Timothy (Tim) William McIlveen

It is with great sadness that we announce that Tim passed away on January 16 at Suncreek Village nursing home in Surrey, BC. He was deeply loved and is survived by his sister Margaret Martens (Jim), his brother David (Theresa), and nephews and nieces:  Matthew (Katie plus children Lily and James), Michelle, Nicholas (fiancé Daphne), and Emily (fiancé Spencer). He was also much loved by his predeceased parents Dorothy (2011) and Mel (2014). He also leaves behind many cousins in the USA and extended ‘family’ in England.

Tim grew up in the Fort Garry district of Winnipeg, MB. He attended Viscount Alexander Junior High School, where he was school president, Vincent Massey Collegiate, and completed high school at United College.  Tim possessed extraordinary social skills, ones that he exhibited throughout his life. In addition to being well liked and with many friends, he was an outstanding athlete in both football and hockey. He played football for the Fort Garry Lions, helping them to win a national championship in Montreal.  A rep from a Big Ten conference team thought Tim could be a valuable addition to their offensive line and a US college football scholarship was offered.  Tim also played Junior hockey and later suited up for the University of Winnipeg/United College Wesmen.

Tim took pride in being well presented. He favoured blazers and cashmere sweaters at United College. This clothing interest was foreshadowing his business future.  As a young adult Tim showed his entrepreneurial side at various times. He and a friend started a courier service for downtown Winnipeg businesses in the late 60’s, before couriers as we know them today existed. He also began a sheepskin mitten business prior to graduating from the business program at Manitoba Institute of Technology.  After graduation Tim became a stockbroker in Winnipeg but moved on to begin his dream career in the garment business. He started his own agency as a representative for various men’s clothing manufacturers. The business began with great promise, as was his life also filled with promise in the1970’s, including marrying, and purchasing his first home.

Tim's early success as a businessman, husband, and homeowner quickly changed after his first episode of mental illness. Sadly, the remaining years of his story were not ‘according to plan’. His illness was severe and variously described by the medical community (nervous breakdown, chemical imbalance, bi-polar disorder, and finally schizophrenia).  The years after his first diagnosis were difficult in different ways and with many changes.  He experienced a gradual loss of career opportunities, contacts, and friends. Various treatments were attempted and abandoned over the next ten years. During periods when his illness was controlled, Tim was able to resume employment in several promising careers, however his ability to recover and maintain stability diminished over time. 

Tim then moved to BC, to Kitsilano, where he found support for his illness and spent free time attending and volunteering at St John’s Anglican Church.  Later he moved to Delta where he lived in a congregate supported living home, Delta Lodge. This community of people became Tim’s home for many years.  During that time, he would regularly take the nearby ferry to Victoria to visit his parents and enjoyed getting out for walks or a picnic with them.

In Delta, Tim was a staff favorite, and they described him as a gentleman, someone who was polite and courteous. He loved to play cards with his neighbours and enjoyed his visits with a local dog. He also delighted in his weekly walk to a local Greek restaurant for a pizza and a beer. Tim’s siblings visited him in Delta regularly- each time the highlight was a dinner out, a steak at the Keg was a favorite.  

In the last 5 years of his life Tim suffered two accidents that each resulted in broken hips. He found rehab difficult but did regain mobility after his first accident. However, after the second injury, two unsuccessful surgical repair attempts forced him to move to Surrey Suncreek Village continuing care facility.  Tim was mostly bedridden there and his physical body began to breakdown and deteriorate until his passing.  

During that last phase of his life, he was visited regularly by family who made trips from Calgary and Victoria to see him and share a meal. Tim and his family FaceTimed every Friday and ordered Tim a Skip the Dishes meal for lunch. Tim would often share a joke. During the last Facetime before his passing, Tim was frail, but happy and joking around. 

Despite his illness and failing mind and body, the staff at Suncreek Village described him as a ‘strong guy’ and a ‘nice guy’. They also commented on his courtesy. We shall miss him very much and will remember him as one who, although he suffered the ravages of mental illness, remained the friendly, courteous, and intelligent gentleman he was throughout his adult life. We wish to thank the staff of Suncreek Village for the care and compassion shown to Tim.

A private family memorial service will be held in February. Tim will be interred at St. John’s Cathedral in Winnipeg later this year. In lieu of flowers Tim’s family encourages you to make a donation to the mental health organization of your choice.

Tim’s family invites you to leave a message of condolence below.