Obituary of Tim Gribben

Timothy James Gribben passed away peacefully on July 27, 2009 at Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital in Burlington, Colorado. He was 48 years old. Tim was born August 3, 1960 in Alamosa, Colorado to James and Wilma Gribben. After graduating from Holyoke High School in 1979, he attended McPherson College on a football scholarship and majored in Industrial Arts Education. In 2003 he received his Masters Degree in Administration from CU Denver. On June 24, 1989 he was united in marriage to Tawni Renee Farnsworth. They were blessed with two wonderful boys; Alex and Preston. He was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Burlington. Tim began his teaching and coaching career in Syracuse, Kansas, in 1983. He accepted a position at Burlington High School in 1985 as the Woodworking and Drafting Instructor. During his tenure at BHS, he also served as the Assistant Football Coach and Head Boys Basketball Coach. The Cougars were State Champions in Football in 1995 and 1997 while he was assistant coach. Also, he led the Boys Basketball Team to the State Tournament for the first time in 32 years. Tim left Burlington High School in 2000 to become the Physical Education Instructor and Athletic Director for Idalia School District at the beginning of the 2001 school year. In addition, he was named the Head Football Coach and Head Boys Basketball Coach for Idalia. 2002 was the year that Tim was named Superintendent and Principal of the Idalia School District, adding to his long roster of titles. Tim coached Idalia’s football team to four state championships – a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication that he exhibited in all areas of his many responsibilities while teaching and coaching throughout his career. His overall football record is 64-3; and in 2006, Tim had the honor of being named the Denver Broncos Coach of the Year. At the end of the 2007 school year, Tim made the difficult decision to retire due to his illness. Tim was a successful teacher, a highly respected coach, school administrator and friend; but most of all, he will be best remembered as being the most understanding, patient and non-judgmental man, a man who loved to be involved and included. Tim loved and was loved very much by his family. Preceding him in death was baby brother Daniel Gribben, brother-in-law Mike Mays, grandparents James Gribben and Irene Zorn and James and Lois Stevens. Surviving family members are his wife Tawni, and their sons; Alex and Preston. Also surviving are his parents James and Wilma Gribben of Holyoke, siblings; Terry Gribben and wife Kathryn of Omaha, Mark Storey and wife Doris of Tallahassee, Sharon and husband Larry Bernard of Amherst, Kathy Mays of Rapid City. Other survivors include Bill and Jann Farnsworth of Burlington, Staci and Chris Bouc of Denver and Gladys Farnsworth of Burlington. Tim is also survived by a multitude of family and friends. Funeral services for Tim were held on Friday, July 31, 2009 at 10:30 AM at the Burlington Community Center with Father Ernie Bond and Pastor Bob Strauch officiating. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the St. Catherine’s Catholic Church with Father Ernie Bond officiating and Pastor Bob Strauch delivering the Eulogy. Visitation was held from 6:00 PM until service time at the Church. Memorials may be made in Tim’s name to their Children’s Education Fund and may be left at the Kit Carson State Bank in Burlington.