Tim Alderman, 58, of Kennewick, passed away at Seattle's Harborview Hospital as the result of a stroke and aneurysm on June 9, 2017. His family was with him during his final days and are thankful for that blessing.
Tim grew up in Marysville and graduated from Marysville High School and ITT School of Business. Most of his professional life was spent at the Darigold Plant in Sunnyside.
Tim is survived by his wife Deb of Kennewick; his mom and dad Karen and Jim Adams of South Cle Elum; his sons Chad and Nick Alderman of Yakima; his step-sons Jeff (Jen) Spaur, Randall (Corri) Spaur, and Marcus (Libby) Spaur; his brother Darren (Laurie) Alderman of Yakima; his nieces Monica Alderman and Heather (David) Paradise and his step grandchildren; Ali, Ava and Jack, who lovingly called him Timpa. He was predeceased by his father, Pat Alderman of Marysville.
Tim showered his family and friends with his love and care. He enjoyed golf and baseball and was always willing to talk about the Huskies, Mariners and Seahawks. The world has lost a man of incredible generosity, compassion and humor. Tim loved Jesus so we know he is in his forever home in heaven where the party ramped up the moment he arrived. The worlds loss is heavens gain and our hearts will miss him until it's our turn to join him.
Karen Adams wrote on Nov 27, 2023:
"Tim, we remember watching you cut your 1st turkey. It was kind of a sweet feeling watching you tear it apart. I have so many sad, funny, and precious memories. I don't know if the pain will ever go away until I see you in heaven.
I know you are healed and happy now, so it leaves me with mixed feelings.
I think you would be happy that Nick seems to be doing good. You could not have loved your sons anymore than you did. I miss Chad too, but you are probably happy to be able to see him. I always have loved you and Darren and always will."
Karen Adams wrote on Mar 7, 2023:
"Tim, I know today would be your 8th anniversary with Deb.. I know you would have had a special dinner or outing planned for her.
I know you could not be happier than you are now in Heaven, but there are a lot of occasions that come up that would be so wonderful if you could visit for the day.
I will always love you and miss you. Some days are harder for Jim and I than others. We still have our days we cry, even if we have some precious memories to remember
We would like to hold you close. See you later of course. Love mom"
Karen Adams wrote on Nov 12, 2022:
"Tim. Mom here again. I don't miss you any less than 5 and ahalf years ago. I dreamt about the baby Jim and I lost I am sure you have met him by now. He seems very lovable, has a sense of humor. I was so excited to meet him. I found a phone recording from a phone call you made when Nick was born. You were so proud of him.
I don't know when I get to come and see you and Jim junior. I am looking forward to it. And of course our Jesus. Love ?? mom, ma, and mommy. Depending on your mood."
Karen wrote on Sep 6, 2021:
"Tim, I am sad because Chad died, but hopefully you 2 are happy to see each other.
I still miss you as much as in the beginning. Maybe you are golfing or playing catch, soccer, or a game of cards or just hugging each other. I sure missed you Mothers day and have never had even 1 day I have not missed you even when I know you are with your best friend Jesus, Grams and now chad. Hug each other for me. Love mom. "
Karen wrote on Mar 7, 2021:
"Tim, I know it would be your anniversary with Deb today.Glad she is here to help support each other when we get on a low from missing you. I have never had a dream of you and I always wanted one. I did have a vision of meeting Jesus in Heaven. It will so wonderful to go see you there. Maybe you can show me around with your little brother when I get there. Not sure how that will work.
There has not been 1 day I have not missed you. Since you left my personality has changed. Jim noticed. He still misses you and still has really tough days too. Will NEVER stop missing you. Thank you for letting us know how much you loved us.
Mom"
Deb wrote on Mar 7, 2021:
"I dreamt of you tonight and it was so real it was as if we were together again. It was a pleasant dream and I enjoyed the love, laughter, smiles and caring we shared all over again. It's hard waking up and realizing it was just a dream and you're still gone. I know you are happy in heaven and I will see again. I miss you now, though. Today is our wedding anniversary. Sometimes it feels like a dream and sometimes it seems as if it were only yesterday we pledged our love to each other. I still love you, Tim. Miss you much."
Karen wrote on Dec 15, 2020:
"I missed you so much on your birthday. We skipped staying home and it really did not help my grieving.
I think of you so much EVERY DAY.
I am thankful I had you in my life so many years. You were my 1st real love.
I have so many happy memories and have told them to anyone who will be still and listen. It blesses me too. Some of them are funny and makes me smile too, all over again. I still love you as much as ever. Wish I could hear your voice. Love mama"
Deb wrote on Dec 13, 2020:
"Missing you on your birthday, but then I miss you every day. You would of had fun fighting bad guys with me & Jett today. He would have stolen your heart like our other grands did. Even though my heart still aches, I'm forever grateful for the love we shared."
