Timothy Michael O'Hare

Remembering an amazing humanitarian, a great mentor , a dear friend!

A wonderfully warm , talented & generous friend! A devoted family man , an incredible teacher, mentor, etc.
Our world is less bright, our hearts less full!

When I was 11, I started dancing with the Woodgate school of Irish dancing (Bramalea, suburb of Toronto). (Unbeknownst to me, Timmy and I were born in the same year!). One of my earliest competitions was the Detroit Feis, and it was at this event where I first met Timmy. This Feis was an annual event, held in early June outside Detroit City, on a site that may have belonged to a monastery or other religious order. (I do recall it was a very beautiful location). If my memory serves me correctly, it was at the end of the day, and the crowd had gathered to watch either the junior mens preliminary or championship dance competition. The wooden stage had been covered with a marquee (to prevent a rain delay, since this venue was mostly outdoors), and Mr. O'Leary was the musician who had been assigned to be the accompanist for this competition.

In that moment, all who were in attendance at this Feis bore witness to the birth of a bright new Irish dancing star. I will never forget the magnificence of Timmy's appearance. He was wearing a cream blazer and chocolate brown kilt, and his entire aesthetic was topped off with a mane of curly golden locks, which framed a handsome angular face. He was truly a vision. His dancing was crisp, and highly accurate, (never missed a click). He soared effortlessly through the air, as though he were on a breeze during the reel, and his trebles echoed with clarity and power during his set. My former Irish dancing teacher (Paula Woodgate), and Ron Plummer were two of the 3 adjudicators for that competition. I do remember how incredibly impressed Paula was with the caliber of dance in that competition. I believe Timmy took first place, (it had been a unanimous decision), and this marked the beginning of many future Irish dancing accomplishments he would achieve both nationally and internationally.

Although my Irish dancing days are now long behind me, I carry such positive memories from that time in my life.
I am truly sorry to learn about Timmy O'Hare's sudden passing. He was taken too soon. They say time is the amazing healer, and I can only hope that in time, his family and friends will be able to recover from this heartfelt loss.

May God Bless Timmy O'Hare.

With sincerest condolences,

Mary-Anne Cussen

Many was the time I and my family the Sutton's bragged about being a Tim O'Hare dancer. We are in shock knowing Tim died so young. Mr. Burns relayed the news last week, just before Thanksgiving. It had to be a difficult Oireachtas with Tim passing early November. Bright news in the legacy of Tim's Family and his niece's great command of the dance and ongoing for Mike and the O'Hares.

Thank you for all of your PASSION in the Irish Dance world. You have left an indelible mark! All of our love, The Stancy Family

He was an amazing dancer and teacher, and always ...a wonderful person.

There are so many lives affected by simply knowing Tim. Our prayers extend to Tim's family and all my cousins.

Such an amazing spirit to encompass all our children who wanted to learn Irish Dancing !! Full of love compassion n sincerity we are blessed to have such talent n ability!! Our hearts go out to his family ..condolences and love