Tim Slevin

EAST PEORIA - Tim J. Slevin, age 66, of East Peoria passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, May 22, 2012.

Tim was born in Peoria, Ill., on Sept. 25, 1946, to Spalding and Jane Slevin.

A natural entrepreneur, Tim spent much of his childhood selling different knick-knacks door to door. Whether it was an automatic needle threader, fire extinguishers for the kitchen or even pre-Hawaiian statehood flags, Tim had a convincing reason as to why it would be a necessary staple for the home.

Always picking up on the spirit and characters of others, Tim became very well known in his parochial school upbringing at Spalding Academy for his impersonations (specifically of Brother Hood) and his gentle-yet-mischievous nature.

After college at Quincy University, Tim went on to Officer Candidate School in Georgia to train and prepare for his impending journey to Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division. Treating that experience with courage and grace is something for which he has always been admired. Tim returned with a Bronze Star for bravery and a spirit forever changed.

Upon his return, Tim learned to be a pilot on the GI Bill. When courting his beloved wife, Nancy, he would take her on day-long flights around the Midwest, where they would look for grass runways to picnic or practice touch-and-gos.

During his days, Tim spent his time as a sales executive for US Corrugated, where he was an extraordinarily loved member of their team and highly respected for his knowledge and expertise. He took his job very seriously but treasured coming home every day to his family, his dog Henry and his sanctuary in the woods.

Tim was a trained auctioneer, self-taught magician, natural comedian, eternal entrepreneur, lover of nature and a lifelong supporter of the Chicago Bears.

He battled cancer for 3.5 years like every other challenge in his life: with faith, grace, and an unparalleled strength.

He was a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, great friend, and true inspiration. Tim touched countless lives, and it goes without saying that each and every one of us will miss him dearly and truly cherish the details of our memories.

We will celebrate his life on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at 6 p.m. at Amago Dei Church, 210 W. Arcadia Ave. in Peoria. Family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until service time at the church.

In lieu of flowers, Tim asked that all donations be made to St. Jude to help all of the families that are fighting such a vicious disease.

Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.