Celebrating the life of
Timothy George Fuller
July 09, 1950 - October 28, 2008
Tybee Island- Tim was born July 9th, 1950, in Glendale, CA. The second son of Thomas Fuller and Louise Fuller, Tim spent his childhood in Northridge, CA. Possessed of an excellent throwing arm, Tim excelled as a baseball catcher. His quarterbacking career was less distinguished because, as he put it, "I couldn't see over the line and my helmet kept slipping down and covering my eyes." Really, though, Tim was at home in the water; he spent untold hours surfing the California coast between El Capitan and the Sunset Cliffs.
Tim attended university in San Diego. By all accounts, his academic performance was underwhelming. Of course, the fact his dorm room overlooked one of the best surf-breaks in California, "Nu Break," likely contributed to his slow progress.
During his time in San Diego, Tim met Lesli Trolan. They fell in love instantly and married in 1973. With encouragement from his new wife, Tim relocated to the Pacific Northwest to pursue his studies. He earned a BS in Biology from Oregon State University and a second BS cum laude in agriculture from Washington State University.
Tim and Lesli then began a 15 year career in farming. In both his time as a cow-calf rancher and a dairymen, Tim distinguished himself as a first-rate farmer. His herds were consistently rated among the highest producing in the state.
Four children arrived, one after the other. Tim was a doting father and, soon, his children were accompanying him on round-ups, irrigation chores, and haying duties. They have especially fond memories of farming with Dad.
Farming soon gave way to teaching horticulture in high schools. Junior rodeo and livestock shows were overtaken by soccer. Having only learned of the game as an adult, Tim coached first his kids' teams, then area high school teams, and, finally, at the collegiate level. This progression can only be described as astonishing.
When the kids were grown, Tim and Lesli relocated, on a whim, to Tybee Island, Georgia. Enamored of the easy pace, punchy surf, and beautiful landscape of Tybee, Tim began yet another career. He and his sons Nate and Ian would renovate two houses that have become touchstones of Tybee architecture. Tim was working on a third house, a modernist magnum opus, at the time of his death.
Tim is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lesli, and their four children, Carly, Ian, Nathan, and Garth; two grandchildren, Ian and Ally and three brothers, John, Peter and Thomás. He will be remembered as an exceptional father, a fast friend, and a stylish board-rider. He will be missed. Deeply.
A memorial for Tim will be held on Sunday, November 2nd, from 2-4 pm at the Community Center, 31 Van Horne, Tybee Island.
Lesli, I've just come across this news and greatly saddened, but I have wonderful memories of the children growing up, our birthday dinners for Tim and Tosonna, the search for the perfect chocolate milk, the cows, the hay and Tim yelling across the pasture when the irrigation system refused to work. Would love to connect with the family again. Love to all the kids.
- Virginia Erion, Cle Elum, WA
I'm sorry to learn of your loss my thaughts and prayers are with you always. Tim was a great man with a kind heart. I met Tim in 2006 my fiance King Singleton and I had been looking for a nice place to spend a few days on the beach when we ran across Tim at the time he was renevating a house on Lovell and when we asked if he knew of anyone with a rental available he without hesitation he stopped and immediatly he tried to contact a couple of people he knew of but to no avail. As our hopes dwendled he said I have a place around the corner, it's not much but you are welcome to it! for that we will always remember Tim as the man who save our vacation. Thanks LaWanda Fulcher
- LaWanda Fulcher, Augusta, GA
Dear Fuller Family - I wanted to send my deepest condolences for the loss of a great man. I had the pleasure of playing at Pacific University under Tim, and have the fondest memories of him. From his willingness to stay late to teach me how to play a new position, to his attempt at cooking rice for us, and showing us how to churn ice cream - I feel lucky to have known such a wonderful man. He was even kind enough to come to see me play in my senior year, even though he was no longer coaching. I will miss Tim, and offer my deepest sympathy to your family. Robin Repcak nee Park
- Robin Repcak, Tualatin, OR
There is not a day that goes past that I do not think of Tim. We had some great times and I will always have the best memories. Kim and I just want pass along our thoughts and prayers. Jeff and Kim
- Jeff and Kim Enquist, Tigard, OR
Dear Lesli, Garth, Ian, Nathan and Carly Our hearts are saddened by your sudden loss. Tim will always be affectionately remembered as Naha'Tim - Tim misread our tag for Nana'Pudding at the bakery calling it 'Naha' We all had a good laugh and we became instant friends from that day forward. We will truly miss him and his spirit. We send our love and support.
