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Timothy Moran Obituary
Timothy John "Tim" Moran passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday February 21st at his home in Eugene. He was 49.
Born August 4th, 1959 in Inglewood, California, Tim was the oldest of Jack and Mary K. Moran's five children. The family moved to Yuba City several years later, but he continued to claim pride in his South Central Los Angeles roots and sometimes answered only to "Ice T" and "White Chocolate."
In 1967, Tim's family moved to Corvallis, Oregon where he claims to have taken an active role in raising his brothers and sisters. He graduated from Crescent Valley High School in 1977 where he played varsity basketball...primarily on offense...and never met a shot he didn't like or wouldn't take.
After High School, Tim worked in California and Oregon before settling for several years on the Island of Maui. He embraced the island lifestyle and was often referred to as "The Poi-- Poi Kid" when surfing or as "White Chocolate Macadamia Nut" in games of pickup basketball. Local Hawaii basketball legend Barack Obama was said to have changed course for politics after going down to defeat in a friendly game of one-on-one (the two ironically share the same birthday as well as many social, political & multicultural influences).
Tim attended the University of Oregon. He completed his Masters in Education (focusing on Special Education) in 1993. Tim & Caroline Keen were married that same year. They later divorced but remained good friends.
He was a very devoted and loving father to his daughters Airyanne, Natalie, Janie & Isabel and his son Dillon. He also cherished the role as grandfather to Amber & Jackson Toomb. He always encouraged his children to participate in sports, community activities and entrepreneurial endeavors...with the emphasis on benevolent profit taking.
As the coordinator of the Community Transition Program in the Springfield School District, Tim was a dedicated teacher and advocate for all of his students. He shared his compassion and energy with his co-workers & students each day. He was awarded ARC teacher of the year in 2008. Tim fearlessly incorporated his skills as a street performer when the job required...no song, dance or comedy routine was truly the same after Tim applied his unique touch.
Tim will be dearly missed by his family, friends, students and the community he served.
Along with his children and grandchildren, Tim is survived in Eugene by his partner in many adventures Leilani Wong, former wife Caroline, parents Jack & Mary K. Moran of Corvallis, siblings Mary Stenga of Alaska, Brian Moran of Harrisburg, Jeff Moran and Sarah Thomas both of Hillsboro, in addition to numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles across the United States and Ireland.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 28, at 1:00 p.m. at Springfield Middle School, 1084 G Street. A potluck will follow in the school cafeteria.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Moran Memorial Fund, C/O of Selco Community Credit Union, P.O. Box 7487, Eugene, OR 97401.Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Timothy Moran
Natalie
December 29, 2020
I love you dad.
Barbara Miller
March 20, 2009
I opened the newspaper today and saw the appreciation notice from Tim's family. No, I thought, that must be a different Tim Moran. Sadly, I find out this is not so. Tim and I worked together many years ago, and then enjoyed a good friendship. I hadn't talked to him in a couple years, but interestingly, he'd been on my mind lately. I missed hearing the news of his passing as well as the celebration of life because I was, of all places, in Maui that week. I can't seem to find out what caused his death, and not that it changes anything, but I'd like to know. As all have said - a giant among men with a fabulous heart. My condolences to his family - I know you were his world.
Dennis Standridge
March 14, 2009
Big D Cares. Always a friend never a stranger.
Steven Sawada
March 13, 2009
Tim was such a cool guy. Each time I saw Tim, he was always so positive. I always wondered to myself- "How does this guy do it?" And his positivity and his actions, and his interactions, were always so cool- nothing every felt artificial or stressed. Tim was 100% genuine- to the core. He didn't pull punches, but he always had something good to say. I've seen him help students, and I've seen him help my friends, and each time, I saw that he was sincerely happy just for the opportunity to help. He is an inspiration for us all to achieve our best. Even just seeing Tim in the room made me smile and feel like all things were possible. Miss you Tim.
Sara Rhudy
March 6, 2009
I never met Tim, but know of him though his brother, Brian. With the memories that Brian has shared, I know that Tim was a person who made the world a better place simply because he was in it. My thoughts & prayers are with Tim's family. He will always be with you in your hearts.
Mary K. Moran
March 5, 2009
Dear All, I am so very grateful to all of you for your very kind words about Tim and your love and expressions of sympathy and caring for our entire family. He truly does live in each of us and in his children and we look forward to seeing him again someday. As granddaughter Jenni said, he's up there with my mom "Grandma Bee" and she's feeing him the wonderful Dutch mints, she used to sneak to our daughter Mary "Jenni's mom" when she was a little girl.
