Timothy Chase

Timothy (Tim) Chase, 51

On October 24, 2017 the Good Lord called home his faithful lamb, Timothy Michael Chase. And though we were reluctant to let him go, Tim knew he had new hunting grounds to walk in the high meadows of Heaven.

Tim’s journey was not an easy one, but he was never a man to complain. Tim was born August 26, 1966 in Pullman, Washington with significant birth defects, requiring six surgeries in his first year of life. He was adopted by James and Colleen Chase, who lovingly welcomed him into their family as the youngest of four children. With his closest sibling 15 years his senior, his older nieces and nephews were more like brothers and sisters.

Tim was a loving, precocious child filled with joy and wonder. He loved the great outdoors and all that the Northwest had to offer. Tim attended Coeur d’Alene schools and grew up working with his father at Chase Enterprises. They built docks and worked on tugboats and barges on the lakes of North Idaho. Following high school, in 1984 Tim went to work full-time for the company. In the early 1990s, Tim learned to work concrete with John Hand, then later worked for DeWitte Concrete and most recently Riverstone Stamp Concrete. He was a hard worker with a ready smile and quick wit who gained the respect of all those around him.

On November 26, 1989, Tim met Tammy Morris and they quickly became constant companions. They remained together for over 20 years before marrying on August 14, 2015. They resided happily in Twin Lakes with their dog, Siren, and two cats, Nosey and Itsmew.

Tim grew up hunting and fishing with family and friends. His enthusiasm for life and positive attitude were contagious. He enjoyed many life-long friendships, including Jason Shaw, a Kootenai County K9 Officer. Tim was a proud supporter of Jason and his K9s Karo and Bari.

In September 2016, Tim was diagnosed with cancer, and though it would take his strength and eventually his life, it never stole his dignity and grace. He wanted only for time with friends and family, hunting, fishing, and gathering for BBQs. He faced the end of his life in an honest, matter-of-fact way, and found comfort in the peace he made with God. In the last weeks of his life, living at Ivy Court in Coeur d’Alene, he sought out lonely residents to befriend and make them smile. Nearly every medical professional who worked with Tim commented on his amazing outlook. Before Tim passed, he asked that he be remembered with a smile, as he loved his life and wanted for nothing more. His kind heart touched all those who met him. He was an inspiration to those who had the honor of being his friend.

Tim passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at Hospice House of North Idaho. He was greeted at the gates of heaven by his friend K9 Karo, his brother-in-law James Frank, and his in-laws Bill and Bonnie Morris. He was survived by his loving wife Tammy Morris-Chase; parents James and Colleen Chase; siblings Diane (John) Frank, Connie Frank, and Mike (Lorraine) Chase; and many nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Tonja Morris and brother-in-law William Morris. Tim’s memory will also be cherished by his friends Jason and Cheryl Shaw, Dave and Mary Paddack, Fred Glisson, Glen Weeks, John Hand, Greg DeWitte, Bob and Lorraine Shaw and many, many others.