Timothy (Tim) died unexpectedly at his home on September 2, just one week after celebrating his 69th birthday. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, mentor and friend. Loving and caring to everyone he met, he leaves a big hole in everyone's heart who actually knew him and will be missed by all who loved him.

When Tim exited this earth he took with him, along with his kindness and caring a multitude of skills and talents. He was a good friend and maintained friendships over his lifetime. He was an excellent navigator, never lost, and could find any place no matter how remote or obscure. He was an excellent cook, always improving and somehow everything he cooked was loved by those afforded the opportunity. He was a prolific reader. He was grateful to his aunt and the priests of Saint Martin's High School for instilling his love of reading. He especially enjoyed science fiction and had read all the classics. He also loved music especially the recordings and concerts of the Grateful Dead. Tim had an adventurous soul, loved boats, water, and was a natural born sailor. He was a well dressed man, always with good taste, style and fashion. He especially loved coats, shoes and vests. Before he met his wife and started a family he loved skiing, surfing, skateboarding, and swimming including being a certified lifeguard. Tim was warm and friendly to everyone, but he always knew who was genuine in their friendship.

He had lifelong friendships, some for more than a half a century. He made friends everywhere he went and maintained those friendships forever. His experiences in life were many. Anyone who spent time with him quickly became aware he knew people everywhere. His friendships were so strong he was welcomed with open arms even if there was no contact for many years. He possessed a magic shoulder and could comfort a baby when no one else could, just by rocking. He had the most astounding sense of direction and could find any place a second time after having only been there once. He had excellent sense of design, and his construction company built quality houses. Tim's knowledge was deep and broad. Questions about world history, geography, English literature, building construction, plumbing, car mechanics were answered easily. And he could fix anything.

The youngest of three children, Tim was born in Centralia, WA to Eileen (Deskins) and Porter A. Gesler. He attended Edison Grade School in Centralia, later attending school in Seattle and Bellevue, graduating from Saint Martin's High School, Lacy, WA. After spending time in Honolulu, he attended Mt. Angel College, Mt. Angel, OR. After college, he enlisted in the US Coast Guard serving in Kure Island and Newport, OR. He survived the most serious training accident in Coast Guard history which occurred at Cape Disappointment on the Columbia River. After being honorably discharged he worked in the construction trades in San Luis Obispo, CA. He later returned to Seattle and spent the next several years commercial fishing.

He met his future wife, Linda (Harmsen), Memorial Day weekend 1981 in Seattle. He and Linda married in Portland, OR and quickly added two sons, Benjamin and Alexander to their family. Tim received an associate degree in Residential Construction from Portland Community College. He operated as a General Contractor working in residential construction. When he was no longer able to continue working in construction, he taught construction for PCC, Rock Creek and for a non profit in Salem Oregon teaching construction skills to the underemployed or homeless. Next he returned to school receiving an education in Building Codes and Plan Review from Chemeketa Community College. He worked for the city of Salem and operated Duck Head Consulting, as a third party contractor. General Contractors appreciated his construction knowledge and he was highly regarded in the Building Codes field. He earned many ICC certifications. After teaching construction skills he became passionate for families who found themselves in circumstances that afforded them homeless. He served on the Board of Salem Outreach Center, now part of the Salem YWCA. He also served as president of Silverton Area Community Assistance. He was most proud of his chance to serve his country in the Coast Guard, the quality contraction of the homes he built, and his community service in support of the homeless.

He was a most loving, attentive and romantic husband and fiercely defended his wife and children. He was a wonderful father who was protective and loving to his sons. He enjoyed their company and encouraged them to visit often. He would entice them with excellent meals and recently installed a backyard pool for the enjoyment of his sons, as well as friends, who visited him often. He was a beloved brother, uncle and cousin always offering a warm welcome, wonderful meals, lively conversation with loving kindness. He was especially close to his friends, many who enjoyed life long friendships. He visited as often as possible even though some lived many hours away. He made a special effort to meld his family and friends. The result is mutual support as those who loved him honor his memory and embrace grieving together.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Douglas. He is survived by his wife Linda, Silverton, sons Ben and Alex, Portland and sister Susan (Leylan) Greb, Vancouver, Wa, nephew Illiad (Roxy) Gesler, and nieces Alexis (Eric) Singletary, Amy Wenger, Elizabeth Cooley, and Catherine (Jonathan) Smiley. He is also survived by many cousins who loved him.

