Timothy Charles Cheatum

Tim was the second of four children born to Tom and Charlene Cheatum. He was the devoted husband of Elizabeth “Betsy” Rothermel Cheatum, the proud father of Stephen and Erin Cheatum, and an even prouder grandfather to three little girls, Caroline, Rowan, and Phoebe.

He served in the Army for four years with an honorable discharge in 1980. While in the Army, he was assigned to a tanker unit, a computer unit, and a cavalry unit. While in the cavalry, he was responsible for his own horse and rode on a military drill team and

trail rides.

Tim loved life. Whether he was birding, fishing, boating, photography, camping, or riding his motorcycle, he was always up for a new challenge or trip. Season tickets to the Mariners were a summer must, as well as rooting on his second favorite team, the

Cubs.

Tim was employed at King County for 30 years, retiring in 2022. He started in the Department of Surface Water Management, where he measured streams during storm events. Then, he moved on to the Department of Natural Resources and ended his career in King County Department of Local Services, Permitting Division. He was highly respected as an Erosion Control specialist and road and drainage development engineer, inspecting construction projects ranging from residential, schools, subdivisions, and commercial developments for compliance with County Codes and

policies.

Tim was well-liked by his colleagues and developers. He was involved with County social activities such as golf tournaments, barbecues, and lunches with friends at the County.

Tim will have a plaque engraved at Cedar Lawns Memorial Park in Redmond, Washington. His body’s remains will be spread in different parks around Washington where he loved to hike and fish.

Tim’s legacy of laughter, jokes, and love will be carried on by those who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Three Rivers Chapter of Trout Unlimited that supports the local salmon efforts of Puget Sound or The Northwest Kidney Center.