Timothy Pannell Birkhead

Timothy Pannell Birkhead, 72, passed away on Thursday, October 27th, at his home in Arlington. Timothy was born on January 22, 1944 in Arkadelphia, AR, to Jane Jamison and James E. Birkhead. Tim Birkhead was a totally unique individual. Even down to his Starbucks order. He was a “tall chai, with two extra pumps chai-kind of guy.” A gentle, soft spoken man with a ready smile and a dry sense of humor. We will remember Tim's spoonerisms; only he could do so well. He would get this cute twinkle in his eyes when he felt that he had done a particularly good grouping of jokes or puns. He especially loved to tease anyone around him, especially his granddaughters. He definitely had a serious, introspective side to him, but he also had that dry side, which was very endearing. Tim would describe himself as a reserved person who tended to live a monk-like life. For a monk, Tim had a huge following of people who feel incredibly close to him. How did he do that? He would truly listen and share, allowing room for vulnerability in his relationships, making him a fast friend. He was principled, yet tolerant, conservative, and liberal. He was nonjudgmental and supportive of everyone's right to make choices about their own life. He could be relied upon for a level and considered opinion, but only if you wanted his opinion. Your choice. Can't you just see him shrug his shoulders? Letting you decide. And oh, he cared for Janie and how he could make her laugh and smile. He liked to say he was always “Driving Miss Janie.” If you knew him, you knew her, and she wanted to go everywhere to meet everyone. But if truth be known Tim drove all of our kids too…soccer practices, music classes, tutoring sessions, movies…for neighbors and grandkids. Tim cared for many people and loved to be of support in others' success: i.e., Janie's paintings and swim meets; Julia's flute and cello lessons; Kat's Choral and School of Rock Concerts (earplugs at the ready). Even Emrys, as a baby, received his care — holding down the fort, washing bottles and cleaning as needed — when he arrived in the world. When you least expected it, a small gesture, like an unexpected bunch of flowers, would arrive on a day no one knew would be hard, but he knew. He was there cheering us on, in small ways and large. When David and Tonilyn were married, Tim officiated. He was amazingly patient, focused and devoted to each thing they wanted in their wedding ceremony. He brought his knowledge and care to every diverse idea from many different cultures, philosophies, and religions to weave them into a magical, beautifully designed “quilt” that became their memorable wedding ceremony. He even took the medication to stop his tremors for their wedding day! All through his life, Tim was an athlete. Early on, he focused on basketball and running. He was admired most for tackling his fear of the water and learning to swim as an adult. It took real courage and determination. Many years this meant Masters swimming at dawn to swim with Janie, followed by a huge breakfast on the way home. Tim always enjoyed being able to walk in the park near his house and found peace in doing that. Just recently, he invested in a beautiful bicycle for a new sport to master. Always fastidious, organized and clean, he never met an iron he did not like. And he could strut a tux, and did for many years at formal singing engagements with the Arlington Choral Society. Tim was a traveler-his favorite trip of all time was when the family went on a trip singing throughout Italy. But his most fun gig did not require a bowtie, it was harmonizing lullabies with Jane, Vonda, Julia and Kat at bed time. Tim left an imprint on our family that can never be filled. We were so fortunate to have his friendship and love. He will be missed very much by our family and all who had the pleasure to have his undivided attention. Tim had once said life was always better with Jane in it. Now they are reunited. As you journey down the rest of your path on this earthly plane, when you have a chance, raise a glass of Crown Royal to Tim. And you might even mix it with Dr. Pepper. Tim is predeceased by his wife, Jane Clark Birkhead, and his parents. Survivors include his brother, Jim Birkhead; stepson, David Hussey and wife, Tonilyn Hornung; stepson, Tom Hussey; daughter-in-law, Vonda Klimaszewski and husband, David Klimaszewski; grandchildren, Julia Hussey, Kat Hussey, and Emrys Hussey; step-grandchildren, Phoebe Klimaszewski, Violet Klimaszewski, and Zoe Klimaszewski; nieces and nephews, Deborah Hunter, Joy Kinsey, Scott Birkhead, Gary Birkhead, Elizabeth Birkhead, Corinne Morrow, and Lucy Birkhead. In lieu of sending flowers, Tim would have wanted donations made to Safe Haven of Tarrant County, 401 West Sanford, Ste 1400, Arlington, TX 76011. Both he and Jane were longtime and ardent supporters of this organization that provides services for victims of domestic abuse.