"All I know is he cared more about me then my stepdad or my real dad and he appreciated things of quality whether it was food or craftsmanship and he loved him a good craft beer, he cared about anyone with a loving heart and appreciated anyone that cared about life and love. He will be missed by anyone who actually knew him."

"The one thing I would say about Tim is he was lovingly referred to as the Baby Whisperer for his ability to calm even the fussiest of infants just by cradling them. He was beloved by three generations of children in my own family."

"Tim was truly a remarkable man, and he will be greatly missed."

Private viewing held Unger Funeral Chapel, Silverton September 25th, 1 to 3 pm. Celebration of life for family and friends will be available Saturday September 26, noon to 4 pm at the family home. In respect of Covid-19 the event is an open house or visitation event, the open house is limited to under 10 people at one time and will be held outside. There will not be a designated time for a service. The family requests everyone wear masks and respect social distancing guidelines. Tim's wish was to be buried at sea. He will be buried off the coast Oregon near Newport sometime in October. It was his stated wish to become fish food.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Silverton Area Community Assistance (SACA) or YWCA Salem Outreach Shelter.

Memories of Tim

Tim knew things. He knew about people and behavior. He knew he could subtly talk me into situations that never occurred to me. Things like 'borrowing' a black cassock from the hidden monk's stash hanging in the basement of the chapel so that we were appropriately dressed for the Halloween Youngbloods' concert at the Paramount in Seattle. Perfect. Two 17 year olds playing hooky from boarding school in illicit religious garb. 1967. Those were very persuasive years and Tim knew I was game. Like I said ... he knew people.

So it shouldn't have surprised me when Tim suggested I go and talk to Cletus. We all loved Cletus and he certainly was approachable so I listened to Tim's plan: Get Cletus as our Journalism advisor to approve a story for Tim and I to cover. He to photograph and me to write. Now, under ordinary circumstances such a request might seem no big deal. But this was St. Martins High School and our newspaper The Arrow existed because the College and monastery had procured a state of the art IBM typewriter for their use that allowed us access to create a pretty well laid out newspaper ..... for a Catholic Preparatory School for Young Men, that is. Tim and I were seniors involved with the paper since Freshman year. He more than I because of his love of photography. I think my first story didn't appear in The Arrow until Junior year.

So, the plot was hatched.

Tim somehow got my attention and planted the seed. Go ask Cletus for permission and money to give a day student gas money to take us to Seattle for the concert Tim wanted us to cover; Jimi Hendrix at the Coliseum. I was incredulous. Really? It was like a fairy tale. More like an improbable quest, thought I. Tim was generally on "academic supervision" meaning he had to attend extra study halls due to his lowish GPA. Mine was high and I had the thin veneer of adult approval because of it. Tim, however, would have to miss the usual extra studying to leave campus. My red flags when up. He and I were smoking his cigarettes in the woods when he initially told me his scheme and I snorted. No Way! I put it out ofmy head as a fanciful Tim concoction and chortled it away. Little did I know .....

We boarders had a free hour after dinner and before study hall began. I would traipse on down to Tim's room to listen to the bitching stereo one of his roommates had. His roommate had begrudgingly allowed Tim to allow me to listen to a song or two on the state of the art Koss headphones. I assumed the position, shutting out the sounds of the dormitory as I put on the muffling headphones. Tim looked at me and put on Are You Experienced? ... Hendrix's first album. I was transported. Tim was digging his wonderful hooks into me. Castles Made Of Sand.

In 1967, youngsters, there were no instant information sites. If you wanted to know something you went to the magazines and newspapers for info. I read of Hendrix: Seattle native, Garfield High grad, Army Ranger ..... Army Ranger!!! Holy moly, Cletus was an Army Ranger! Cletus had tattoos on his arm and was rumored to have killed a man in the Korean War. I read on that Jimi had sustained a badly broken ankle from parachuting, one of the reasons he got into music. Things began to simmer.

Over more of Tim's cigarettes (I was a notoriously successful cigarette bum, avoided by most) I told Tim about the Ranger connection. He said little. Looking back, Tim, the prolific reader, had, no doubt, already processed that info. Like I said, Tim knew things. As I am excitedly telling him about 'common ground,' Tim just smiled and gave me another cigarette, saying, "Let's go see Cletus."

