Extraordinary LIVES
TIM was born 11 weeks prematurely weighing just 2lb 11oz. He struggled as a baby, but grew up strong and healthy. As a child, he crammed lots of activities into his life: riding his trials bike, following motocross race meetings with his brother Andrew and his dad David, swimming and playing badminton for his school. He spent many happy hours walking in Snowdonia and the Yorkshire Dales before studying geology at Manchester University. As part of his degree, he spent
months in Spain producing a geological map of a section of the Sierra Nevada. His geological knowledge was extensive and he would tell me about the rock formations we saw while walking in Snowdonia. As a keen runner, he would race up Snowdon on summer evenings. Apart from his scientific leanings, Tim was artistic — his cartoons and stories would have us all in stitches. He was interested in World War I history and, using a copy of his great grandad’s diaries from the trenches, he made several trips to France and Belgium, visiting the grave sites and battle sites mentioned, such as Hellfire Corner near Ypres and Mametz Wood. Tim worked as a geologist in a lab and had plans of walking the Appalachian Trail in the U.S., riding the Trans Canadian Railway and seeing the Rocky Mountains. He and his sister Emma shared a special dream of exploring New York together, a trip she intends to make in his honour. What was extraordinary about Tim was not just what he did, but who he was as a person: his generous nature and the way he related to people from all walks of life. He gave his time to listen, never judging, and raised spirits with his unique, irrepressible humour. He entertained family and friends with his wit and his amazing ability as a mimic. He impressed those he met, gaining their respect and affection without even trying. It is hard to accept that the light burning bright in all our lives has been snuffed out so soon, but we give thanks for the time we had with Tim. His indomitable spirit will live on in the many lives he touched.
TIMOTHY JOHN SINNETT, born July 30, 1978; died May 19, 2018, aged 39.