Tim is and will be terribly missed by all of us, but the send off given at the Celebration of Life on Saturday, was beyond description. Thank you all so much for being a part of our lives. Mary K. Moran, Tim's mom
Helen Nahoopii
March 4, 2009
I have just discovered that the world's friend, Tim Moran is gone.
I am shocked and have feelings of deep sadness. An office e-mail which circulated today shared the news of his tribute.
I am shocked and surprised that such a gifted, healthy and smiling person, such as that wonderful and amazing spriit that he was, is gone.
I have not even known him very long and here I am writing this tribute.
It was only recently (three weeks ago) that I had the good fortune of meeting him for the first time.
However, I had seen a tribute
to him at an ARC gathering last year which held me speechless and encapsulated in the tributes to Tim Moran.
As I listened, of all of the accolades, stories of love, and wonderful humor shared at that event, all I could tell myself was that at some point in time, I will meet him and let him know that I too, am a big fan of his.
And all awhile the guest were in praise of Tim's wonderful contributions for all people, partcularlyhis work for and with those who have developmental disabilities, Tim was shuffling his feet, and humbly giving credit to others, his amazing team, with admissions that if anything was accomplished, it was never just about "him" alone. It was the effort of the team that made him shine.
God bless you Tim. God Bless his family and may Tim's life be an example for the rest of us who are here - doing the work that we do for the people we love and care about.
This is a total shock. I still feel that when I go to his office next week - he will be there with open arms and with that big beautiful smile to greet me.
May you who knew Tim continue to remember his grace, his sincere kindness, and love that he so generously gave to everyone who came in contact with him.
Rev on Tim!
D Benny Bennett
March 3, 2009
To say Timmer was my college room mate is a gross over-simplification. He stayed there more often than I did, called my couch "his room", and wasn't even taking classes at the time. He was waiting tables in Corvallis (a job that allowed his true persona to shine, and for him to hone his people skills), and was well before he set his own "five year plan" into action.
Friends since Jr High, he left a lifetime of memories for me to enjoy and laugh about years later. I used to tease him that he "would loan the shirt off someone else's back if you needed it" and when friends eulogized him by speaking of his "hustle" skills, it was aptly pointed out that it was always for someone else. He was the three card monte shill for every just cause or person in need, and wasn't afraid to put himself out there to help someone.
The service was awesome and showed the incredible, selfless, inspiational gift, we had in Ice-T. There was such a tremendous outpouring of love for someone who was so at ease with his life's passion. He was content with his calling and shunned the attention and accolades he so richly deserved. Humble.
The Eugene-Springfield community has lost a great asset, and we all have lost a beautiful friend and inspiration-- not that his inspiration can't be continued... next time you help someone in need, give a wink and a smile to Tim.
This has been incredibly difficult to accept, and I'm sure everyone shares the same profound sense of loss I have been going thru for the last week.
My heartfelt condolence's go out to his family. Godspeed, Tim. Pink is most assuredly rolling his eyes now, watching you work the crowd of angels.
Stacey-Ann Mukaisu
March 3, 2009
Aloha From Hawaii - My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Edward Robinson
March 3, 2009
Genuine. Sincere.
Those two words have always come to mind when thinking about or talking about Tim. There was always caring in the way Tim spoke, and he always spoke of opportunities and how to get the most out of them.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to know Tim...even if it were for a brief moment in time. Sometimes, that's all it takes for someone to leave a positive impression on you. That's what Tim has done.
Rest easy, my man.
Ed
Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center
Tim & Karl at reunion golf summer '07
Karl Madden
March 3, 2009
Tim and I were good friends from age 13 through high school years, and re-connected at our 30-yr reunion. I met his two youngest, and to them and his whole family I send my deepest condolences.
Tim and I both played guard on the CHS Sophomores basketball team. He was a starter and I was a reserve, but he was my biggest cheerleader when I got to play.
Tim really enjoyed life. It rubbed off on everyone around him. Tim's laughing eyes and gentle kindness is passed down to his kids.
Tim's spirit lives on.
Brian Moran
March 3, 2009
I know I speak for my entire family when I say thank you all for your kind words and thoughts during this difficult time. Tim was not only my Brother but also a great friend. And Brian, you're right. He would take it to the lane if he had to (usually after a nice hesitation step and quick pump fake). Of course that was always plan B! My heart goes out to all that had the opportunity to know and work with him. He was one of a kind.
