A Tribute from the Grandchildren


We were so blessed and proud to have had Grandpa in our lives!  In everything Grandpa did, he let us know that he loved us.  A wise man said, in the Timgren family, if you're teased, it means that you are loved.  And Grandpa proved he loved us with every single hidden plate at dinner time, or tickle on the ear, or tap on the opposite shoulder.  Even in his last few years he would find a way to tease us from his chair.  Grandpa made us laugh as he played with us, joked with us and taught us his Swedish Petersburg song.

Grandpa let us know he loved us with his kindness and his patience.  He taught us how to be good losers as we played the Flintstone game, it wasn't about winning, it was all about having fun and how could we not have fun playing with Grandpa.  His patience was beyond measure, never once do I remember an angry word or a raised voice, every single memory we have of him growing up, is a positive one.  Even when his grandaughter who was old enough to know better, decided to turn his living room into her personal imaginary ice rink......I'm sure he culd see how carelessly she twirled around the living room, and sure enough disaster struck.  She knocked over his new tiny TV he hadreceived as a retirement gift.  Now a normal reaction would be frustration, a lecture about safety and being careful, but Grandpa loved us so much, he was the one who consoled his granddaughter as she cried, telling her it was okay, it was only an object.

Grandpa was not only kind and patient, but he was also sensitive.  His concern was evident for us throughout our lives, and the quiver of his chin as he said good-bye, or heard sad news, showed how much he loved us.  When I described my Grandpa to my friends I would call him a big strong sensitive Swede.  And Grandpa was strong.  As kids he was so strong, catching  us in his legs in his chair and not letting us go.  Water-skiing after a double knee replacement (how strong is that!).

But as we we got to know him when we were grown up, we learned Grandpa's strength in other ways as he shared stories about our Moms.  The way he lived as a kid, the life of an immigrant family who worked so hard and built their lives from so little.  The boy who went to war and was almost on the front lines.  The man who built his own home from the ground up.  The man that cared for his mother who also suffered from Alzheimer's.  The Dad who went shopping on Christmas Eve to get the "deals" or woke up early to make skating rinks even though his knees were in so much pain.

Grandpa showed strength in his faith as well.  I always described my Grandparents as Christians who witnessed by their example and man what an example Grandpa was, he truly led a Christ-like life, guiding his family by his strong example.  Grandpa's strength lasted up until his very last days, holding his gaze on us as we visited him and holding our hands, so strongly we couldn't let go.  Grandpa, we know you are in a better place now, but we will always hold your kindness and strength in our hearts.  We are so lucky to have shared so many wonderful memories with you.

Love, 
Lauren, Leanne, Lucas, Tyler, Kyle, Hannah and Josh

Ole Timgen, An Excellent Man

I am a son-in-law, married to Diane.

I have to say I find it strange using his name, “Ole”.  I have said “Ole” more these last few days than I have in the last few years.  That is because to me, he was always Dad.  Ole genuinely made me feel like his son, and that he was my father.  For Diane and I, he was Dad.

What I would like to tell you about, is something Ole said to me one time that marked a high point in my relationship with him.  He said something, that, for me, really defined who he was, and it left an impression on me.

I had known the Timgrens for several months while dating Diane.  It was a pleasant time I didn't want to end, so I met with Ole to tell him so.  I told him I was interested in marrying Diane, and what did he think of that? 

And that is when he said something that made me take notice. You know something that catches you by surprise because it is unexpected, yet it makes total sense. I really had no expectation.  I was just hoping eventually I'd hear “Sure Terry, you can marry Diane.  You have my blessing.” But he said something else.  You know what he said to me? Actually he asked a question; he said "Will you take care of her?”   “Will you care for her?”

I know why he asked that.  In asking that question he showed exactly what was important to him, what he was all about, what mattered to him.

Ole Timgren was a man who cared for, and took care of his family and those around him. He took care of Diane and I and our family. He took care of Bev and her unique work. He took care of Gwen and their home. He took care of Sharon and Dean, and Sharon's family. He took care of Linda and Gord, and Linda's family. 

