William Charles Timmer

Dr. William Charles Timmer “Bill” passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at the age of 69 surrounded by the love of his wife and four children after a long and courageous fight with lung cancer. With a smile and presence that lit up a room, Bill was revered by many and adored by his family. We will remember him as the most devoted and loving husband and the best dad in the entire world.

Bill was born in Chicago, IL on September 22, 1952 to William and Anne (Redlich) Timmer. He was an amazing man with a heart for people and a dedicated passion for science and medicine. He attended The University of Kansas and graduated with degrees in both Physics and Chemistry in 1975. He received his Master’s Degree in Chemistry followed by a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1987. He initially intended to pursue a career in the physical sciences. However, a unique opportunity became available at NIH, and he transitioned to molecular biology and clinical sciences. He studied the immunoregulatory effects of cytokines on HIV replication in the Laboratory of Immunoregulation at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), where he was mentored by Dr. Anthony Fauci. He subsequently joined the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) where, over a 15-year period, he held a variety of positions. At the Centers for Drugs and Biologics, Bill evaluated regulatory submissions in the areas of HIV detection kits, cellular and gene therapies, and medical devices. At the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, he participated on review teams evaluating investigational and new drug applications in the Divisions of Anesthesia, Dermatology, Neuropharmacology, Cardio-Renal, and, ultimately, Oncology Drug Products, where he was mentored by the Director of the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence, Dr. Richard Pazdur. He joined the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Program Director in the Clinical Grants and Contracts Branch in 2007. In 2018, he became a Program Director in the Clinical Investigations Branch. He managed a portfolio of clinical grants involving brain, head and neck, lung, liver, colorectal, pancreatic, and sarcoma cancers, plus neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma and neurofibromatosis. He was the CTEP representative to the Informatics Technology for Cancer Research program, as well as the Program Director for the Adult Brain Tumor Consortium, the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Rescue for Glioblastoma, the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, the Neurofibromatosis NF-1 Consortium, the Ewings Sarcoma Consortium, and the Drug Resistance and Sensitivity Network.

Bill was a strong advocate of cancer research for well over 20 years. He was a compassionate supporter and tireless advocate of various research opportunities. His passion was evident as he mentored countless colleagues and physician scientists towards the common goal of eliminating cancer and its effects. Being an incredible mentor is one of his greatest contributions. He reached out to all investigators regardless of their stature in the field and was always encouraging everyone to do their best. The number of individuals he has supported throughout his career is countless because it was a seamless part of his work and how lived his daily life.

Bill was an inspirational and selfless leader but even more, he was a caring and loving husband, father, brother, and friend. He always had time to sit, listen, and offer advice. Bill had many smaller hobbies but no priority bigger than his love for his family. He was a visionary and a proud father who always looked forward to sharing in his children’s many accomplishments. He often bragged on their many accolades as he lifted them up on his shoulders in their walk to success. His eyes sparkled and his voice quivered with pride when he spoke about his children’s accomplishments. Most of all, he loved his wife. He enjoyed hiking, biking, traveling with her and sharing in her company. As he lives on in eternity now with our Heavenly Father, he is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Dr. Juanita Villalobos-Timmer, his daughter Dr. Katherina Timmer, his three sons, Charles, Michael and Andrew, and his sister, Diane Timmer.

A memorial service and mass will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 2:45pm at St. John Neumann Catholic Church at 9000 Warfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20882. The service will be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiIAtpUWVrY. The family would like to express their gratitude for the many friends and family who have reached out to them. It has been a blessing knowing the love and support that has been extended.

In lieu of flowers, condolences and memorial contributions may be to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation at: http://participate.lcrf.org/goto/Bill_Timmer