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TIMOTHY FRANCIS GENS

FUNERAL HOME

Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home

1803 Centre Street

West Roxbury, Massachusetts

TIMOTHY GENS Obituary

Name: Visitation for TIMOTHY FRANCIS GENS
Start: 2018-09-13T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-09-14T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home

GENS, Timothy Francis Of Weston, passed away September 10, 2018, at the age of 69. Beloved husband of Madeleine (Fox). Wonderful father of Jamie Langley and her husband Merrill of Edgartown, and Kathleen and Dylan of Boston. Cherished grandfather of Catherine, Merrill and William Charles Langley. Survived by many devoted nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his dear parents, Winifred (Doyle) and Francis Gens. Tim was proud to be a "triple eagle" - a graduate of BC High, Boston College (BA, 1971) and BC Law (JD, 1975). He had a remarkable 46-year career in public affairs, starting as a passionate, progressive and creative young political consultant in the 1970s and 1980s, followed by an 11-year career as the MBTA's planning, policy, communications and intergovernmental affairs leader. Tim was most proud of his 23-year career at the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association where, as EVP and General Counsel, he had his fingerprints on every major Massachusetts healthcare development, including universal health care, transparent healthcare outcome reporting and developing nationally-recognized patient safety improvements. The secret to Tim's success - in his career and in his personal life - was not just his keen intelligence, but his kindness, humility and ever-present sense of humor.

Funeral from the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St., WEST ROXBURY, on Friday, Sept. 14 at 9:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, 169 Cummins Hwy., Roslindale at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours in the funeral home Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tim's memory to Bay Cove Human Services, 66 Canal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114 or The Literacy Project, 15 Bank Row, Suite C, Greenfield, MA 01301. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home

www.lawlerfuneralhome.com

(617) 323-5600

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Published by Boston Globe from Sep. 11 to Sep. 12, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for TIMOTHY GENS

21 Entries

Ramona Davis

February 26, 2019

So sorry to have learned of Tim's passing today - I am not on Facebook much, but I have the utmost affection and admiration for Madeleine and can feel how much Tim's loss must hurt. My deepest sympathies Madeleine...

Madeleine Gens

November 4, 2018

As Tim's wife and family I always believed in this amazing man. It is so nice to see that others felt the same way. All these stories even from before I knew him have filled my heart. When good people go it is even harder to understand life. He is my life and I will try my best to be what he would have wanted me to be. I will take care of our children and grandchildren and make sure they never forget his DNA runs through them. He was a Sage of a man and I knew it the minute I met him. Not to forget the most beautiful man I have ever seen. But in spite of his looks his heart always was the first thing you saw as he was so humble.

He has left us all too soon. It will never be the same. But we were so lucky to have known him. I thank everyone who wrote us cards and sent us their tender thoughts about him. I am so glad you all knew his kindness. As a wife you often look at your husband and wonder, do people see how good a man he is? It is nice all who met him felt as I did. He was a wonderful perfect example of a human being at a time we need them the most.

Don Thieme

September 30, 2018

To the family, I worked with Tim for over 30 years . In our interactions, as we worked to make the healthcare system work for everyone, there would be thoughtful analysis , interesting points of view over complicated issues and great humor. I wish I knew of his illness since my wife , who also worked with Tim, also has glioblastoma and Im sure we passed one another in our many trips to Dana Farber. Im very sorry for your loss.

George Keenan

September 27, 2018

Tim was my cousin. A nice guy always, a smart guy, always had a smile and great attitude. I miss the time apart. I knew he was ill but only heard of his passing today. My feelings go out to his family I never knew.

One guy who did not deserve this.

