never afraid of the work, despite the precarious heights he sometimes found himself in.

Never one to sit still for long, Tim pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He liked to cook and bake, and he was well known for his amazing cookies and legendary dinners. Tim loved to host and entertain family and friends at every opportunity, and the house was always full for Christmas. Throughout his life he never lost his passion for fishing and hunting. He treasured opening weekend of trout season on Augusta Creek. Tim owned a small boat that he would take out on the local lakes and ponds, including Sherman Lake, where he loved to fish for bluegill, perch, and bass. He loved spending time outdoors, and though he wasn’t very religious he always said that nature brought him closer to God. Tim liked to watch the Detroit Lions lose, and he also loved Creedence Clearwater Revival.

As family and friends can attest, Timothy Wyman truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength and support, even in the most difficult of times, and he was always working to build others up. Tim’s primary focus was fostering deep and personal relationships with those around him. He treasured his loved ones above all else, and he was always willing to help those in need. Though he will be deeply missed, Tim leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Timothy Wyman, of Kalamazoo, Age 69, died on May 26, 2022. Tim was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Carl. Surviving are his wife, ­­­­Catherine; children: Tim (Lisa) Wyman and Anna (Steve) Berry; and grandchildren: Zackary (Vanessa) Berry, Ella Wyman, Ava Wyman, and Dominic Wyman. A Life Story Service will be held 11 AM Wednesday (JUN 1) at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Burial at Mount Ever Rest Memorial Park. Visit Tim’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign his guestbook.