Portland - Timothy Stickney, of Gorham, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 11, 2011. He was 16 years old, and born on November 11, 1994, in Mobile, Alabama. At the age of four, Timothy was diagnosed with autism; a disability that defined his life but also gave him access to a world full of happiness and wonder that the rest of us can only imagine. Timothy was, as he often said, a happy boy. His mind was alive with sights and sounds that he revealed with peals of laughter, a shining smile, and a twinkle in his eye. But as much as he connected with his inner world, Timothy was also deeply attuned to his surroundings. He was always the first to spot a rainbow in the sky or to announce a beautiful sunset.
Timothy was a sophomore at Gorham High School and the proud manager of his varsity hockey team. He also attended the adaptive skate program at the Falmouth Family Ice Center. He loved the water, and spent hours on end swimming at the lake and in the pool. He loved movies and computer games, trains, Swedish fish, French fries, chocolate ice cream, cinnamon rolls, calling “shotgun” in the car, and getting to the last level of the “Incredibles” video game. He was a star athlete at the Maine Special Olympics, and a gold medalist in the 100 yard dash. He touched everyone around him and brought them joy. His sister’s Morgan and Katie doted on him, and in return, he was the best brother they could have asked for. Timothy was funny. At his insistence, meals were always preceded by saying grace at the dinner table, but Tim would also say grace before eating French fries at the movie theater. Despite his challenges, Timothy touched the lives of his family and community with warmth, compassion, innocence, and a purity that enriched the lives of all who knew him.
He is survived by his mother, Julie Stickney; his father, Christopher Stickney; his stepmother, Melody Stickney; his sisters Morgan and Katie; all of Gorham, Maine; his maternal grandparent’s, Joseph and Sheila Melia, of Meredith New Hampshire; his paternal grandparent’s, Wallace and Nancy Stickney, of Salem New Hampshire; and his step-grandparents, Cecelia and William Lambert, of South Portland, Maine. Tim was loved and cared for by his aunts and uncles and adored by his many cousins and friends. The family would like to thank the many teachers and support staff who contributed to his wonderful life; particularly Jeffrey Carpenter and Cassie Frayer.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation Sunday January 16, 2011 from 2 -6 p.m. at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland.
A Catholic Funeral Service will be held 11a.m. Monday at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception 307 Congress St. Portland.
Donations can be made to either the Maine Chapter of the Special Olympics 125 John Roberts Rd. # 19 South Portland, ME 04106 or the Autism Society of Maine 72 Main St. #B Winthrop, ME 04364 to be made in Timothy’s name.
Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Timothy’s guestbook.
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