Robert James Timyan

Robert James Timyan, 95, was peacefully gathered by His Lord Jesus on Sunday, October 4th, 2015 at the Hiland Cottage Hospice in Petoskey, Michigan, after a short hospitalization. He was surrounded by his devoted wife, family and caregivers.

Robert (also called Bob and Tim by friends) was born in Flint, Michigan on February 2, 1920 to LD and Matilda (Hoshield) Timyan. He had a life-long love of music and sports. He played the French horn at Whittier Junior High and at Flint Central High School. He worked after school every day at the family’s egg distribution business, LD Timyan Company, and would sneak to the YMCA to play ball if his work was ever done. He attended Flint Community College, playing basketball for the team, and then worked for General Motors in Detroit, saving money to complete his college education. He then attended Northwestern University, studying business management and playing both baseball and basketball for the Wildcats. He was also a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, serving as Treasurer and Social Chairman. One basketball highlight was playing with All-American, multi-sport letterman, Otto Graham, who later became one of the most successful NFL quarterbacks of all time.

After college, he joined the Navy and was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base. A huge thrill for him was playing baseball on the Naval team with Bob Feller and hitting a home run against Dizzy Dean, both Major League greats who were serving during war time. Drafter by the Boston Red Sox farm system, he had to decline when his father died and he was needed in Flint to oversee the family business. His love of baseball, especially the Detroit Tigers, lasted the rest of his life.

On trips back to Evanston, Illinois to visit college friends, he met Lillian “Sue” Erbaugh, who coincidentally was also from Flint and seven years his younger. Sue was studying voice, speech and education at Northwestern. They married in 1950 in Flint and soon had three children. He always enjoyed and supported Sue’s many interest, including singing and musical theater. Bob continued to run the LD Timyan Company, branding its products as “Farmer Tim Eggs”. In about 1960, Bob and his younger brother Phil bought Manufacture’s Equipment and Supply Company from the founder’s widow, Phil’s mother-in-law. Phil took over as the president of the egg business and Bob became the president and CEO of this new company, later to be known as MESCO. Under his quiet leadership and the dedication of its many fine employees, MESCO became a successful, respected company in Flint, who primary customers were the many General Motors plants in the area. Bob was later joined at MESCO by his first son, Mark, and eventually by his younger son, Steve. Working into his eighties, he gradually handed over the helm to his sons.

An avid golfer, Bob enjoyed the game until age 94, scoring eight holes in one (the last at age 88!) and one double eagle. He was a former president and (one time) champion of the Flint Golf Club. The Timyans were members of the Flint Golf Club and of Warwick Hills Country Club of Grand Blanc, where they moved in 1967. Bob and Sue bought a summer cottage in Petoskey, Michigan, in 1988. They loved and supported the music program at Bay View Association, a United Methodist Chautauqua on Lake Michigan, and participated in many of the social and cultural activities in that area. They also developed many friendships at the Indian River Plantation in Stuart Florida where they wintered for over 35 years.

Along with his wife, Bob was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Flint, as well as the Flint Institute of Music. He quietly supported many cultural and philanthropic causes, including the life-long African missionary work of his dedicated, older brother Gordon and his wife, Janis.

He was a devoted husband and father, and adored by his seven grandsons who called him “Bumpa”. He was loved for his warm sense of humor, his insatiable desire to learn, his love of sports, his generosity, and his devotion to family and friends. He was a gentleman in every sense, always humble and making others feel comfortable and appreciated.

He is survived by his wife Sue of 65 years, and their children: son Mark Timyan; daughter Deedee Pichard and his husband Doug Pichard; son Steve Timyan and his wife Cheryl (Kruchten); seven grandsons: Jack, Andy and Scott Pichard, James, Ross, Austin and Mitchell Timyan. He is also survived by his brother Phil and by many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his brother Gordon and his sister Geraldine Fikes.

He will be missed and forever appreciated by his family and friends, who feel very blessed to have been a part of his wonderful life. We are especially thankful for the tender care he received over the years from some very loving caregivers: Patti, Betty, Maxine and Frannie. We love all of you.

Per Bumpa’s request, there will be a family gathering sometime next summer to spread his ashes in the beautiful Bay View Memorial Garden.

Memorial donations may be made to:

The Bay View Music Festival
c/o The Bay View Association
P.O. Box 583
Petoskey, MI. 49770

Or

The First Presbyterian Church
746 Saginaw Street
Flint, MI. 48502

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