Tim was born March 21, 1929 in Arlington, Virginia. He joined the Army in October 1946 as a medical technician, was honorably discharged in March 1948. He was recalled to service in October 1950 as a physician's assistant and was honorably discharged in March 1952. He often remarked that his time in the service helped to focus his approach to his work and life goals. As his family will attest, he was a master of detail.
After his service and during the time between tours, Tim was in the newspaper business, ultimately working 42 years for the Washington Post as circulation manager, earning the Eugene Meyer award and the respect of all who were associated with him at a time when newspapers were the best way to navigate an increasingly contentious world. He took great pride in his work at the Post.
Tim was a member of the Vienna Lions Club in Vienna, Virginia before his retirement and move to Wilson, North Carolina. There he focused on volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, the local hospital and especially through the North Carolina Lions Club, eventually serving as District Governor and visiting clubs throughout the state in his blue 1969 Volkswagen, which he lovingly restored. In 2007, he moved to Harrisonburg. He continued his interest in volunteer work with the Broadway Lions Club, Meals on Wheels, Sentara Hospital and the Harrisonburg/Rockingham Child Day Care Center where he was known as “Mr. Tim” and was called on for repairs to equipment, especially bicycles and was nicknamed the “Bicycle Man” by the children.
His lifelong interest in aviation was celebrated by a glider ride to mark his 90th birthday.
His enjoyment of life and the people he encountered during his life was evident in all his interactions. His sense of humor is his best remembered trait.
Tim is predeceased by his parents, Spencer and Gertrude Land, his siblings, Patricia Harvey, Elizabeth Copland and Eustace Land and by his beloved wife of 65 years Kathryn “Kitty” Land.
He is survived by three children, Cornelia Marshall (Randolph), Adele Durost (Dennis) and Stephen Land, grandchildren Stephen Stiles, Jesse Durost (Chandra Bocci), Dara Durost (Trek Palmer), Julia Land and Timothy Land. He also took great joy in his four great-grandchildren, Landon Simmons, Trenton Simmons, Augustus Palmer and Zasper Durost.
Tim's family would like to thank staff, aides, nurses and doctors at Serenity House, Bridgewater Retirement Community for their compassionate care.
At Tim's request, memorial contributions may be made to the Harrisonburg/Rockingham Child Day Care Center (HRCDCC) through the Community Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be held 2 pm, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg with Dennis Durost officiating.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyfuneralhomes.com.