Kurt Reynolds

September 21, 2018

Dear Gen's Family,
Throughout our years of friendship- watching Kathleen grow up, Dylan arriving in the world, Jammie growing her own family, and Madeleine, bringing a range of shape, and unique color and beauty to it all- I have shared in a few family events and celebrations. I am reminded of Tim's steady presence, a confidence and warmth, and a smiling kindness that was easily felt. An appreciation of others, his pride in his family.
Tim invested, greatly in his life, which seems a, "Gens Way".
Each of you reflect Tim's warmth, his values and care for others.
My heart is with you during this painful time of grief.
I wish you a soft passage, and the comfort of one another and friends, during these days, and years ahead.
As each of you continue to bring your compassion, warmth and goodness to the world, you will be bringing Tim along with you.
In Sincere Sympathy and love,
- Kurt Reynolds

Dennis Ratliff

September 17, 2018

Dear Gens Family,

I was deeply saddened to receive the news of Tim's passing. He was my mentor for my year at MHA, but more than that he was and is a cherished friend.

September 17, 2018

Dear Gens Family,

I was deeply saddened to hear of Tim's passing. He was my mentor for my year at MHA, but more than that he was and is a cherished friend. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Dennis J. Ratliff, Sr. and family

Andrew Savitz

September 15, 2018

Dear Gens family:

There aren't many people of whom you can honestly and completely say, "he was a great guy," but there was no other way to describe Tim.

When he was around, you were always laughing, and he could take it and give it in equal measure. Although he was incredibly smart and quick-witted, he was also self-effacing, in a sort of "aw shucks" way, which was completely charming.

I knew him both as part of the Dukakis Administration and then later as a wonderful friend. He was the center of a group of card-playing Irishmen, like you read about, for whom poker was an excuse to laugh, and tell stories and jokes.

I will miss him.

Andy Savitz

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Bob Pittman

September 13, 2018

I had the pleasure of working with Tim at the MBTA and the description of his intelligence, kindnesses, humility and sense of humor is exactly as I remember him. My condolences to his family who have lost a wonderful man.

September 13, 2018

What a tremendous loss! I'm so sorry for his family. May you find peace. With deepest sympathy, LIanne Green.

Eric Elbot

September 12, 2018

Tim and I took our young sons, Dylan and Noah on a beach walk on Cranberry island, Maine. There was a hill in our path that looked doable, but at a certain point it was safer to put our boys on our shoulders and progress on all fours into a setting sun.

The glances Tim and I shared tested our judgement, our skill, our courage and our fears about our most precious cargo. No words were ever exchanged, but we were deeply grateful for sustaining the intense determination that passed between us.

Cross your river now, Tim, with the peace of soul of a life well lived.

Jeanne Glynn

September 12, 2018

I am so very sorry to hear of Tim's passing, and of the difficult times you all went through over the past several months.
It's been many years since I last saw Tim, but I remember him fondly as part of the crew playing cards daily in Lyons Cafeteria at BC. He was a terrific guy -- and by far the most handsome guy to set foot on the BC campus in the late '60s/early 70s!
My heart goes out to all those he leaves behind.

Paul Levy

September 12, 2018

A fine person and true public servant. He was a pleasure to work with in every way.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Terry Dougherty

September 12, 2018

Whether it was on Beacon Hill discussing the needs of healthcare providers or the banks of rivers cheering for respective crew teams, Tim was the ultimate and never a better advocate.His dedication to the cause helped bring health care insurance to hundreds of thousands of people, and championed system improvements.

To his family, our prayers go out. Thank you for sharing Tim with us. He made us bring our A game everyday, he is sorely missed.

Brian Taylor

September 12, 2018

Tim, a great person who befriended me when I returned from overseas. His friendship never faded but time put us on different paths. I will always be grateful for his support at a time when it was not a popular thing to do. Thanks Tim.

Leon Dzygala-Drysdale

September 12, 2018

Tim was a great guy in law school

mark MacMillan

September 12, 2018

Best wishes and condolences to Tim's family.

The MacMillan Family
Rev. Donald S.J., Brian, & Mark. J. P.

John Comerford

September 12, 2018

I am so sorry to read of Tim's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I had the good fortune of knowing Tim from BC High and working with him in Kevin White's 1971 re-election campaign. Tim and his late father, Frank, will be missed.

John Comerford

September 12, 2018

I am so sad to read of Tim's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gens family. I knew Tim at BC High and worked with him in Kevin White's 1971 re-election campaign and thought the world of him and his father, Frank. Rest in peace.

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