Mulcahy, Timothy Irish (1949-2006)

MULCAHY, STEFFY, MAESTAS, HINKS, EVERETT

Posted By: Don Wherry (email)
Date: 1/25/2011 at 00:11:53

Timothy I. Mulcahy, 57

Tim Irish Mulcahy, 57, of Fort Collins, Colo., and formerly of Grinnell, passed away quietly in the early morning hours, Nov. 4, 2006, at Poudre Valley Hospital with family members close by.

His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Allnut Funeral Home, 650 West Drake Road, Fort Collins, Colo.  A reception will be held following the services.

Much of Tim's playful spirit and always hopeful visions revolved around family and friends who now feel a great void.

Timothy Irish Mulcahy was born Aug. 6, 1949, in Grinnell to parents Jack (deceased) and Freda Mulcahy.  When the family moved to Colorado Springs, young Tim made many friends that he remained close to forever.  Tim was always seen on expeditions about town with pals Art Littlejohn, Ralph Gilmore, Jim O'Neal and Jim Alderton.

Tim spent many summers with his grandmother, Florence Steffy, and learned about the family-owned funeral business.  He was delighted with the large family gatherings and celebrations that were a hallmark of the clan.  Golf became a passion for young Tim.  This enthusiasm over golfing extended into adulthood affording him cherished time with family and friends.

After completing high school at Palmer High in Colorado Springs, Tim and his inseperable friends made plans to pursue a higher goal, college.  Attending Colorado State University, Tim earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in sociolology, gaining in the process lifelong friends Jim Alderton and Dan Peterson.  Together they perfected the "fine art of college life."

During his years at CSU, Tim met one more kindred spirit, Cathy Maestas, who became his life-long love.  They married in 1974, and recently celebrated their 32nd anniversary.  Building on their dreams, Tim and Cathy moved to Des Moines where Tim earned his master's degree in vocational rehabilitation from Drake University in 1980.  While in Des Moines, new friend Dennis Bernard helped Tim develop a deep appreciation for his Irish heritage.  The young men established new legends, as Tim liked to say, celebrating St. Patrick's Day in America's heartland.

Returning to Fort Collins, Tim worked for Foothills Gateway, Front Range Community College, and Teledyne Waterpik where he retired in May 2006.  During his 38 years in Ft. Collins, Tim's energy, outlook and involvement made him a community icon, leaving an impact on others that will continue to ripple forward in time.  He provided long-term wisdom and guidance for Larico Youth Homes, serving in every capacity from secretary to years as board chairman.  Tim was also a well-regarded member of the Sertoma Club for many years.

He is survived by his mother, Freda Mulcahy; his wife, Cathy; his sister, Gerry Hinks and family; Keith Steffy and family; Doris Steffy and Betty Everett; Sam Steffy and family; Andy Maestas and family; the family of Roger Maestas (deceased); Nancy Maestas and family; and Noelle Maestas and family.  Tim was especially close to friends Lew Wymisner, Rich Feller, Hep Wilkins, Dale Crawford, and Joe DeKleva. Tim also had a wide circle of friends who involved themselves in the Time for Tim group providing support and aid during Tim's struggle with pulmonary hypertension and his nine-month wait for a lung transplant, which he received Feb. 9, 1994.

In lieu of flowers, Tim's family asks that you consider the gift of life.  Please be an organ donor and help Tim and Cathy "pay it forward" to his transplant physicians in San Diego at USCD and in Denver at University Hospital.

Please visit www.allnutt.com to view Tim's online obituary, sign the family guestbook and send condolences.

- Montezuma Republican, 08-Nov-2006