Timothy John Debien

A Father, Friend, Brother, Mechanic, Patternmaker, Cowboy, Outlaw. He would have had a story for you, and it would have been a good one.

The oldest of 4 children from Leo and Mary Debien, he cut a trail for his siblings and lived his joy.  Growing up in Grand Blanc, and attending Holy Family School, he was known for playing sports and causing mischief. He was part of the 1978 Luke M Powers graduating class, where he played on the Varsity hockey team for 4 years and was noted for his power checks (UGH!).  Tim followed his intuition and graduated from Ferris State University with a BS in Heavy Equipment Service Engineering. While in Big Rapids, he continued the legacy of collecting and earning lifelong friends and living experiences that filled his amazing mental rolodex of incredible stories and adventures.

His passion as a mechanic was fueled by his love of fun, working on all types of equipment including trucks, snowmobiles and motorcycles. Then, as he was starting a family, his mechanical ability and attention to detail pushed him to pursue a new career as a wood pattern maker. This passion spilled over into his after hours, and he built a machine shop at his home which attracted friends year-round to wrench on their engines or build something new. If it needed fixing or welding, Tim could do it and it would be done right, down to the millimeter.

Have you heard one of his stories about the Klein Rodeo in Sparta? You can find witnesses and friends that experienced “The Wild Horse Race” with him in the 80’s and 90’s many of them reached out to each other and family when they heard of his passing, a testament to the network of friends he amassed through shared experiences with his hobbies and passion.  The rodeo made him a self-professed cowboy. He could ride, owned horses, loved his dogs, and owned a variety of pets – he even had a pet skunk at one point – he had some stories….

His daughter Sarah was the love of his life; she had his heart. She inherited a great love of animals and the kindest, caring heart from both of her parents. After their divorced they figured out how supported one another, even if it was through gritted teeth. Their lifelong friendship, and their playful banter brought Sarah joy.

A "Simple Man" who in his later years went from his Harley to a Can AM to keep himself riding. Tim loved being on his motorcycle. He was “not as good as he once was but was as good once as he ever was”. His mother Mary taught him to follow his heart and nothing else. Tim was an expert at following his heart; his currency was his experiences, friends, and family – he provided an enormous tapestry of loved ones, with their own great stories. Tim is loved by many and will be missed by all.

Tim is survived by his daughter, Sarah Debien and partner Tom Firmingham, sister, Maureen Debien and brother, Paul (Kathy) Debien; nephews and niece Tanner, Spenser, Bradley, Sydney (Patrick) and his sister-in-law, Lynnette along with countless other family and friends are left to cherish his memory.

Preceded in death by his parents Leo T. and Mary C. (Whalen) Debien, his brother Thomas Debien and lifetime love Karen (Reame) Debien.

A memorial visitation for Timothy will be held Friday, May 6, 2022 from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 South Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439.