Timothy James McIntyre

"It is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known." — Charles Dickens, "A Tale of Two Cities"

TRAVERSE CITY — Timothy James McIntyre's long battle with Huntington's Disease ended peacefully on Aug. 20, 2009.

Tim was born in Kalamazoo on Oct. 8, 1966. He was the son of James McIntyre of Traverse City, and Jane McLellan, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his sons, Shaun and Jamie McIntyre of Paw Paw; his brother, Daniel of Traverse City; his step mother, Joane McIntyre of Traverse City; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was the grandson of Bill and Jean McIntyre, and Allan and Sue McLellan, all of Kalamazoo.

Tim had a great passion for life, the outdoors, music and most of all, his beloved sons.

Huntington's disease is an incurable neurodegenerative genetic disorder. It is inherited dominantly, such that each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease.

Shortly after moving to Traverse City, while living at Tendercare, he came under the care of Hospice of Michigan. It was these extraordinary people, whose unselfish dedication to his comfort and care eased his inevitable journey.

Tim possessed extraordinary courage in the face of an insurmountable struggle. But what we loved and learned from this remarkable man was his refusal to give up, and his undying capacity for laughter and love.

The family wishes to thank Tendercare of Traverse City, the exceptional people at Bortz Health Care, Traverse City, and the dedicated staff, management, and countless volunteers of Hospice of Michigan. Surely under their clothing one could find wings.

For more information please visit The Huntington's Disease Society of America at www.hdsa.org.

"The absolute most important reason why he is my hero is because he has so many things that are wrong with him, yet he still cares nothing about himself but only about others, especially my brother and I." — Jamie McIntyre, Class project on "Your Hero."

Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home is serving the family.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.