Birth date: Jun 3, 1955 Death date: Oct 15, 2025
Timothy R. "Tim" VanBuren, age 70 of Skanee, MI passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Villa at Traverse Point in Traverse City, MI. He was born in L’Anse, MI on June 3, 1955 the son of the late Charles Ray and Arline (McDonal Read Obituary
Uncle Tim was my mom’s ‘little brother’, which I always thought was kind of funny because there was nothing little about him. Especially when I was a little kid, my uncle Tim was a towering and mysterious giant of a man. I didn’t know everything about him then, but I knew he worked in the woods. I also knew that he built stuff. All kinds of stuff, but especially masonry stuff. And could he swim? Wow. He and Gramma Arline would come visit us at Second Sand, and while gramma sat and visited with mom at the picnic table overlooking the beach, Uncle Tim would swim out, due north, so far that we could barely see him anymore. Once out there, he would just hang out and frolic in the cold Lake Superior water. For what seemed like hours. As a kid it blew me away, how strong and free and brave and mysterious he was. When I was an adult, whenever I got the chance to catch up with him, he was always kind, warm, and welcoming. He had a kind of quite charm that was unmistakable. Even though he will be missed by so many here, it is somewhat comforting to know that he is in a better place now. A place where he can swim out again, and just frolic and play in that crisp cool water. Maybe walk in familiar forests and know that he was, and will always be, loved. Safe travels, Uncle. -Frank
Was my best friend at Skanee school. havent talked in years, but have thought about him many times. Sorry I didnt keep in closer contact. Many touching memories here
dave maki