The day arrived. Hendrix was playing the upcoming weekend so it was now or never. Tim already had one of the day students (non-boarders .. .lucky bastards) with a nice Mustang willing to drive us ifwe succeeded with our scheme.

I picked an advantageous time ... just before study hall at 7pm. At this point, Tim had decided to enter Cletus' room after me like my shadow. I had my spiel rehearsed. Honestly, I wouldn't even be there if not for Tim. And now he was pushing me up front of him as we entered Cletus' room. What the hell was I doing? Asking the impossible. Ha! Gesler!

Everyone loved Cletus ... cigar-smoking, crew cut Sgt. Rock in a monks attire. Cursing was common from the good priest. He was our team chaplain for the football team (St Martins Rangers, HA! One more bit of info I used to make a tidy persuasive package). Broken ankles, Rangers.... here I come.

And so we tiptoed into Cletus' doorway 5 minutes before study hall.

"Dammit, Busek! What's Gesler doing behind you?" Ever observant, Cletus was already on to us. But as I began my spiel, he stopped and listened, Cletus was a great listener.

"Well, Father, we got a hometown boy, former Army Ranger, who is playing sort of a homecoming. You see, he went to England to get famous after he broke his ankle badly jumping out of an airplane (I could tell Cletus was interested) which caused a career change to music. Garfield grad, blah blah.... Let me show you the Time Magazine article about him ... blah blah ... I'll write the story and Gesler can take his usual good photos ..... Cletus stopped me there. I knew he would so I had gotten all the 'common ground' info to Cletus before I said "Gesler can take ... "

"Gesler ... dammit ... he'll have to miss Jugghead study hall." "Do you vouch for Gesler, Busek?"

I stopped my rapid word per minute speaking rate, looking at Tim cowering behind me, with an expression miming to Tim .... "Did he just say Yes?"

"Sure, Father. I'll vouch for Tim."

Tim chose this time to step forward and stand proudly next to me. Cletus reached in his wallet and gave me $20 ... big money back when gold was $35 an oz. I don't know if it was his money or what. Cletus was like that.

"Here's money for tickets and gas for the day dog. And Busek ... you are in charge of Gesler. Get back before first period class on Saturday." (yes, we had class day on Saturday). "Now get ready for study hall, dammit."

Tim and I breathlessly spun around exiting the large presence of Cletus. As we jabbed and punched each other in unbridled excitement.. .. "He said YES!" "He gave us $20!" "We're going to see Hendrix!!" "Tell McDonald we got $5 to fill up his 'Stang". "WE'RE GOING TO SEE HENDRIIX! Unbelievable.

In truth, as I look waaaay back to these events, I see that Tim was 'vouching' for me. I would never have had an inkling to come up with such an ambitious undertaking. I think I have a copy of that Arrow. Tim's front page full photo of Jimi Hendrix, an American flag wrapped around his waist. On the catholic High School newspaper. Who'da thunk? Tim thunk. Tim knew. Tim was like that.

"Hey Gesler .... gotta smoke?" "Sure, brother."

John Busek

Dear Family of Tim,

My father, John, was the older and only brother of Tim's mother, Eileen. As the only boy in a boisterous family of strong, funny women, my father was somewhat marginalized, but he also had the gall to move away from the family homestead in Centralia.

Thus, my little sister, Diane, and I were always outsiders when we visited our large, close paternal family. Everyone was loving, but noisy, the conversation was "inside" and usually left me bewildered and quiet. But I came to know my cousins over our regular visits, and became especially close to Tim's big sister, Susan. (Can't you just hear Eileen yelling "Susan!"?) We shared many secrets and lovely cooking and sewing experiences with our grandmother, Mom D.

When we were 10 and 11, Susan said to me, "My mother is expecting." I asked what she was expecting. (I was the city girl, but Susan was always the more worldly one.) When she replied, "a baby, stupid!" I was shocked and asked how that could be. Knowing Susan, she probably explained in some detail.

The one summer day, Timmy, as he will always be known to me, joined the family. He was a joy in a

family of mostly older, some quite serious, cousins; cute, blond ( eventually), dimpled and cuddly. He was always passed around, everyone wanting to hold him. All that before he became full of mischief, most of which I only heard about. As we grew up a decade apart, we had separate experiences in Gramma Jane's China Crick, Dad George's garden and Aunt June's farm.

