Timothy Kenneth Keating

Timothy Kenneth Keating, The Dabbler, The Pie Guy, the cigar-smoking, nap-taking, golf-loving, movie-going, best popcorn-making and the mostly- inappropriate-but hilarious joke-teller ever, began his new life with Jesus on Friday, November 10, 2017 after a sudden, massive heart attack in Palm Springs, California.

Tim was born March 30, 1943 in Glasgow, Montana to Thomas Delbert and Olive Mary (Baer) Keating. Moving to Billings, Montana as a small child, he attended Fratt Memorial Elementary and graduated Billings Central Catholic High School in 1961. He married Wendy Barcroft in 1965 and had two children, Timothy Patrick and Tamara (Tammy) Jo, the latter child his favorite. Tim graduated from the College of Great Falls with a BS in business administration. In 1968, Tim began a life-time career in the oil business. Not only did he excel in the industry but also loved it, continuing to work until his death. In 1978, he married Renee' Stone and acquired a bonus son, Shelby Stone. Renee' was his best friend who he loved deeply and cooked for faithfully. They would have celebrated 40 years of marriage this upcoming March.

Tim was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Jerry and son Shelby. He is survived by his wife Renee', son Timothy Patrick, daughter ( again, his favorite) Tammy (Jeff) Lindhout, grandchildren Nicole (Chris) Monson, Kelsey and Mac Keating, Nathan and Taylor Lindhout, great-granddaughter Shelby Monson, 1000 brothers (Tom, Joe, Pat, Mike, Terry…) one sister, Kathy (Mike) Wyrwas, many nieces and nephews, multiple sisters-in-law and ex-wives all of whom loved him dearly.

Whether sitting around the kitchen table playing cards, eating one of his delicious pies or playing a skins game on the golf course, if you were with Tim, you were in for some guaranteed fun. Tim's sense of humor left a wake of belly-laughing wherever he went. Tim lived his life filled with joy knowing the mercy, kindness, power, saving grace and love of Jesus. He boldly took every opportunity to share with others, unashamedly, the gospel message of God's love, forgiveness and restoration. He was humble of heart, generous to a fault and loyal to the death. He made a difference in the lives of many and will be greatly missed as a husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. His presence in our lives will be exceptionally loud in its absence.

The family invites you to join us and celebrate the full and well-lived life of The Dabbler, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 9th at Word of Life Fellowship, 1737 King Ave. W. with a reception immediately following at the Elks Lodge, 934 Lewis Ave.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to his favorite charity, The Montana Rescue Mission Women and Children's Shelter, 2520 1st Avenue North, Billings, Montana 59101.