He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

 

Tim’s Eulogy which I gave on 2/28/2022:

 Good morning. Welcome to Tim’s Memorial service, whether you are here in person or watching on zoom.

 Tim McHale passed on April 20, 2020 or 4/20, which was an irony not lost on anyone who knew him. It was also at the advent of Covid. He was a doubter for sure, but I believe he had an epiphany at the end. After all, we are here today to honor a final request he made.

 It took a while, but today his daughter Caroline and her children, Tim's grandchildren, Arthur and Clara are here to pay homage to him. As well, his daughter Mandy is here, along with several of his siblings, cousins and other family and friends who loved him.

 His time here was not long; no one’s is really. But he made good use of the time he had. He was a drummer, a cab driver, a student. Even a junior baker of sorts. But he made his best use as a “Mad Man”, and then, as a marketing expert.

 I learned much about advertising, marketing and sales working with him from 2014 to 2020. But I learned much more about him during that time too. He was very creative with his many ideas he developed, and his penchant to look beyond the obvious.

 His humor was infectious; his sensitivity was deep. To know Tim McHale was to saddle up to a man who was impatient, yet forgiving; easily annoyed, yet contrite; at loggerheads, yet kind.

 When he came to live in my building, neighbors would ask me why I did the things I did for him, rather than get a nurse or an aide. I would simply answer, “He ain’t heavy, he's my brother”. They would look at me and nod. But I don't think they really understood.

 I miss Tim today as much as I did when he passed. As the eldest sibling, I witnessed much in my family and can share that he is loved as much today as when he was six. Or sixty-five.

 Continue to Rest In Peace, Tim. Amen.