Tim Elliott

Tim Elliot was a self-made man with a fertile mind for telling stories and engaging issues. From an early age, Tim had learned to rely on himself and that resilience was characteristic of how he lived. His strong opinions were moderated by his winsome personality and both traits drew people to him. He made friends easily and readily immersed them in his passion for life.

Tim was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Janurary 3, 1950 at the beginning of a decade in which Americans enjoyed peace and prosperity following WWII. Growth in industry and the job market gave workers an opportunity to build homes and start families that launched the baby boom era. Tim and his older brother Joe grew up mainly in Kansas and Arkansas, and occasionally he would stay with his Aunt Jean back in Michigan, which he eventually called home.

After graduating from high school, Tim wanted to make his own way in life and he began by joining the United States Marines. He served his country faithfully during the Vietnam War and then settled in Michigan after his discharge. The wounds he had suffered would remain with him over long years of hospital stays in VA facilities in Ann Arbor and Battle Creek. However, his Christian faith helped him remain positive, and he considered every day a blessing.

Being a people person, it was understandable that Tim enjoyed jobs where he had the most interaction. He worked at the post office but mainly as a bartender and could be found most often at the Rexall and Green Top restaurant in Kalamazoo. What better place to tell stories, voice his opinions and make friends.

While staying at the Lakeside Inn, Tim became reacquainted with Kathy Skrocki. Over the 18 years they were together, they created a life of simple pleasures such as going for walks or relaxing at home, often times with Tim seated in his much-loved Lazy Boy recliner (he was very particular about who sat in it). Tim and Kathy were true fans of the Detroit Lions, meaning they stuck with the team through decades of mediocrity. Most of all, they were committed to each other and were making plans to marry in June 2016.

Because of his interest in history, Tim liked watching war movies, old TV Westerns (Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Death Valley Days), crime dramas (NCIS) and the History channel, plus he collected old coins and stamps. His other hobbies included playing chess, building models and putting together jigsaw puzzles. He listened to some classic Rock from the 60s and 70s but was mostly a fan of Country music with Hank Williams being his favorite artist. As a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, Tim liked the basics in life and the down-home goodness of saving money, keeping good friends and finding humor in just about anything.

Tim suffered a stroke on Saturday, May 14th and was taken to Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, where he died on Tuesday, May 17, 2016.

Tim Elliott, age 66 of Paw Paw, Michigan, will be remembered as a down-to-earth man who loved to laugh and tell a good story.

Learn more about Tim, view his Life Story film and visit with his family and friends on Sunday from 2-5 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson, 60900 M-40, Paw Paw (269-657-3870). Services will be held at 12 noon on Monday at the same location. Burial will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Members of Tim’s family include his son Corey, 4 grandchildren: Landon, Collin, Gabriel, Isiah, fiancée Kathy Skrocki. He was preceded in death by his brother Joe Robinson. Please visit Tim’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory or photo sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.