Right now I have photos in my mind that are also in my parent's albums. One is of a pregnant Eileen

standing between Porter and my father, both looking quite proud. Another is of Susan holding a baby Tim, and another more formal and later of Douglas, Susan and Tim. And there are many, many more.

Years and years later, Tim visited us on San Juan Island when he was exploring a job opportunity. We had a lovely visit on our deck. I don't remember a ton of what we talked about, but I recall vividly how he felt himself a lucky man. Fortunate to have met Linda who was a rock in his life, and so proud of Ben and Alex and the men they were becoming.

Thanks to the three of you for rounding out his life in such a loving way.

Fondly,

Pati Deskins Otley

Linda,

I just heard about Tim. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Although I didn't know him that well I

genuinely enjoyed my interactions with him. He always came across as a no bullshit, this is who I am and what I think guy. Most importantly his deep love and respect for you was clearly evident. Jeri and I will be in eastern Oregon this weekend and not able to attend the celebration of life, but once thing settle down and you feel up to it, I would love to get together for coffee and a rousing disagreement of politics, COVID and the general disaster that is 2020.

Again, I am truly saddened by Tim's passing and will keep you and the boys in our thoughts and prayers.

Your friend,

Paul Burger

Thank you for sharing that wonderful tribute to Zeke, one of my oldest and dearest friends in this life. Sending warm thoughts, prayers and hugs to you and the boys. He leaves a deep hole in all of us. I am missing his laugh and sense of humor right now.

Tom Jennings (Coast Guard friend)

After all these years, it seems odd that that I met Tim in person just once--at their lovely home by the

creek where he made delicious breakfasts, told entertaining stories, and accompanied us, in good humor, to a restaurant where he didn't like the cuisine. But I came into his life well before then—Memorial Weekend 1981--when he and Linda first met. Tim didn't know it, but I was on the phone (in Minneapolis) with Linda strategizing about what she would wear and talk about on their first date. I recall saying something sage-like: "Linda, just be yourself, but nothing too crazy." Must have been good advice, because they 'got it on,' had two wonderful sons, and created a loving partnership and home. Life has some uncanny occurrences. On that September morning, 2020, I woke to a 12:30 a.m. text message from Linda with the shocking news, "I think Tim is gone." This time, our phone conversation was brief and heart wrenchingly sad, as Linda prepared to say good-bye to the love of her life.

To love and be loved is life's greatest gift. Linda, I am so happy you had this love and life with Tim. I mourn your loss and am here for you--phone calls any time and in-person whenever and wherever we can.

Much Love, Catherine (Marienau)

Dear Family,

Pati and I were reminiscing about the last time we remembered being together with Tim. Aunt Eileen

and our Mom were still alive. I think we sat on the porch of your house and talked about Centralia. It was a wonderful visit, which meant a lot to everyone.

But, I actually have a clearer memory of a visit here in Hawaii, and it makes me chuckle, because I remember at the time thinking I was so much older than Tim. When I reflect on it now, it was just the differences in where we were in our lives that made me feel older, as I think we were only 7 or so years apart. By that time in 1969-70, I was married, and Shanna was a baby. Aunt Eileen, Susan and Tim were in Hawaii - I can't remember where they were staying - probably the Royal. We lived in a little house at 247 Kaalawai Street on the back slope of Diamond Head, and they all came to dinner. I remember that Aunt Ei and Susan were/are fabulous cooks - true followers of Mom D. I was just learning and reading cook books very carefully. Everyone, especially Tim, was so sweet with Shanna and about my amateurish dinner. I can almost hear their voices. I remember feeling good that they had come to see us. As they were leaving, Tim said something about staying in Hawaii for some time, and I remember thinking that he wasn't old enough to do that, which was ridiculous because he was probably 19 by then. I also remember the big hugs at the end of the evening. It's fascinating how long a happy memory lasts.

There are no words adequate to salve the pain of loss your loss. I'm very glad to know you are in a place where there are supportive friends/family nearby. We'll think of you and Tim on Saturday the 26th with fond aloha.

Diane Hastert

Memories of Cousin Tim

Hi Linda, Ben and Alex,

I hope this is not too late. We will be with you in spirit for Tim's service. I've written what I can recall about our childhood. I hope this brings a smile to you. Remembering these moments brought me joy.

