Timothy John Painter was born on August 4, 1961, in Bradford, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of four boys and liked to go fishing, ride bikes, and play in the woods. After graduating from Gowanda High School in 1979, Tim enlisted in the United States Air Force as a 54550 HVAC and Refrigeration Specialist, and eventually earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. Over the course of 13 years in the Air Force, Tim earned the following awards: Three AF Achievement Medals, three AF Good Conduct Medals, two AF Outstanding Unit Awards, NCO PD Award, National Defense Service Medal, AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, two AF Longevity Service Awards, and an AF Training Ribbon. Tim served in Syracuse NY, Germany, Oklahoma City OK, Honduras, and finally at the Tonapah NV test site in 1988. He often talked about his time in the military with family and friends, sharing many funny stories of his time abroad.
He met his wife Leslie in Tonopah in 1990 and shortly thereafter were married in Las Vegas. Together Tim and Leslie had three boys: Timothy, Joseph, and Thomas. They remained in Tonapah until 2002 when the family moved to Laramie, Wyoming. The three boys kept Tim and Leslie busy between school music activities, Boy Scouts, and the Painter Brothers Band. Tim was proud of his boys’ accomplishments, especially when all three performed music together, earned their Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts, and graduated from the University of Wyoming. In Laramie, Tim was the Manager at Suburban Propane. While working for the company Tim helped the Laramie branch earn a multitude of awards: Tim was one of ten managers nominated nationwide for the 2015 President’s Award, the store was winner of several Customer Growth Contests, Region Safety Award 2017- 2020 (only one store receives this recognition per year, and Laramie earned it four years in a row!), Outstanding Financial Performance 2019 and 2020, and was in the Top 2 National Finalists for the 2021 President’s Award.
Tim shared his sense of humor, cooking, and love of music with all around him, especially his grandson Oliver.
Tim is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Marjorie. Tim is survived by his wife, Leslie; sons Timothy (Emily), Joseph, Thomas; daughter Heather; brothers Danny (Anita), Mike (Rhonda), Randy (Rebecca); mother-in-law Luella Flores; grandchildren Oliver and Brody; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Hayford Street with Military Honors by the Wyoming Army National Guard.
When I reported to Tinker AFB Ok Tim was the first supervisor that I ever had in the USAF. He could probably sense that I was the nervous type so he always tried to make me laugh. Unlike others he never talk down or made fun of me. I remember one time as if it were yesterday Tim was trying to help me understand the military term ''delegation of authority''. Everyone was was there listening to Tim speak including our superiors. He sounded very eloquent and professional. Right after he finished he pulls me to the side and under his breath says ''All you need to remember is that delegation of authority is a nice way of saying pass the buck''. Our lives crossed paths only for a short period time a long time ago. But that short has had a profound effect on my entire life. I just want to tell Tim ''Thanks for everything and RIP my friend''.
Dear Leslie, I was one of Tim's best friends in the United States Air Force We worked together and partied together. I unfortunately just learned of his death today and I'm very saddened by it he was a fantastic guy and one of the most witty and sarcastically funny people I've ever met in my life I'm so sorry to hear about his death I always hope someday we would reunite I guess it'll now have to be upstairs with the big guy! God bless and hugs We all loved him dearly! 💔
Dear Painter Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I work in Corporate at Suburban Propane and worked closely with Tim via email or phone for many years. One of the nicest guy's I have ever met and he will be missed terribly. I wish you comfort during this time and now that God will welcome Tim into his Paradise with open arms. Barbara De Prizio
Leslie and family. I am so very sorry to hear of this. Praying for all of you during this time.
A beautiful man's life was taken to early from us. I send you all loving light to fill you with warm love from The Meza Family Sierra Francisco and Skyla. Timothy was a greatest uncle. He always made me laugh even on my worst days. He always took time to help me with my homework. He tought us all so much. I love you uncle Tim.I'm so very thankful for the time we got,I will always charish it. Leslie,Timmy, Joey and Tom Tom We love you and miss you.
A beautiful man's life was taken to early. I have been sending you all my loveing light to warm you with my love.Leslie, Timmy, Emily and Oli. To Joey and Tom Tom. Remember the greatness of Tim. There wasn't a day that he didn't make me laugh. He was the one I went to for homework help, he tought us all. I love and miss you uncle Tim and I'm so thankful for the time I got with you here on Mother Earth.
Dear Leslie we are so sorry for your loss. Many hugs and comfort prayers for you, your boys and their families, your mama, Tim's family and all the loved ones. Love from Neva and Karl Ikehorn and the Bogdon family
So very sorry for your loss. ???
I’m so sorry Painter family! Praying over each of you as you begin navigating a new season. Sending our love. The Cooley Family
Tim certainly will be missed by his NY family and will always be a big part of my childhood memories . Rest Easy buddy.
Leslie, Tim, Joe, and Tommy - Our prayers are with all of you. Our family has many fond memories of Tim with Boy Scout and music events. He will be missed. Gordon, Diane, Cody, Jeremy, and Kyra Heien
Painter Family, I am so incredibly sorry for your immeasurable loss. I worked with Tim for many years and he was such an amazing person, with such a unique and wonderful personality. He always spoke so highly of you all. I hope your memories are held tightly to you to help you through this extremely difficult time. May love and light surround you all.
We all will miss you Uncle Tim. Heaven has gained one hilarious angel! I still laugh at the thought of throwing up in your lap in the car when I was little. Love you always.?
we are so sorry for your loss. ? Jeff & Marti
Leslie and her 3 sons, we are very very sorry for your loss of Tim. He will live in his sons and grandkids. The world lost a very fine man We will miss him and pray for you and the boys for healing. Love Linda and Maggi
We will miss Tim being across the street from us. You could always get the latest 2nd Street gossip from him. So very sorry for your loss. Tim will be greatly missed. Debbie Rieger, Bob Van De Rostyne, Will Brummond (VDR Foreign Auto Repair)
We love the entire Painter Family! We are so sorry for your loss. Continued prayers and thoughts for your family. Debbie and David Heath
We are so sorry for your loss.
Leslie and boys, so sorry to hear of your loss. Many wonderful memories in Scouts with Tim and the boys. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Rest In Peace Tim. Jim, Bev and Jon Brust
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to the Painter family. I never had the opportunity to meet Tim fact to face but did have the chance to talk to him a few times on the phone. We'd talk about work but also about his time in the military, most specifically here in Syracuse, which is where I live. He was always looking out for his team and doing his best for them. Always, willing to roll up his sleeves and help them out no matter what was needed. He will be greatly missed. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength. Jackie Lauber
Beautiful obituary! A life well-lived ended too soon! So grateful to know your family so well. My life has been enriched by knowing Tim and all of you. Continued love and prayers for you all David and Wendy Pratt et al
We are do very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Sally and Scott Bradley
Painter Family: My heart is very heavy for your/this loss! Tim was an exceptional person who touched many lives in the Suburban family and he will be greatly missed. He was a great friend and mentor and very respected by all who knew him. He also made me laugh during some rough times and always offered a shoulder to lean on. AND he loved his family so very much ~ talking about you all frequently! May your memories stay strong as your pain hopefully eases with each passing day. God rest his soul and God bless all of you. So many thoughts and prayers to you all ~ Cherié Holmgren ~ Area/Region Coordinator.
Leslie, Tim, Joe, and Tom and families!! So sorry for your loss!!! Love to you all! Tammy Smith