- Cheryl & Griff Day, Savannah, GA
Dear Lesli, Garth, Nate, Ian and Carly, we will always remember Tim for the wonderful way he had with his teams on the soccer field. We played in some pretty miserable conditions, but he always had a smile. He sure ate a lot of meals from the Taco Bell drive-thru after those matches. We will miss him. Fran and Shirley Bates
- Fran and Shirley Bates, BEAVERTON, OR
To the Fuller family: We were deeply saddened to hear of Tim's passing. Although we had only known Tim for about a year we considered him a good friend and looked forward to seeing him every time we were on Tybee. Tim was advising us on the remodel of our house and we were always amazed by his talents and creative ideas. Oftentimes, when we were confronted with a decision on the remodel we would ask ourselves, 'What would Tim do?', and the answer would always be, 'You know me, I'm a purist'. Tim didn't cut corners and that was obvious in so many aspects of his life. Tim Fuller made Tybee a special place for our family and we are truly going to miss him. Please know that you, the Fuller family, and all his many friends are in our thoughts and prayers. Jimmy and Laurie McLeroy
- Jimmy and Laurie McLeroy, Norcross, GA
Dear Lesli, I am so sorry for your loss. Cherish the good times. Infinite Love and Gratitude Marguerite Berrigan
- Marguerite Berrigan, Savannah, GA
To Lesli and Family, We sent our thoughts your way last night in yoga class and look forward to your return. Sincerely, Kathleen and Ed
- Kathleen and Ed Pyrch, Tybee Island, GA
Lesli and children, I was so saddened to learn of Tim's passing. Unfortunately, Leuveda and I are out of town and will not return until Tuesday. I hope to see as many of you as possible then. I love Tybee and I loved Tim. My Tybee will not be the same without him. Much love to all...Ron
- Ron Garner, Tybee Island, GA
Dear Leslie and Family, It was such a shock to hear about Tim. I had just run into him at the Tybee Market and he was joking around about the boys. You were wonderful neighbors and have remained good friends. As always, if there is anything we can do, please let us know, we are just a phone call or a short walk away. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you during this difficult time. With Love, David, Sandy, Jacqueline, Jack and Alex Cason
- David Cason and Family, Tybee Island, GA
Lesli, I've just come across this news and greatly saddened, but I have wonderful memories of the children growing up, our birthday dinners for Tim and Tosonna, the search for the perfect chocolate milk, the cows, the hay and Tim yelling across the pasture when the irrigation system refused to work. Would love to connect with the family again. Love to all the kids.
- Virginia Erion, Cle Elum, WA
I'm sorry to learn of your loss my thaughts and prayers are with you always. Tim was a great man with a kind heart. I met Tim in 2006 my fiance King Singleton and I had been looking for a nice place to spend a few days on the beach when we ran across Tim at the time he was renevating a house on Lovell and when we asked if he knew of anyone with a rental available he without hesitation he stopped and immediatly he tried to contact a couple of people he knew of but to no avail. As our hopes dwendled he said I have a place around the corner, it's not much but you are welcome to it! for that we will always remember Tim as the man who save our vacation. Thanks LaWanda Fulcher
- LaWanda Fulcher, Augusta, GA
Dear Fuller Family - I wanted to send my deepest condolences for the loss of a great man. I had the pleasure of playing at Pacific University under Tim, and have the fondest memories of him. From his willingness to stay late to teach me how to play a new position, to his attempt at cooking rice for us, and showing us how to churn ice cream - I feel lucky to have known such a wonderful man. He was even kind enough to come to see me play in my senior year, even though he was no longer coaching. I will miss Tim, and offer my deepest sympathy to your family. Robin Repcak nee Park
- Robin Repcak, Tualatin, OR
There is not a day that goes past that I do not think of Tim. We had some great times and I will always have the best memories. Kim and I just want pass along our thoughts and prayers. Jeff and Kim
- Jeff and Kim Enquist, Tigard, OR
Dear Lesli, Garth, Ian, Nathan and Carly Our hearts are saddened by your sudden loss. Tim will always be affectionately remembered as Naha'Tim - Tim misread our tag for Nana'Pudding at the bakery calling it 'Naha' We all had a good laugh and we became instant friends from that day forward. We will truly miss him and his spirit. We send our love and support.
- Cheryl & Griff Day, Savannah, GA
Dear Lesli, Garth, Nate, Ian and Carly, we will always remember Tim for the wonderful way he had with his teams on the soccer field. We played in some pretty miserable conditions, but he always had a smile. He sure ate a lot of meals from the Taco Bell drive-thru after those matches. We will miss him. Fran and Shirley Bates
- Fran and Shirley Bates, BEAVERTON, OR
To the Fuller family: We were deeply saddened to hear of Tim's passing. Although we had only known Tim for about a year we considered him a good friend and looked forward to seeing him every time we were on Tybee. Tim was advising us on the remodel of our house and we were always amazed by his talents and creative ideas. Oftentimes, when we were confronted with a decision on the remodel we would ask ourselves, 'What would Tim do?', and the answer would always be, 'You know me, I'm a purist'. Tim didn't cut corners and that was obvious in so many aspects of his life. Tim Fuller made Tybee a special place for our family and we are truly going to miss him. Please know that you, the Fuller family, and all his many friends are in our thoughts and prayers. Jimmy and Laurie McLeroy
- Jimmy and Laurie McLeroy, Norcross, GA
Dear Lesli, I am so sorry for your loss. Cherish the good times. Infinite Love and Gratitude Marguerite Berrigan
- Marguerite Berrigan, Savannah, GA
To Lesli and Family, We sent our thoughts your way last night in yoga class and look forward to your return. Sincerely, Kathleen and Ed
- Kathleen and Ed Pyrch, Tybee Island, GA
Lesli and children, I was so saddened to learn of Tim's passing. Unfortunately, Leuveda and I are out of town and will not return until Tuesday. I hope to see as many of you as possible then. I love Tybee and I loved Tim. My Tybee will not be the same without him. Much love to all...Ron
- Ron Garner, Tybee Island, GA
Dear Leslie and Family, It was such a shock to hear about Tim. I had just run into him at the Tybee Market and he was joking around about the boys. You were wonderful neighbors and have remained good friends. As always, if there is anything we can do, please let us know, we are just a phone call or a short walk away. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you during this difficult time. With Love, David, Sandy, Jacqueline, Jack and Alex Cason
- David Cason and Family, Tybee Island, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
