Tim McBride

TIMOTHY SHAWN (CHOPPER) MCBRIDE Timothy Shawn (Chopper) McBride (70) died on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. On November 15th, 1955, Tim was born in International Falls to Mark and Mardella McBride and three older brothers. Huge fans of the great outdoors, the family spent much of their time on Rainy Lake and at the shack near Ray. Tim earned his nickname in high school from some football teammates who thought he shared some personality traits with his dog, Chopper, and the name stuck. Chopper graduated from Falls High in 1973, continuing his studies at Rainy River and Bemidji State University, where he received a criminal justice degree. Throughout his life, he worked in many and varied positions, including: picking eggs at Ewald's chicken farm, selling Avon, cleaning motel rooms, selling cars at Wherley Motors, working up at Camp Manitou, and in the mill. He worked as a bartender at the Holler Liquor, the Roadhouse, and the Elks, where he held the position of manager for a time. He was an EMT, a sheriff's deputy, and even had a stint as a meter reader. Chopper spent many years at the Loon's Nest, and as a fishing guide on Rainy Lake. His knowledge of fishing helped him create a fishing show on the local radio station called Fisherman's Net, which he did for at least 25 years. A big sports fan, Chopper coached junior high football for a time, and even did "color" for Bronco football broadcasts on KGHS. An avid golfer, he worked as a groundskeeper at the local golf course and saw its transformation from nine to 18 holes. For the last thirty years of his life, Chopper did what he could to make International Falls and Koochiching County better. He served as Alderman-at-Large on the City Council, as a commissioner on the County Board, and for a short time as Mayor of the city he loved so well. It was in these positions of civil service that he was instrumental in the development and maintenance of the Kerry Park facilities, the construction of the Voyageurs Park Headquarters, and boat landings along Rainy River. As executive director of the North Kooch Area Sanitary District, Chopper fought for new and improved facilities for the area. Chopper's love of music led him to include construction of the amphitheater behind the Park headquarters to organize and host the first of many Riverfests, bringing Loverboy, .38 Special, and Arch Allies to town. Even while he was busy with these and many more acts of service to our community, the most important things in his life were the love of his family and friends, and his love of God. Chopper is survived by wife, Nancy, three children, Meredith McBride, Ron (Cindy) Gilbertson, and Matt (Jessica) Gilbertson, seven grandchildren, Dylan McBride, Lynda (Charlie) Fuller, Alexandria, Alivia, Mya, Riley, and Ava Gilbertson, two brothers, Brian (Maggie) McBride, and Pete (Deb) McBride, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and thousands of friends. His infectious smile will be missed. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church in International Falls. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Condolences may be left on www.greenlarsen.com Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.