He wanted me to take care of Diane. So here I was, coming to tell Ole that his daughter had won over my heart, and what happened? Ole Timgren won my heart over to himself. He wasn't even aware he did it. It just happened. 

Now, I know what you are thinking. You don't need to tell me.  You realize the same thing has happened to you. It's OK. It has happened to all of us. It has happened to every one of us. Ole Timgren won you over, and from that point on it was easy and effortless to love him.  Your circumstances might have been different, but it happened just the same.

Did it happen when he helped you install a new radiator in your car in his driveway?  Or maybe when he helped get your timing belt changed? 

You could have been in a Living Christmas Tree line up on a cold December day in front of Peoples Church when he greeted you. 

Or perhaps for you it was on a warm and sunny day in Muskoka, playing shuffle board, or on a boat cruise?

Was it at night, say the 3rd week of August, looking up at shooting stars, with the creamy Milky Way in the background?  Or sitting around a camp fire roasting marshmallows? 

Was it during an adventure walk down the ravine to the Don River and back up again, with your son, his grandson, riding on his shoulders?

Easily it could have happened while visiting in his home. On your way out, while putting on your shoes you found your laces tied together?  Or if it was winter, a ball of newspaper was found stuffed in your boots.

Did you ever sit at a meal and listen to Ole pray and give thanks for the food?

Whatever the circumstance was, it happened to you. It happened to us all. Ole Timgren won your heart over. He wasn't even conscious he was doing it, but from that point on, you loved the man for who he was. 

May 28th was his birthday.  So I am going to get my pencil, and get my calendar, and mark it down on his birthday, Ole Timgren, an excellent man.

A Tribute to My Dad

What an amazing man.  Whether you called him Ole or Dad or Grandpa or Uncle Ole, you can't help but smile when you think of him.  I feel so blessed to say I called him Dad.

He was so good natured and kind and had such a tender, tender heart.

His family meant the world to him.  His love for my Mom was never ending as was her's for him.  He would do anything for me and he did.  He taught me by living a truly Christ-centred life.  He taught me by having such a strong work ethic.  He rescued me when I needed rescuing.  And he could fix anything!

He was so proud of my two sons, teasing them at any opportunity and enjoying all their sports and milestones.  He treated my husband Terry as if he was his own son.

I have an endless number of wonderful stories to share but Dad was 86 and I'm 50 ish so time just doesn't permit.  Instead I look at the endless memories as a gift from my Dad as I can bring them forward in my mind and just smile and think what an amazing man.

My Dad built the house we all grew up in, where we shared our family gatherings.  Nothing made him happier than having us altogether celebrating family.  This past Christmas Dad couldn't be at home so we went to him, all 14 of us and 2 dogs surrounded his bed.  He looked at each one of us and smiled.

These past 2 months I had the privilege of visiting my Dad almost every day.  I will never forget these days as I watched him grow weaker – my memories, my love and my appreciation grew stronger.
  
What an amazing man.  What an amazing Dad.

I will miss you.  But it's all good.  You've been so faithful and now you are truly home.  Linda has been waiting for you!

Love Diane

Taken from a tribute written by Linda for her Dad on his 70th Birthday

Where do you begin saying how much my Dad means to me?  Words cannot express the love and respect I have for my Dad.  I have so many wonderful memories.  My Dad saw the potential in me at a very early age.  I still can't believe he taught me to ride a two-wheeler at the age of three.  I guess since I rode a bike early, he thought I could drive a car early, so at the age of eight I drove the car by myself from Cameron Ave to our house.  I loved it!

Dad has always been so giving and always thinking of others and always so helpful to family and friends and strangers.  This is something I have learned from my Dad - if someone needs help you help them.  It wouldn't matter the time or the day, he would stop what he was doing and help.

My friends were always welcome at our house.  I can't count the times the gang invaded our house.  The guys liked to tease and be teased by Mr. T.  My friends were never sure how long it would take to get through to me when they called.  Dad has such a sense of humour.  I love to see him in action.  I think his sense of humour has kept him young.