We lived in Centralia until I finished 3rd grade. Tim turned 7 the same month we moved to Auburn. Our time of concentrated togetherness was mostly prior to the move. Our moms and families were particularly close. We lived only a few blocks apart and neither of our moms worked, like Aunt Edna did. In later years, Aunt Eileen and Tim moved to Seattle and Bellevue. We would see them for a day now and then or a holiday get-together, but time and distance made it more challenging. I know that I always loved getting together because I had Tim to play with---no one else in the family was even close in age. So, here are a few things I recall ... or think I recall. Sixty years kind of dims the memory.

We must have been a family of nicknames. Aunt Eileen nicknamed me (very appropriately) Vac because I had a hearty appetite and usually finished up whatever anyone else left. I loved her toasted cheese sandwiches because they were all melted and made with real butter, which we didn't have at home. Tim had several nicknames. I'm not sure of some of the origins, but we called him Timbo and Timmy Tag (I assume it was because of his initials) and for some strange reason I called him Bim. He answered to all of them.

Sometimes Tim would join us for dinner and he wasn't much of an eater-unlike his cousin Vac. At the time we had some type of wallpaper in the kitchen that had farm animals on it and we would point to different animals and coax Tim to take a bite for this one or that one.

On one particular evening, when Tim was four or five, we were having BLTs or bacon and eggs and Tim swallowed a large stringy piece of bacon. He got badly choked and nearly strangled on it. My dad jumped up and grabbed him and somehow got his fingers down Tim's throat far enough to extricate the bacon. It was very scary for all of us. I think my dad always took a little pride in saving Tim's life.

In Tim's house on G Street there was in room in the upstairs next to the bathroom that had glass doors. I suppose it was a study or sitting room at one time. It became Tim's playroom. I remember that he had wonderful toys and a very cute little card table and chair set that had a cowboy print on it. We used to play in that playroom for hours while our moms were busy with whatever. (It seemed like they were always laughing and having fun together) Tim and I played "house" in the playroom. I was the mom and Tim was the dad. Being a couple of years older, I would imagine that I did most of the bossing around. Thus, we took on new nicknames for each other, Muth and Fath.

My mom and Aunt Eileen would sometimes take us shopping with them. Our very favorite place to go was a store between Centralia and Chehalis called Yard Birds. It was a huge store that had everything-a rarity in those days. Tim and I loved it because there was a big, high caged-in area in the middle with live monkeys. We could watch them for hours while our moms shopped. They climbed high and jumped all around to our great delight. The wires on the cage left plenty of room for the inhabitants to reach out pluck glasses right off the faces of those who were enjoying the antics. We loved when this happened. One particular day, one of the little critters climbed way up high and took aim at Tim. A shower of pee covered his head and dripped on down. Aunt Ei was pretty mad! It seemed kind of funny to me until I had to ride home in the back seat with Tim. A

few trips to Yard Birds later, I "wisely" was grasping the cage to get a better look the entertainment when one of the monkeys (maybe the same on who showered Tim) grabbed my middle finger and bit the heck out it. I had to get shots and have a splint holding my middle finger straight out until it healed. I guess Tim really got the better end of the deal since he just had to wash off the urine. It was years later that I finally understood why my brother was so anxious to take me places and have me hold up my hand to display my splinted and wrapped middle finger. Tim and I didn't spend much time at Yard Birds after that ...

I'm sure you already know about this, but I recall Tim having some kind of accident involving one of his eyes. Could he have walked into a wire or line of some kind that seriously cut his eyeball? I remember my family being very worried about that. Could that have happened in Hawaii? Susie would likely know.

I have wonderful, loving memories of Tim in our early years. He was my first friend and my best buddy. I am so thankful that he met you and became dad to Ben and Alex. You formed a wonderful, loving family. Tim was a very accomplished, skillful and loving person. I'm proud to call him my cousin. Memories of Tim will live

on in my heart forever.

Chris Lucy

Hi Linda,

Here are the few pics I've been able to find. I think the Christmas pics were the same year Tim's dad

passed. I remember riding Tim's jet for a few years after that. Apparently we got doctor kits that year.

Wonder what we examined??? Edna, Otis, Dad George and Mom D were there along with my folks. I suspect my brother was taking the pie. The birthday party was about my 5th or 6th birthday. It was at our old house on E Street.

Wish I could find more photos but no luck so far. People just didn't snap photos like we do now. I think I gave some to Susie a few years ago -I remember a portrait of Susan and Tim. I will send some anecdotes later this evening.

Chris Lucy