Timothy Ray Cummings

Timothy Cummings Obituary

Timothy Ray Cummings Vancouver, WA April 13, 1961 - December 14, 2008 Timothy Ray Cummings died on December 14, 2008 at Southwest Washington Medical Center, Vancouver, WA. Tim was born April 13, 1961 in Worland, WY. As a child, he lived in Oklahoma and South Carolina. He attended elementary and high school in Okemos, MI. Tim attended Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Biology. He received a Masters Degree in Fishery Biology from Colorado State University in 1986. Tim worked as a fishery biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for 20 years. On July 7, 2006, Tim and Tonnie Maniero were married in Vancouver, Washington. Survivors include: his wife, Tonnie Cummings; parents, Ray Cummings and Joan McIntosh; step-father, Ardy McIntosh; sister, Kirsten Cummings (Randy Clark); two nephews, Tim Myette and Ian Cummings; niece, Trella Bradford; his lifelong friend, Roger Omoto; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Tim was preceded in death by his grandparents, a niece, and a nephew. Memorial gifts may be made to: Rocky Mountain National Park Fund, Rocky Mountain Nature Association, P.O. Box 3100, Estes Park, CO 80517 or Southwest Washington Medical Center Foundation Office, P.O. Box 1600, Vancouver, WA 98668. Online guest book: www.straubsfuneralhome.com

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Published by Lansing State Journal on Dec. 24, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Timothy Cummings

7 Entries

Tom Coon

December 31, 2008

I was pleased to know and work with Tim nearly 20 years ago when he was first beginning with USFWS. Not only was he a Spartan, but he came back to work on the Huron River project Ken Bovee led in southeast Michigan. I remember Tim as a hard worker with a passion for things wild and wet. He had a great sense of humor, but also was no-nonsense when it came time to work. I'm sorry for his passing and extend my sympathies to his wife and family.

Karyn Federau / Downey

December 24, 2008

Tim and I were both part of the class of 1979 Okemos High school, I was very sadden to hear of his passing.. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.
God bless.

Mark Ibsen

December 22, 2008

I grew up with Tim as my cousin. Needless to say I always looked up to Tim getting the short end of the elevation stick in our family and Tim being well over 6' tall. Living in Denver we had opportunities to do things together on family get togethers but I am proud to say that he finally got it right when he picked CSU for his masters and we attended at the same time. Tonnie, I don't rember our paths crossing at CSU but my prayers and thoughts go out to you and to the rest of his (our) family.

Ken Kehmeier

December 20, 2008

I too went to graduate school with Tim at Colorado State University. It was a shock to hear of his passing, my condolences to his family. I remember the times electrofishing cutthroat in Rocky Mountain National Park, and the transition streams along the front range of Colorado. He always kept us laughing and learning. He will be missed.

LaRee Brosseau

December 19, 2008

I worked with Tim on the bull trout recovery team at the US Fish and Wildlife Service. He had a great sense of humor and was a real asset to the Service with all of his technical abilities. Tim's mom would check in with him often and usually I would sit in his living room making faces as my guide dog (Jazlyn) peeled up and down the hallway and took dives into the furniture. Of course as soon as he hung up the phone the game was over and the dog settled down and fell asleep. Oh hell, what are friends for? I remember one Christmas Tim was so proud of himself for financing a "Sponge Bob Squarepants" extravaganza for his nephews. Too funny, I teased him for actually being more of a "closet Sesame Street" kinda guy. He didn't think that was so funny. Tim was big hearted and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He dug up a pickup load (literally) of daliha bulbs for Donna Allard and I. It took me hours to plant them. He told me that his secret to beautiful flowers was to pee on them. I told him that I was blind, not stupid, so plain water would have to do. Tim was a wonderful person who left us much too soon. I can't say anything that will make this loss less tragic, but please keep in mind that he made a difference to those of us his life touched. I am proud and honored to have called him a friend.

Rich and Bette Lahy

December 18, 2008

Although we knew Tim only a few of his brief 47 years we considered him a great friend. We will miss his creative Christmas cards, his phone machine indicating he was busy watching his Detroit Tigers make a run for the pennant , our perpetual disagreement of whom was the better football team, Michigan State of Notre Dame, the Super Bowl parties and his March Madness basketball pools and much, much, more. It is very hard to understand Tim has passed and our thoughts and prayers are with you Tonnie, Tim’s family and Roger

Kevin Bestgen

December 18, 2008

Hi All,

I went to Graduate school with Tim in Fort Collins, and knew Tonnie briefly. So sorry for your loss, unbelieveable really. Tim was a big part of many wonderful times we shared together during our years here and even though we were not in close contact later, we still chatted occasionally. I remember well trips we took, both for pleasure and work, gatherings of students and others, and many other memeories which I will always treasure. Please hold onto those good times and memories and let them guide you through this difficult passage.

Kevin Bestgen

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