Kim Fox-Moran
March 2, 2009
Tim -
I will miss you with your big smile and headband holding back all of your uncombed hair. I will miss listening to the banter between you and your brothers at all of the family gatherings. I will miss how excited you would get when your nephews and nieces would tell you about their accomplishments in sports. I will also miss the nicknames that you gave them. I will miss that you will no longer be there when we need you. I will miss you laughing at Jeff's impersonations and antics and telling him "You're killing me man, you're killing me". I will miss your songs and dances. I will miss the Xmas gifts that were always the wrong size and often gently used.
I had no idea of the impact that you had in the community. I wish that I had asked you more about your work but I have the feeling that you would have downplayed all of your successes.
There is a huge hole in the family where you used to be and although your passing has brought us all closer, I wish that you were here to enjoy it with us. Love you always.
Brian Megert
March 1, 2009
Tim made coming to work worthwhile. He was an esteemed colleague and a great friend. We will never have transition services explained as well and provided to students and families without Tim. I always looked forward to seeing Tim and telling other people of his students' accomplishments. Mostly because he gave credit to everyone but himself, which was humorous because all credit should have gone to him. I will truly miss the long voice mail messages on Fridays reminding me to have a great weekend, take care of myself, say hello to my family, not to forget to eat healthy, get enough sleep, and take pleasure in life, oh yeah, and don't forget about that difficult situation we need to work on next week.
Another thing worth mentioning, he could shoot from downtown, but he wanted people to know that he could take it inside if he needed to...but he always said he didn't ever NEED to take it inside.
Larry Benson
March 1, 2009
Our time with Tim was spent as Co-workers on the Adolescent Unit at Sacred Heart. We were all in our twenties then. Tim's dedication to the kids and to his work was an inspiration to all. He always had a zest for life and shared it with all he encountered. We remember him fondly. He was definitely one of the good guys. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and students at this sad time.
Larry and Becky Benson (or as nicknamed by Tim and his buddy Mike, the Pounder and the Quarter Pounder)
Shannon (Ryan) Amsbury
March 1, 2009
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Shelley NURRE
February 28, 2009
My heart goes out to Tim's family with such a tragic loss. I knew Tim through my son, Mak, who has played basketball with Tim's son for the last two years. Our children played on opposing teams, but Tim always made the effort to talk with us and compliment my son on a good game (no matter the outcome of the game). He was a devoted, caring, loving father who instilled these very values in his own son, Dillon. This is a man who will be truly missed by our community as he has touched many, many lives. Thank you, Tim, for touching our lives. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Nance Kiesling
February 28, 2009
Tim was one of a kind and then some. He had a great laugh and smile, genuinely cared about others, was a terrific dad, and will be so greatly missed. The Class of '77 was proud to have him as a friend and classmate. He was truly the perfect crossover Raider/Spartan. He was the only person to receive invitations to both CHS & CV reunions.
Our CVHS 77 email has received dozens of messages from different classmates all over the country expressing their concerns and sharing memories about Tim & his family. We were all Baby Boomers growing up in Corvallis. That is a special bond that holds us together through times of joy and great sadness.
Tim will be honored at our 35 year reunion when we rededicate our memorial plaque. The date of our next reunion happens to be August 4, 2012 - Tim's birthday. Coincidence? I think not.
We'll miss you Tim.
With deep sadness and great love,
Crescent Valley Class of '77
Chad Tehan
February 28, 2009
Tim I love you and will miss you greatly for the rest of my life. You were such a huge part of my life. Think about it I knew you for nearly 15 years 94-2009. You were such an inspiration to me, my hero, the reason I became a teacher and you informed who I have become as a person. You were like family to me and I too you. Today at the service I cried virtually non-stop. I couldn't get out everything I wanted to say, but I know you loved me and respected me and I thank you for that. You were my Yoda, the person I could call on whenever something was troubling me, no matter what it was. The last time we talked was just such a case and I valued your guidance so much. I'll still seek you out from time to time, because you will live in my heart forever. You helped me figure out who I am and what I want to be, you rubbed off on me in more ways than you know. We would run into people everywhere that you knew and if not you'd make a new friend, that's one thing that rubbed off on me. Thanks Love Always 'C-DOG'
Jill Schnider
February 28, 2009
I was sad to hear of Tim's death and extend my condolences to his family,friends,co-workers and students. My daughter,Sandra and his daughter,Airy,were friends since childhood,thus we got to know the whole family. The last few years,I would sometimes still see Tim at the Y and, no matter how busy he was, he'd stop to talk. He'd ask about my daughter and would typically share some fun story about his kids with a smile.Often, he was there with at least a couple of them!His children were clearly his pride and joy.May your special memories at this sad time give you all comfort.
