Timothy Dailey

Many characteristics make up the lives of many great people, but those derived from the heart are the qualities that leave a forever imprint on the hearts of others, and Tim Dailey was such a man. Resourceful and creative, he was an ambitious, hard worker who put the needs of family before his own.

Although tensions continued to flare overseas, the 1950s marked a quieter, more stable time in America. However, a most welcome event in the lives of Daniel Eugene and Mary Elizabeth (Davis) Dailey was the March 31, 1954 birth of their little boy, Timothy Jay. Born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio, Tim grew up with his sisters, Beth and Peggy. He attended the area schools, and experienced all that boyhood had to offer. As a teen, Tim worked several jobs including an ice cream store, a car wash, and at a warehouse. After graduating from Upper Arlington High School in 1971, Tim took a last minute backpacking trip to Estes Park, Colorado which clearly defined his future.

While in Estes Park, Tim met Elizabeth Kalczuk, from Grand Rapids, Michigan. After becoming acquainted, they wrote each other often, and made many trips back and forth to visit each other between Grand Rapids and Upper Arlington, Ohio where Tim lived. Deeply in love, Tim sold his motorcycle to buy Liz an engagement ring and on July, 16, 1977, they were happily married in Grand Rapids at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Liz's home parish.

As newlyweds, Tim and Liz settled in Grand Rapids at Apple Ridge Apartments. They welcomed the addition of children into their lives with the births of Joseph and Kelly. A real family man, those entrusted to his care meant everything to Tim, and he worked hard to provide a good life for those he loved. He and Liz were always involved with their children's school activities and sporting events. As a family they enjoyed many vacations, camped throughout Michigan, rented cottages in Northern Michigan, and went on a memorable cruise. He and Liz also traveled to Ireland, Mexico and Jamaica which made for wonderful times.

Along with working at Wurth Service Supply for many years, Tim enjoyed deer hunting and fishing with his best friend, Bob Chambers. In fact, they always said they were, "brothers from different mothers". Tim was an enthusiastic, classic muscle car buff. He loved classic rock, and when it came to TV, he loved watching the Blacklist, McGuiver, Home Improvement, Dallas, the Food Network, and he liked action movies, like Indiana Jones. Quite a mixture, it was easy to see that Tim was pretty easy going when it came to most things. He was also an avid Detroit Tigers fan.

Tim enjoyed tinkering around the house and was a good handyman. He loved woodworking projects, and made picnic tables, added a deck to his home, and made a toy chests for his children. When grandkids came along, Tim thoroughly enjoyed their company.

In May of 2012, Tim was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent chemotherapy, along with surgery. He slowly recovered, and life seemed to go on. Recently, Tim's health began to diminish and he was hospitalized. On Monday October 27, he was placed at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods where he sadly died that evening, October 27 with his loving family at his side. Tim was a hardworking, humble, easy going family man who would help anyone. Loving and dedicated, he was a friend to all who knew him and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Timothy J. Dailey, aged 60 of Grand Rapids, passed away at Trillium Woods Hospice on Monday, October 27, 2014. He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Dailey, his sister, Beth (Kevin) Triplett and his nephew, Brian Triplett. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Liz Dailey (Kalczuk); his children, Joe and Kelly Dailey, Kelly and Bret Dorman; his two grandchildren, Ethan and Hudson Dailey; his mother, Mary Dailey; his sister, Peggy (Dwight) Holcomb; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sue (Brad) Knight, Mike (Beth) Kalczuk, Tom (Jennifer) Kalczuk; best friend, Bob (Barb) Chambers; many nieces, nephews and friends. Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate Tim’s life will be held on Friday at 1:00 PM, October 31, 2104 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Relatives and friends may meet his family at the funeral home on Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Lacks Cancer Center. To read more about Tim’s life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of him, please visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.