Karen Adams wrote on Mar 22, 2020:
"I can hide my tears usually, but my heart is still broken and it is like he just left a few days ago. He would call and make me laugh and let me know he loved Jim and I. So tender hearted. He had the most generous ,mushy guy I know. He did so many good things, but someone had to tell us.his right hand did not know what his left hand did. So humble.
When he was about 5, the church came for donations for children and he pulled his toy box to the door and started giving them away for the children. He started so young with his tender little heart. In high school he spent his last $10.00 on his brother and gave a paycheck away to guy whose house burned down. Both things left him penniless. Miss him so much every day. I had a dream I went to Heaven, so I know I will see him again. He set a good example for me.
God gave Tim a BIG heart.
Love mama.
"
Deb wrote on Mar 22, 2020:
"The special days without you are especially hard. Still miss you so much it hurts."
Heather Paradise wrote on Jul 23, 2017:
"Uncle Tim and I were really close in my younger years. I used to spend a lot of time over at their house growing up and we always had great conversations, lots of laughs and I will never forget his dance moves. :) I know that he is looking down on us. He is up there with all of the Greats. Great Gma Ruth, Naomie, Burta, Papa Peewee and Orval. I am sure they are thrilled to have him as he is being just as silly and making them all laugh as he did for us down here. I will always remember him as the best uncle a girl could ask for. He had a way of making everyone he knew feel important and I can still hear him say "I love you kid". I wish that I would have had more time with him in the recent years but I know that he was proud of me and felt my love. You will be missed always. "
Deb wrote on Jul 16, 2017:
"I was reading Hebrews 13 from the Message translation and verse 16 reminded me of Tim. It says: 'Make sure you don't take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship - a different kind of "sacrifice" - that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.'
I love stories. Stories give you a glimpse of who a person is or was and I would like to share a few stories about Tim that give you an idea of his true character and how he lived this verse.
We were on vacation and I was in the hotel room packing to leave when I receive a text from Tim asking me to meet him downstairs as soon as possible. I wander down and see him with someone. I walk up and Tim says, "This is my friend, Mike. He's hungry so I want you to join us for breakfast in the hotel restaurant." Mike is obviously homeless, disheveled and hung over. Mike protests as he fears he won't be allowed inside the restaurant but Tim assures him we are paying guests and they will let him in. We go up to the fancy hotel restaurant and while there are plenty of 'looks' no one says a word and Mike enjoys breakfast from the amazing buffet.
We sit and talk with Mike for over an hour. We hear his life story and tell him a little about us. We look up some resources on where he might be able to receive some help, give him a bit of cash and say goodbye as it was checkout time. Mike cries, gives us both big hugs, says thank you and tells me what a good guy my husband is. He was so grateful for time spent being just a person and not a homeless person. Tim had the gift of making people feel accepted just as they were.
Tim loved the Dollar Store. More times than I can remember, he would see someone struggling to pay for their stuff and would gladly help. The last time we were there together, he saw a little boy, I'm guessing about 4 or 5 years old. His mom was buying necessities and, as with all kids, he found a toy he really wanted. His mom told him he didn't have enough money and the look of sadness on his face was heart wrenching. In true Tim fashion, he buys the toy then asks the mom if he can give it to her son. She said yes with tears in her eyes and tells her son he can have the toy but he must give Tim his money. The boy opens his clenched fist and hands Tim a nickel. Tim thanked him for it in exchange for the toy.
Christmas won't be the same without Tim as instead of buying each other gifts, we would go to the bank fora few hundred dollars in twenties then wander around stores and find people to give them to. We did it prayerfully but if there was a family with children or an older person, Tim was immediately drawn to them. He prayed faithfully for his boys, his co-workers and his new family.
Homeless people on the street were given money but rarely without first talking with them and asking their story. We kept a supply of treats for the neighbor dogs and the occasional stray that wandered into the neighborhood. Fun kid treats were also a must, not only for our grandkids, but for the neighbor kids as well. The cardboard 'house' he built for the cat that liked to stay warm on top our hot tub in the bitter winter cold.
There are so many more stories of his generosity and genuine caring for friends, new and old. Tim had the biggest, softest heart I have ever known and was happiest when he was giving. I know our Heavenly Father took 'particular pleasure' in Tim. I will be forever grateful for the blessing of having him as my life partner for those few short years. I love you, Tim, and miss you like crazy."
Jamie Crowe wrote on Jul 10, 2017:
"One of my memories of Tim was when he made a valiant effort to teach me to hit a golf ball. I think he told me I was doing a great job out of kindness, because thirty years later I still can't hit one! He will be forever missed by me and everyone his life touched.
