Dwight MacFarland "Tim" Sheldon

Dwight MacFarland (Tim) Sheldon LTC USA Ret. Dwight (Tim) Sheldon, CEO of Steilacoom's unique Various and Nefarious Enterprises, headed out on 1/5/2012 for a final trip to the Aurora Borealis. At his request, there is to be no service. Tim's emphatically stated desire to be cremated, and his remains scattered at sea, will be honored by his family. Tim, 90 years young, passed away at his Old Town home, where this decorated veteran of three wars (WWII, Korea, and two back-to-back tours of Viet Nam) and three services, the U.S. Navy, the National Guard, and retiring from the U.S. Army with the rank of Lt. Col. watched the sun set over the Olympics and sometimes caught a glimpse of the shimmering Northern Lights, reminding him of his numerous treks as wagon master along the Alcan Highway. Born May 4, 1921 in St. Louis, MO, Tim, long a member of the Alaska/Yukon Pioneers, homesteaded at the North Pole in the early 1950's, and had an abiding affection for Mr. Seward's Icebox. He loved to travel by boat or RV, especially through British Columbia, Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, and Alaska. Along life's highway he acquired many friends from RV caravans and friends of his wife Barbara's family in Alaska. He never met a stranger. After "retiring" in the early 1970's to Steilacoom, he turned his energies to community service: as a volunteer fireman, and on the town's first Civil Service Commission (always a staunch supporter of Steilacoom's Public Safety Officer program). Tim also was a Business Owners president, member of the Chamber of Commerce, and a founding member and past president of the Chambers Creek Boat Owners Association, as well as a former commander and member of the Tacoma Power Squadron. His civic affiliations included serving on the Mayor's Recycling Task Force and on the planning committee for the new Steilacoom High School. As an extension of his Scouting activities, Tim worked with the annual Scouting for Food program, and with the Food Bank. Tim also volunteered as a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 71, often substituting when there was no current scoutmaster available. Following his scoutmaster days, he advanced to Scouting Commissioner for the Pacific Peaks Council, and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award in 1990 from the Pacific Peaks Council, as well as the Distinguished Commissioner's Award in 1991, and District Award of Merit, Arrowhead, and Scouter's Key. Many were the young men he saw become Eagle Scouts during that period, and many well recall the numerous community service projects he saw to fruition, ranging from Farrell's Marsh trails and the Orr Home Fence, to handicap ramps at schools and restroom access at old Pioneer School. In 1999 he was honored as Steilacoom's Citizen of the Year. Tim is survived by his wife of 32 years, Barbara, his stepson Bruce J. Meier (Estelle), son Mac Sheldon (Randi), daughters Kathleen Yepes and Sue Sheldon, their children and grandchildren, and a stepbrother, Andy (Anne). He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brothers Mike (Marie) and Steve (Mardi). Tim lived to complete two of his last "Bucket List" goals, reaching his 90th birthday this past May, and seeing the safe return of his grandson, Lt. Preston R. Sheldon, from his tour in Afghanistan this past July. Tim impacted the lives of countless soldiers, scouts, and community members, and his like will not be seen again. Remembrances may be made in his honor to Franciscan Hospice, care of Franciscan Foundation, WA, 253-428-8476, for its continuing support and excellent care of Tim and his family during this time. Tributes, condolences, or donations may be made at www.tacomamausoleum.com. Arrangements by Tacoma Mausoleum and Mortuary, 253-474-9574.