BANGOR – Richard “Dick” Timmers, 77, husband to Marilyn Timmers, passed away Feb. 7, 2009, after a prolonged illness. He was born Sept. 28, 1931, in Green Bay, Wis. As a child, Richard felt as though he couldn’t fit into the box that others tried to put him into. At 17, to flee the notions of others, he joined the Army and was sent to Korea. After his experiences in Korea, he went on to sponsor a child in a foreign country, fight for the rights of others, befriend people with mental illnesses, work with children at the boy’s club, work with Native Americans to overcome their plights, treat sex offenders, and in general, to find the good in others. His chosen life’s work was to help people who were unable to help themselves and to teach others how to join in this fight. His belief that there is a “little boy,” or girl, in everyone that is worthwhile and valuable led him to pathways few had ever tread. He was a pioneer in the movements for sex education and treatment of sexual issues. Anyone, who knew him, knew that Dick had a fun and wild personality, and a wacky – and at times, inappropriate – sense of humor. As a husband, he was loving; as a father, fun and supportive; and as a friend, loyal and unflappable. We all hope to leave our “mark” on the world in some way or another and Richard has done this. He touched the lives of many throughout the decades and has left them better off for having met him. A more distinctive legacy than that is hard to achieve. In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by his son, Josh Timmers, daughter-in-law, Molly and granddaughter, Madeline, of Sacramento, Calif.; by his daughter, Sarah Plante, son-in-law, Lonnie and grandchildren, Jason, Michael, Timothy, Jeffrey, Brandon, Selina and Connor, of Charleston; nieces and nephews, Meredith, Rosann, Laura, Anthony, Thomas, Kurt and Karen; and many friends who became as family throughout his life. The family extends their gratitude to the many loving caretakers at the Maine Veterans’ Home for their dedication and care during the past two years. A service of remembrance will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. After the service, relatives and friends are welcome to share conversation and refreshments at Brookings-Smith Family Center, 163 Center St., Bangor. Those wishing to remember Dick in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Maine Veterans’ Home, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
RICHARD ‘DICK’ TIMMERS