Darlene Vermilyea
February 28, 2009
Tim was a peacemaker. He had a way of making students and staff feel so important. He was such an inspiration to me and so many others. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with him. He adored his children and was so proud of each one. He will be missed by many but the work he did will be remembered forever. He set the foundation for the Community Transition Program in Springfield and in doing so touched the hearts and lives of so many people.
Danny Lemmon
February 27, 2009
I want you guys to know this might make you cry please try reading this without to crying cause it was hard for me to write this without crying but the reason I'm writing this letter today I just went to work on Monday and I went to see everyone crying, laughing, telling jokes. Tim made everyone’s day, great. By telling jokes and making people smile and now he’s is gone forever. It was just weird that I just saw him on Friday morning for a meeting about something’s that I'm getting things for my life. Few things that I will never forget is how Tim had a really big heart and that he cared so much for his students, their families and his co-workers. I also saw a great love for his family. I will also remember that he always helped me when I needed someone to talk to about things that were happening in my life or things that were happening in school he was a good friend and mentor to me. He always made time for me to meet up with him and get my feeling out. When we would do our coffee cart during the summer, we made a lot of friends and great connections with our community members to support CTP and they even donated money for things for the coffee cart or for the program itself and when I would work on the coffee cart Tim would always make it so when he would make a drink for someone he would always made a mess and I would always give a hard time he would always say Danny that this how we do things around here bro and he just would always make me laugh and I would also make a joke about his mess that he would make and say Tim don’t let Cheryl see that because she won’t let you touch the cart again and he would just laugh at me and would also say well lets not tell her I’ll have it all cleaned up by the time Cheryl gets back. Other memories that I have of Tim is when I was younger Tim and I would play baseball and he would always throw fast balls and I would always hit over his head he would say have you done this before? And I would be like no I’m just great hitting a ball and he would always laugh. Tim always had a way of making me laugh like when we would be at the garden and he would always say Danny there is a song that I know about you it goes like this oh Danny boy then he would sing it then I would give him a hard time about it by saying Tim you are funny and then he would say I know Danny that’s my job and then I would laugh at him. He always knows how to put a smile on someone’s face. Some other memories that I have about Tim is when he would go into Catholic Community Services and he would help me with getting a food box for my family and when we would go in he would always let me meet all different types of people and he would always tell people stories about me when I was younger I thought it was so cool that Tim did that for me. Some other things that I remember about Tim is when he would eat sunflowers seeds and he eat them and then he would throw out the shell out anywhere. He didn’t realize it that he has some of the seeds on the floor in the office and I would be seating there in a chair and then Cheryl comes in cleans it all up then the next day it would start all over again that Tim would have sunflower seeds on the floor it just made me laugh when ate sunflower seeds. He reminds me of Jonny Appleseed, his name should be Timmy Sunflower Seed because everywhere he goes he is sure to plant a sunflower somewhere and when we see a sunflower we will always remember him. Tim has lifted my-self esteems when I’m having a hard time with things. Its been just so hard since Sunday when I got the news of his passing I just been feeling really depressed that I didn't have the chance to say go bye to and say to him have a great weekend and see you on Monday and now he is gone forever and I was looking forward to seeing him everyday and see him put a smile on my face and my day would go great when ever I saw him. It was just a couple months ago when he gave me tickets to see the women Oregon ducks play against Portland and when I told him that they won he was so happy to hear that I really enjoyed going to the U of O basketball game live in person. Tim was such a great person he is really going to be missed by many people that knew him really well. Right now I just feel like crying again I'm just taking this so hard. I have known Tim for 15 1/2 years now and now he is gone I really don't know what to think or how to feeling about all this because he wasn't just a teacher he was a mentor and a really great friend with a really big heart. Tim if you were here today I wish I could say I have been really happy that I have known you for this long and I'm really and truly going to miss you and I want to thank you for everything you have done in my life and what you have made me come to be as a person. Tim you also made a great impact on my life when I graduated from high school you lifted my sprits that I would make to the end of my high school career and I want to thank you for giving me that confidence that I would finish my school career. Tim also you have taught me how to start my own garden and harvest my own food and I will really miss when you showed me how to do my own garden and I will never forget when we started the garden at Catholic Community Services and that was back when I was in grade school. Well Tim I'm really going to miss you so much you were a awesome teacher and a great mentor and awesome friend that I ever have know rest in peace Tim you are in my heart for ever and I want to thank you for all the stuff you have shown me and done for me. Rest in peace my friend you will always be on my mind and in my heart forever no matter what. Tim you are the best teacher in the world that I have ever worked with!!!!