Just as the sun will set and rise with each and every dawn the souls of those who lived life well, will eternally live on and wait for us to join them in heaven. I believe this and I know we meet again, my friend.
"
Janet Moo wrote on Jul 6, 2017:
"I was very heart broken when I received the news that Tim had went up to heaven. I am sure that those ahead of him, welcomed him with open arms but it is so sad when loved ones have to leave this earth at such a young age. I wish that I could have spent more time with my cousin Tim but am thankful for the times that we were able to connect at the Canell family gatherings. He reminds me so much of my Brother, Ramie as they look a lot alike and they both were so funny & could make a party so much fun. My heart goes out to his Mother, Karen, Step-Dad Jim, his sons, Brother and wife and I hope they can all find some peace with all the great memories that they have shared over the years. Tim ...you were so loved and will be so missed by all of your loving family until we all meet again! Hugs and love to all our family! "
Gayle and Wayne wrote on Jun 22, 2017:
"I enjoyed playing golf with Tim, chad and Nick. Mom always looked forward to receiving Tim's phone calls on the way home from work. They talked endlessly about sports. Mom also looked forward to time helping her with the guest list for Thanksgiving and other family gatherings. Sincerely, Gayle and Wayne "
Karen and Jim Adams-Parents wrote on Jun 20, 2017:
"Tim was our son and Deb is still our daughter. We all have broken hearts, but we have each other to help us though. We hurt so bad because we loved him so much. Pray for Deb, Tims 2 sons, his brother, us and the rest of the family. I think we all loved him and will miss that smile and his teasing. He had one of the most tender hearts we have known. He was so in love with Deb. We all need hugs for a long time. Karen and Jim Adams"
Joy Bach wrote on Jun 15, 2017:
"Deb, my heart goes out to you. Hugs and prayers. Love you. Joy Bach"
Sheila Bailey wrote on Jun 14, 2017:
"So truly sorry for your loss. Tim was our cousin so glad we got to see him a few times in the last few years. I send my deepest and sincere sympathy to all family and friends. Hold on to all your precious memories may it help get you through this time of grief. My heart goes out to you all at this time and in the days ahead.
Love and hugs,
Sheila Bailey
"
Marcus Spaur wrote on Jun 13, 2017:
"Tim will be dearly missed. He was a part of our family for a short 3 years, but he impacted our lives in large ways. I've never seen a man love my Mom as much as he did. The happiness Tim brought into her life and ours is something I will treasure forever. He loved every one of us as if we were his own children, and the love and attention he gave to his grandchildren brought smiles to everyone. He teased. He joked. He brought a smile to everyone in the room. These all said the same thing: I love you and I'm glad you're here.
Tim will be missed, but that's a sign of all that he invested in those he loved. I thank God and Jesus for having him in my life, even for a short time, and I look forward to seeing him again on the other side of eternity."
Donnia Colbert wrote on Jun 12, 2017:
"This is a beautiful tribute for one taken so soon. My sincere condolences and prayers to you and the lives he touch who will miss him dearly."
Sue Henson wrote on Jun 12, 2017:
"We are all so very sorry for your loss. We all as parents feel a child should never go before their parents and it's so heartbreaking when that happens. Life is to short, cherish every moment you have together. Tim was our cousin and we all grew up together when they lived here in Marysville. We were able to see Tim and Darren a couple of times when our kids were growing up and had baseball tournaments in Yakima. It was nice to see everyone a couple years ago at mothers day. Love you all and sending all our prayers and love your way.
See you soon Karen and Jim love you both. Ross and Sue Henson"
Suzi Searl wrote on Jun 12, 2017:
"Tim will be missed by all who knew him. He was a loyal friend who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. We have been friends with Tim for about 37 years, we have so many great memories and stories. Tim was generous, kind, funny, encouraging, and if he was your friend, you were a friend for life. Tim loved Jesus and that was evident in his beautiful smile. We are sad he is gone, but it is well with our soul..... knowing that Tim is with Jesus."
Harmony Lowry wrote on Jun 12, 2017:
"I'm sure that Tim is in heaven with a slice of Little Ceasars pizza cracking jokes at the expense of those who preceded him.
A few things that I cherished about Tim; his sense of humor, his generosity, his kindness, and how hard he worked to take care of his family.
He will be missed and words are not enough to soothe the heartache of his loss. I wish they were. Just know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers."
Lorraine Damon wrote on Jun 11, 2017:
"I remember how quickly Tim stole your heart, he brought you some much needed happiness. He loved you unconditionally, was kind and had a great sense of humor. He will forever remain in your heart & Dennis and I are truly sorry for your loss. You have a new angel to watch over you, God bless."