Tim McConnell
October 22, 1955 - December 1, 2024
Tim McConnell, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 1, 2024. He leaves behind his children, Bill and Miranda; daughter-in-law, Caroline; twin granddaughters, Jasmine and Ramona; and a beloved miniature golden doodle, Ginger.
Tim was born on a U.S. Air Force base in Tachikawa, Japan. His family’s frequent relocations gave him a diverse upbringing. He attended North Eugene High School in Oregon, where he excelled in basketball and other sports. He later played college basketball at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and concluded his athletic career playing professionally in France.
After basketball, Tim dedicated his life to education, working as a special education teacher, assistant principal, and HR director for the Park City School District. He earned a doctorate in education from the University of Utah, prompting his family to affectionately call him “Dr. Tim,” despite his lack of medical training.
Tim’s true gift was connecting with people. His warm personality and quick wit enabled him to form instant friendships with everyone—from teammates and colleagues to neighbors and grocery clerks. He loved sharing stories and a drink with friends, no matter how much time had passed.
Tim’s passions were simple yet profound. He cherished a strong cup of Folgers coffee, long drives to work with The Beatles, and reading The Lord of the Rings, Shakespeare, and Dune. He took pride in barbecuing tri-tip after mowing the lawn and adored walks with Ginger, the dog he once swore he didn’t want. Most of all, he loved his family.
He shared a special bond with each of them: cheering on his daughter Miranda in MSUB Yellowjackets volleyball, exchanging Wordle streaks and stories. With his son Bill, he enjoyed conversations about movies, politics, and music, often reduced to playful teasing and film quotes. He connected deeply with his daughter-in-law, Caroline, offering help with home projects and sharing family stories. Tim’s twin granddaughters, Jasmine and Ramona, adored their “Papa Tim Jungle Gym,” often falling asleep on his chest, or sharing a chicken bake at Costco.
Tim’s greatest love was his wife, Bambi. From the moment he met her at the Wendover Peppermill Hotel and Casino, through their marriage on October 5, 1991, until her passing on April 4, 2023, she was his world. He cherished their camping trips, boating adventures, surprise concerts, and nightly dinners. Their holiday traditions—decorating, delivering holiday bread, and writing Christmas letters—created magic for their family.
Tim’s towering 6’7″ frame was matched only by the space he held in our hearts, leaving a void that feels impossible to fill. After losing Bambi, he adopted the mantra, “I won’t choose misery.” As we grieve his loss, we honor his legacy by embracing life with the same spirit: sharing stories, raising a glass, and cherishing those around us.
“In sorrow we must go, but not in despair. Behold! we are not bound for ever to the circles of the world, and beyond them is more than memory.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
A Celebration of Life will be on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building.
Please share your favorite memories of Tim here: https://form.jotform.com/243396681773066
In Loving Memory
Bill and Miranda, you have both inherited your parents gift of communicating love. They were always so positive even in the face of a storm. You have lost the physical presence of your most cherished loved ones but they will live on in our memories and those who seek adventure and have a zest for good times. Go Ducks!
Tim was an important and highly valued resource to me as a new transportation director for Park City School District. We had multiple meetings and conversation and I always appreciated his mentorship, guidance, and sense of humor! One of my favorite things was a paper posted on Tim's office wall that said “I know you think you understand what you thought I said but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant”. Tim was a good leader and friend. After Tim retired he called me one snowy morning to remind how nice it was to be relaxing with Ginger and a cup of coffee enjoying no commute or work stress! May you find peace in all of the fond memories and experiences shared with a great man.
Friends since '84, the caring and laughing never stopped. SPED connections, red hair and freckles, courtin' Bambi and the always eagerly anticipated 'The Christmas Letter' were part of our shared world. When he saw our first daughter's red hair, he looked at Michele and said.."Did we?" - always laughing and loving life. Michele was his 'little sister' and the love never stopped. Tim will live as long as the people he touched remember him with love. Big Guy, you are loved.
My deepest and sincerest condolences to Miranda and Bill. and all family members. Your Dad, Tim, and as I liked to call him “The Big Fella” was an incredible father, husband, teammate, and life long friend. May you always find peace and warmth in remembering “The Big Fella”.
Dear Bill and Miranda, I was sick at heart when I heard Tim had died. We were friends and colleagues in Davis School District as far back as 1988. We ran into each other just a few months back and I got one of his bear hugs. It was so good to see him, and know he was intact after your mom died. He loved her beyond words. We were his work family and knew right after he met her that he had found home. Tim was a bright, shiny star. His warmth, humor and sharp mind were larger than life as was he. He is gone from us too soon. Much love to you both. Katie Davis
Bill & Miranda, Our sincerest condolences. Tim was a person you always knew was there as a friend even though you may not talk often. I remember walking around one year with Tim, Pete Hoyne and all of the kids on Halloween trick or treating.....in 8-inches of snow. We had a lot of laughs and may have thrown a few snowballs. Bill/Miranda, know that when Tim talked about you two, he was always so proud and had a twinkle in his eyes. Best wishes.
Miranda, We are all thinking of you during this difficult time. Losing someone so close is so hard. Be kind and gentle with yourself. We will be here if you ever want to talk. Big hugs from all of us. Please accept our sincere condolences. The medical floor staff
Bill and Miranda, I’ve known your father since his 7th grade. He had to move away, grandpa reassigned, but they came back for his junior and senior years. They lived on the other side of the fence that protects the hoop court.. 🏀❤️ So many stories, great games, and dreams were shared on that hoop court, many of which came true.❤️ Tim, dad, Mr McConnell, Papa was the same man. Authentic, kind, fun and fair. Whether talking to his beloved Bambi, his children, his students, his parents, his friends, other parents, or his grandchildren; Tim, dad, Mr McConnell, Papa always told the truth and in a kind and concise way. I saw him while he was on a road trip to Oregon in 2023. We had a blast sharing stories and grandchildren pictures on the McKenzie River at Bruce’s cabin and played 18 holes of golf together. 🏌🏿♂️A wonderful day and evening. ✌️❤️🙏 We will miss your father. Miss his optimistic attitude towards life, miss his great sense of humor. Our prayers are with you all. Tim and Bambi are together again. ❤️
In Loving Memory