I think I was like the boy he didn't have.  I liked to play with cars and he taught me how to throw and catch like a boy.  I have wonderful memories of Christmas mornings.  It was not getting all the presents you wanted, but just being together as a family.  Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without Swedish Coffee Bread.

Dad had bad knees for many years and never complained about his aches and pains.  I was so proud the day he got up on water-skis after two knee operations.

Still to this day I look for my Dad's approval on decisions I make.  I have such love and respect for him.  If he says it is alright, then it must be OK.

My Dad always put Christ first in his life and showed me Christ's love through his actions, his faithfulnness, his standards and his prayer life.  I thank God for Christian parents who show Christ is important in their daily walk.  My Dad has been the best Dad a girl could ever have.  I wouldn't change anything.  There is so much more I could say.  Dad, you are the best and I thank you for loving me unconditionally and giving me so much encouragement over the years.  I love you and thank you for being so kind.

Your baby, Linda.

My tribute to Dad

As I look back over the years, I'm so grateful for my Dad.  There is so much I could say -- he was such a special person!  He was kind and loving, a man of faith, someone you could count on, and he could fix anything!  Growing up I never heard him raise his voice, but there was "that look", which was usually enough to keep us in line.  Dad worked hard and taught us well -- the important things in life.  Being involved in our church and helping others was something I learned by his example.  As a greeter at church he had a smile and a welcome for everyone.  Dad did so much for us, his girls.  One special memory I have is the skating rink he made for us every winter.  None of us excelled as hockey players, like my uncle Ray, or figure skaters, but we had fun!  Now that I'm older I can appreciate all the time Dad spent standing out in the cold flooding our rink!  As I grew older Dad didn't always understand me, but he supported me and loved me.  He was quiet, but you could see his compassion and tenderness in his eyes.  Dad preferred to stay home, but he and Mom did enjoy some wonderful trips.  A highlight for me was sharing their trip to Israel (while I was serving in nearby Lebanon) when they joined a Peoples Church tour.  I have such precious memories of that special experience!  In his final years Dad was content just to be home -- in the house he built, and was always happy to have family and friends home with him.  But he also looked forward to his final home in heaven.  I love you and I'll miss you, Dad, but until we meet again in heaven, thanks for everything! 
We celebrate your life -- a life well lived.

Dad's Tribute

What a blessing it was to have been brought up by a man like my dad.  He was kind, gentle, compassionate, tender-hearted, supportive, loving, and generous.  He demonstrated the qualities of the Saviour he believed in and he lived his life like that on a daily basis. He would help anyone at anytime and we grew up with that as a way of life.  What a great lesson to learn and model.

He loved his family and was so proud of each of us.  He really enjoyed his grandchildren.  He loved it when everyone came home and so did we.  He supported us and loved us no matter what.

He was a fun dad.  He made us a skating rink every year and made sure we all had hockey sticks.  He took us tobaganning on Saturday afternoons after working hard all week.  I remember going to Bender's cottage and he would go fast over the hills to make our tummies feel funny.

You can't talk about Dad without talking about teasing. That was his biggest fun.  The telephone was his biggest toy.  My friends hoped that someone else would answer.  He loved a blade of grass, piece of straw, tap of the shoulder, and later a handshake from his chair that would go on and on till Mom would say "Daaaad"  Most people here have experienced some of his tricks.

Dad loved spending time with his brothers.  Talk about teasing - they all loved teasing and dad was one of the milder one - they sure had fun when they got together.  He had many friends and Sunday after church he would love to have people over.  Mom learned his spur of the moment attitude quickly.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned from my dad is contentment.  He never complained but made the best of every that came his way.  As mom said he was comfortable in his own skin.  He was ok with the person God made him.  He liked everyone and everyone liked him.  He was thankful for his blessings in life.  He would say to mom "We have had a good life."  Even in his alzheimer years he was so grateful especially to mom who so lovingly cared for him.  At the hospital his favourite word was "thank you" even when being poked by a needle.

