December 3, 1952 – May 8, 2020
Tim, age 67, passed away in his home on May 8, 2020. He was born to Thomas and Rachel Lyda on December 3, 1952, in El Paso County (Camp Carson). A Springs native and a graduate of the Widefield High School Class of 1970, Tim always appreciated the beauty of the Pikes Region. He volunteered at Penrose Hospital and his name is remembered on the wall of the hospital recognizing his contributions and numerous hours to the Gift Shop. He had also volunteered at the Care and Share Food Bank.
As a member of the armed services, he served in Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Okinawa, Taiwan, and South Korea while in the Air Force. He was a highly skilled airborne radar and navigation technician/electrician on the Lockheed C-130 aircraft, and the MU-2 Turboprop and Diamond 1 jets. In March 2016 he was honored and received an award for his valor, service and sacrifice to the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Kinnikinnik Chapter, NSDAR.
Always the entrepreneur, Tim owned and operated several businesses over the years. He provided employment and educational opportunities for young men and women who came from difficult and challenging circumstances. His reward was to see them settled as responsible adults.
During family gatherings for birthdays, holidays and special occasions, Tim was always called on for his culinary skills. He was not a professional chef like his brother, but he could prepare a feast second to none. In addition to cooking, Tim was a reader of military history, watcher of the History and American Heroes Channels, a collector of train engines, stamps and coins, and enjoyed working in his yard. He loved people, was a friend to everyone and would talk the ear off anyone who would listen to him.
Tim was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents and his mother and father. He is survived by his younger brother, Mark, and sisters Nancy (husband John) and Peggy (husband Don) and their families, including his nephews Timothy (wife Ivonne and children Nathalie and Micah), and Jason (wife Valerie), and Nickolas; his best friends Cory Rawson and Brandon Deal; and special friends Kevin and Susan Dean and Debbie Howard (Tim’s friendships with these three go back fifty years!)
His spiritual life was centered around the Episcopal Church, with membership at St. Andrew’s in Manitou Springs. In declining health, Tim said he lived a good life and was ready when the Lord comes for him. He looked forward to being with his family members who went before him and are now with the Lord, especially his Mom and Grandparents. A private family memorial and celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in his honor are suggested to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak region and Care and Share.
Ken Howell
12 May 2020Cuz, You will always be part of fond memories. From the ranch days, Palm Springs golf, fishing to the present. Until we meet again.
Paul Headley
13 May 2020I am honored to have known Tim for many years. Always full of laughter, smiles and encouraging words for others that he would talk with. He is now at home with dear family and friends with no more cares of this “Tired World”. So my prayers are for his beautiful family and that they may find peace in his life and passing.
Peggy
13 May 2020Rest In Peace “Big Tim”, you will be greatly missed. Your in the Lords hands now. Love you. Peggy Sue, Don, Jason & Val.
cordy roybal
13 May 2020To the family of Tim Lyda: Sending love and prayers for comfort and peace to you and your extended families.
Love and sincere sympathy,
Cordy Roybal
Donna Harris
13 May 2020I’m so sad to read this Uncle Tim! Go with God.
Scott Howell
13 May 2020I’m shocked and saddened by Cousin Tim’s sudden passing. I will always look back fondly on many shared memories and his generous spirit. I am so grateful that we recently had many conversations related to some old family pictures I shared with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family.
Scott & Vanessa Howell
Pamela Proal Jones
14 May 2020My deepest condolences to Tim’s family… I’m shocked and saddened to hear this news.. I loved Tim like he was a brother..I have so many fond memories of our lives being such close neighbors..Please say hi to my mama and dad for me.. The Proals send our deepest and most sincere prayers.. Rest In Paradise my friend.. Fly Fly Fly away with your beautiful angel wings.. Until We Meet Again My Friend…
Tony Cross
15 May 2020I knew Tim for more than 50 years. He was a warm heart from a family of warm hearts. I was lucky to get to know his sweet mom and aunt and sister Peggy, all as kind as can be. Always the entrepreneur, he was the only one I knew who owned and raised cows while he was in school. Cows! He was a close friend of the iconic Venetucci family of the pumpkin giving legend. And always he could laugh at life and I know he loved his adventures. Thank you Tim for letting me see a glimpse of your exciting life. Most of all I will miss your kind heart and your laugh. Thanks Tim.
Hunter Breshears
15 May 2020Our family loved Tim very much. Prayers for peace.
Hunter Breshears
cory
16 May 2020Rest in peace tim untill we meet again ? ill miss u
Mike Allen
20 May 2020It won’t be the same at the holidays without Tim laughing and telling stories about the family. The cake rolls will continue to be baked in Tim’s memory. We know Tim will be smiling from heaven. You will be missed! — Aunt Pat Allen, Cousin Mike and Glenna Allen
George Krasnopolskiy
5 Aug 2020Tim to me started out for me as a guy who sat next to me on Chicken Fried Chicken day at the local Steakhouse, and became a friend that I always looks forward to seeing. He was someone who always brightened my day with his stories of selling peanuts, watching the super bowl next to presidents, and working on top secret planes. We exchanged military history books and he would tell me how to make my Turkey for Friendsgiving. He was an AMAZING guy, and I know that myself and a lot of other random people that he encountered, will miss all the good be brought into the world. May his soul rest in Peace and my deepest condolences to his family.
Gill
13 Feb 2021I am deeply saddened that I didn’t get to see Tim before he passed. It goes to show you that life is so short and circumstance shouldn’t ever keep friends apart. I treasure every moment that I spent helping Tim run a successful nut business. I think he is looking down on me saying “you go boy” and winking like he always did. Tim taught me to live life and I think kicked me out of the nest and forced me to find it myself. He will always be in my heart and my mind. I do miss the old Tim. Rest easy my friend.