Timothy Gordon Castle, 74

Timothy Gordon Castle, who was born April 22, 1947 in Spokane, Washington, received a call on March 10, 2022 for a new position he could not refuse. This new position has some great benefits compared to his previous leisure retirement. As part of his new position, he will be collocated with select family and friends he hasn’t seen in years. Though there is “some” travel involved, all expenses will be paid by his new employer. As noted, this is a pretty good position - some might even say it is a gift from God (literally). He was 74.

Prior to this, Tim, was a Veteran of the US Navy and spent his life primarily in 3 States: Washington, Alaska and Idaho. Tim started his professional career as a Police Officer and settled with his Wife Carol in Wallace, Idaho for most of their adult lives. Tim and Carol raised two sons. Later in life, Tim would start his own small business offering Security Services to various business/residents in the Silver Valley.

Tim in large part marched to the beat of his own drum. From what I can recall we never had a debate on whether a tomato was a fruit or vegetable, but I can tell you… from the time he found out he was allergic to them - they were dead to him! He enjoyed a good steak with lots of fat, bacon (undercooked), and an occasional bag of pork rinds. Candy in his mind, WAS the official 5th food group the government refused to acknowledge!

Most people would probably think all of these things would have an obvious impact on one’s heart, but apparently not his. Yes, over the years he did suffer from a heart attack. He even had a couple of stints inserted at one point. Even though I am not a doctor, I would argue that it wasn’t his diet or his lack of exercise that killed him. I contend it was the untimely passing of his wife (Carol Castle, 2015 RIP) which ultimately helped him to go on this crossover journey when he did. Rationally speaking, his health was not that of an Olympic gold medalist, but emotionally, his heart was a lot more golden than outward appearances indicated.

It is not tragic that he has gone on to be with his wife. The real tragedy is that he couldn’t let as many people into his life while on earth. I’m not saying that knowing Tim for my entire life was peaches and cream, but I will say that if I looked past the rugged and gruff exterior and was able to be open to seeing him for who he was, there were a lot of great qualities in there. I vow to take those good qualities and expand on them in my life and simply chalk the rest up to not as desirable qualities that plaque so many in our world. I can look back on his life with love, affection and a certain humbling respect that most certainly comes in a Father/Son relationship.

Tim loved him family even if he had a difficult time expressing it in ways that others might have liked. At the end of the day, or life, it is not my responsibility to pass judgment though – I think I will leave that to God. I do know that he had a positive impact on a significant amount of people in his life. I know he helped strangers on multiple occasions. Gas money, a hotel room, and a meal for those who he ran in to and needed it. He did these things in private and seldom tooted his own horn for helping people. He did these things when frankly he really couldn’t afford to. He gave from his heart and in my humble opinion you can’t go wrong with that.

Tim is survived by 2 Brothers Kris (Beaumont, Texas), Mark (Sunnyside, Washington), his 2 son’s; Bryan (Butte, Montana) and Eric (Parker, Colorado), 5 Grand children, and 5 Great grandchildren.

Family services will take place a later date at Fort Logan National Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his Wife Carol. Instead of sending flowers, please perform a random act of kindness to a stranger – the impacts will last far longer than daffodils. Please let Tim’s passing remind us all that we should all embrace the greatness of today, as each and every tomorrow is a gift which is not guaranteed.