With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our dearly loved Tim Whited after a valiant battle with cancer. Tim departed this world peacefully on Saturday, February 17, surrounded by his loved ones in his cherished mountain home in Nederland, Colorado.
Tim was born in Kewanee, Illinois, to his parents Art & Jeanine Whited and raised alongside his younger brother, Mark Whited. He spent his early years on the family farm where he had many fond memories and cultivated his core values of hard work, “no excuses,” integrity, commitment, and sense of adventure.
He graduated from Wethersfield High School in Kewanee where he proudly represented the Wethersfield Flying Geese on the basketball court and football field. He later attended Illinois State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
Since childhood Tim longed to be a mountain man. Upon graduation from college, Tim packed up his 64 Chevrolet Impala with everything he owned and drove to Colorado where he would begin the life of his dreams. It was there that he met his loyal and loving wife Pat, where he was inspired to write poetry, and explore the high country without a map. In these mountains he chose to put down roots in a home he and Pat built with love, sweat, and intention to raise a family.
In his early 20’s he worked for Pepsi Co. delivering to stores and bars until he became fed up with living by the clock and letting others tell him what to do. He then worked at the historic Caribou Ranch with a side-gig of cutting and selling firewood out of the back of his old Dodge truck. This work started a fire that fueled his entrepreneurial spirit.
Tim entered the environmental protection and corrosion control business working alongside a good friend. The entrepreneurial flame really took off in this industry and in 1982 he started a company called Corrocon, Inc. installing leak detection and leak prevention systems at gas stations and tank farms around the country. He invented and developed directional drilling technology called Bottom Logic that would change the industry and lead to many more opportunities in the field.
In 1996 Tim sold Corrocon and continued excelling in the industry he was so passionate about. Over the next 30 years he worked for Tracer Research Corporate, Praxair Services, Inc., Cortec Corporation, MESA, and most recently worked as a consultant.
Tim’s life was anchored in his family, and for Tim family was not limited to blood relation. His family included countless friends, co-workers, and neighbors. Without a moment of hesitation, Tim would help anyone in his family who was in need.
He shared a deep and abiding love with his wife, Pat for more than 50 years. They had two children, Sara (Coutts) and Claire (Prida). He spoke with great pride about Pat’s loyal companionship and dedication to their family and community. He felt a true sense of achievement knowing that he helped raise two very capable and strong women.
In his later years, Tim relished his role as a grandfather (aka G-Pop) to Quincy and Corbin. He hosted many events at “Camp G-Pop” including BB Gun shooting competitions, 4-wheeler riding, and inciting the “need for speed” on the sleds.
A passionate car collector and enthusiast, Tim and Pat found great joy in various car auctions and car shows across the country for over 20 years. This hobby was kicked off with the purchase of a 1959 Cadillac after the sale of his business in 1996. After adding several more red cars to his collection his friend, Len nick-named his favorite car color “white-head red” and the joke continued for years to follow. The car collector world fostered some of his most treasured friendships and experiences. Dubbed “The Mayor” of Barrett Jackson, Tim found great joy and energy as he walked around the auction greeting “the regulars,” shaking hands, patting backs, and sometimes bidding on, ummmm, unexpected items.
Tim’s legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have known him. He was an adventurer, achiever, mentor, husband, father and friend.
The family plans to hold a Celebration of Life in June; more details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to The Carousel of Happiness in Nederland, Colorado, where he served as the Board President and passionate supporter. The mission of the Carousel, “Don’t Delay Joy” resonated deeply with Tim and we hope it will for you as well.