I am so thankful for my dad and all he has showed me in his life especially his faithfulness to God.  I will miss him so much but I know his lessons will go on and on and he will never leave my heart and one day I will see him again.

My thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time.  Mr. Timgren was a wonderful friend to my Dad - now they are together again.

Love - Charlene (McFarlane)Goldring

Sharon, we are very sorry for your loss. Your father was always a friendly and pleasant person.

Wayne & Cheryl Hosaki
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Dear Gwen,
I have wonderful memories of visiting your place when Uncle Harry would come to visit.  How the years have slipped by.   May God's loving arms surround you in these days and give His comfort.  We know he is with his Lord that he loved.
"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms"  Deut. 33:27
God's blessings   Love,  Wilma Barrington-Groff

I'm trying to imagine Dad and his buddy reunited again. Heaven will be just that much jollier. Linda will have to keep them in line. An era has passed. 
Carol (Kipin) Gooding - Toronto

Mr. Timgren was a very special man that I always looked up to, full of gentleness and compassion.  Ole was my Stockade Ranger and 'Big Brother' in Christian Service Brigade and we shared the same birthday.

Our thoughts and prayers and with the family at this time.

Gord and Denise McDonald

Dear Diane and Family,
Sorry to hear about your loss. May your memories give you strength. My deepest sympathies. 
Your old friend from the past,
Tiina Agur (Aug)

Dearest Grandma Gwen & Family,

My deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to you for the loss of dear Grandpa Ole. I will always remember his beautiful smile, and the radiant joy that would never leave his face. He was truly a wonderful man of God who was greatly loved by so many. May the Lord comfort and strengthen each of you, and wrap you up in His arms of love during this time. Love, prayers, and blessings from the Mariano family.

Dear Gwen and family,
We have lost a dear friend and we will miss our Sunday afternoon times together.  Ole was such a dear and kind man.  He loved everyone and everyone loved him.  Our thoughts are with you all at this time.
Love, Martha and Dave

My deepest condolences to the entire Timgren family.  For 30 years, Ole greeted me each Sunday at the front doors of the Peoples Church.  Always with a smile, and always with a kind word.  He made each person feel welcomed and he always made me feel special.  I will miss him greatly.  As Ole was a Veteran, I like how the Salvation Army puts it..."Promoted to Glory"
Sincerely, Heather Secord

We would like to express our condolences to the entire Timgren family. We always appreciated Mr. Timgren's  warm and sincere greeting as we entered the doors of The Peoples Church. He reminded us of Caleb in the Old Testament who was said to be a "man of a different spirit" who followed the Lord "wholeheartedlly".               ( Numbers 14: 24) We are praying for you.
Charlene Webb and Pauline Webb

He was a tender-hearted, kind, generous and loving man. All who knew him loved him. There have been many tears shed and there still will be by those closest to him, tears flowing out of the love he showed them and out of the hearts loved by him.

Dear Aunt Gwen,

When I think of the Timgren brothers, I think of the positive, spiritual impact each one of them had on me.  Uncle Ole always demonstrated a gentle heart and a compassionate spirit.  I can still picture him with his lips quivering when something touched his heart deeply.  It's very good to see a strong man with such emotion.  However I do wish he had learned to take family pictures without that enormous, bright light shining in my face.  Even though those times brought big tears, every other memory of Uncle Ole brings a smile.
I have watched the video a couple of times and I find it awesome to think that you have been married for over 60 years.  Aunt Gwen, you seem to float through each stage of life with such grace.  Can you imagine what a reunion is going on in heaven right now?  I feel blessed to be part of the Timgren family.  What a hope we have for the future through our Lord Jesus.  Blessings always from the Elmer family.

Greg, Susan, Bethany, Kristen and Jonathan

Dear Diane, Terry, Tyler, Kyle, and Family; You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.  God's Blessings to each of you. May the many great memories of you Dad and Grandpa bring you peace at this time.
Love Jane, Jim, Jessica and Joel

My Prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. God Bless you during this time. Love Anne Pauls and family.

OBITUARY

Ole Neil Timgren

May 28, 1925 – January 21, 2012

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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