Bob Hancock
February 27, 2009
As a teammate on the basketball floor, so it was in life: Tim made those around him better. What a privledge it was to know him on and off "the floor!" Tim was a mentor to me. His example / philosophy of paying special attention to every kid ('cause each one was special) taught me how to be a more effective educator. Thanks, Tim. I'll miss you but love what you taught me!
Daphne Burroughs
February 27, 2009
Tim was and will continue to be an inspiration to me. His selflessness was contagious. I’m sure none of us will ever know the scope of his efforts to make a difference in our community. Tim I will miss hearing you say so sincerely “thanks for all you do”, it always gave me a boost. I smell Friday buddy.
Jim McClenaghan
February 27, 2009
My first memory of Tim was at Garfield School in Corvallis when I was in 5th grade. I went to Dixie School in the country, and we didn't have enough kids to form a complete football team, so I bussed into Garfield, in town. I didn't know anyone. Tim was the first kid to extend his friendship to me, and I imagine he was many people's first friend. He was a good friend all throughout junior high and high school, and after I moved to Eugene, was my touchstone to everything that happened back in Corvallis, keeping me filled in on the happenings of all of our old friends from high school. I saw Tim once or twice a month, at duck games, the swimming pool and the YMCA and we'd talk at great length, both of us having come far from our days as the black sheep in our families in the days of our youth in Corvallis. We shared many great times, and the memories of our escapades (much to the dismay of both of our families) will always remain treasured memories for me. Once my wife and I ran into Tim at a duck football game, and we later watched him through our binoculars being mobbed by the huge contingent of students he was chaperoning at the game. It was more entertaining that day than the duck game.
So many times I'd see Tim coming, tipping his head back and running his fingers through his hair, preparing for what would be at least a 20 minute story - recollecting the past and some of our great times growing up together.
Tim's passing is a huge loss to so many, but I am truly fortunate for having known him and staying in touch with from that day at Garfield School until now.
With sadness in our hearts, with fond memories forever, from the McClenaghans to the Morans.
Brent Grove
February 27, 2009
I was very saddened to hear loss of my cousin Tim. I am thankful that I did get to spend time with him when I was back in Oregon last August. Tim made me feel at home and wen tof of his to make my stay was great! Tim say hi to Uncle Mike for me. Love you
michelle jones
February 27, 2009
I was only lucky enough to have seen him receive the ARC's 2008 Teacher of the Year award, and meet him breifly at the event. We talked about getting together for a meeting, as I just got a job as a transition coordinator for the county, and he was going to fill me in on the low-down in this field, and be a terrific resource for me. I am so sad that his family and community have lost him because I have heard so many terrific things about him. I, and the community, will miss him dearly.
Sincerely,
Michelle Jones
High School Transition Coordinator
Lane County DDS
Rene Cobb
February 27, 2009
Tim was a friend to all he met. He cared for his friends like family. He cared for his students like family. He saw beauty in all his students, always expressing love and the pride he felt in his students' successes. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, and Tim saw only beauty. Though not short on words :), Tim was not self-centered; he was student-centered. I hope his family feels comforted by the amazing, positive influence he had on others. I know that all who knew Tim are better people for knowing him. He glowed with the non-judgmental acceptance of all people. Tim was a one of a kind ball of energy. I am glad I knew him.
Fereyel Richardson
February 27, 2009
There is a saying I've learned, "Live life and thou shalt not die". Tim personified that statement. He lived life to the fullest and touched many many people leaving impressions that will transcend time, his kindness and good intention was soul touching. My boys and I are blessed to have known him. He left a legacy of love and no one can ask for more, I know he had no problems coming into heavens door. We miss you already!
nel applegate
February 27, 2009
I did not know Tim well, but did work with him sporadically in the DD field. I know that he lived and worked from his heart and loved his life. He will be greatly missed by his students and colleagues. All peace to the family.
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