Dr. Gary Timbers ,77, of Hampstead, NC, passed away on Saturday Nov.16, 2024 after a successful Kayak fishing trip. Born in King Co., Washington, he was the son of the late John and Edythe Timbers.
Gary is survived by his wife Barbara, children Josh Timbers and Christy Rife, sister Dianne Timbers, niece Kirsten Timbers, grandchildren Emerson Timbers and Maddison and Kilee Rife, and his two brothers preceding him in death, Brian and John Timbers.
Gary met his wife of 57 years while attending the University of Arizona. In graduate school at the University of Kansas, Gary and later Barbara worked with Dr. Montrose Wolfe and fellow researchers in the development of the Teaching Family Model. In 1973 he brought this Model to Morganton, NC via a grant through Western Carolina Center to develop community-based group homes for troubled youth. There, he was director and founder of Appalachian Family Innovations originally called “Bringing It All Back Home Study Center." In 1980 the Study Center became a part of Appalachian State University. AFI’s programming impacted families, schools and organizations throughout western NC, the State and the nation.
Gary enjoyed fishing, reading, cards, traveling the world, feeding the hungry, ACC basketball, and staying active. He passed on his love of soccer and competitive spirit to his children and always stood by his core belief of “do the right thing”. Gary’s intense competitive spirit is best exemplified by the Duke-Carolina basketball rivalry.
Dempsey, his schnauzer, was his beloved companion and the two were not often apart. Gary Timbers’ purpose in life was his family, supporting families and children, and feeding the hungry.
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Dear Barb and Family, My deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with you in this season. I'm thankful for the many years of excellent training and enjoyable years working with Gary. Marcus and I were better people because of his influence. Love to you and your family. Mary Humphrey
My sincere condolences to Barb and the children. Gary was a visionary and innovator whom I was honored to have work for a with through the study center. I remember fishing for big blues in October and other fishing trips to the outer banks. He lived life to the fullest and will long be remembered. I am saddened to hear of his passing but his life brings a smile to my face. His leadership led to many helping troubled teens live a more purposeful life. Well done my friend and know you will be greatly missed.
So sorry for your loss. Gary led an excellent life. He certainly left a legacy of helping the downtrodden. We have only fond memories of Gary. Love, Kathy and John
Timbers family and friends, Dr. Timbers was such an inspiration to so many of us in the Morganton and Burke County area. He had a profound effect on so many worthy programs through the years. My heart goes out to you as you navigate the grieving process. Live on the good memories.
Dear Barbara Our condolences to you and your entire family for the loss of Gary – a jewel of a man with the integrity and heart to assist others -- and the professionalism to bring programs to life that improved the lives of thousands of youth and their families and communities. I remember so well those early lessens that you and Gary taught us at the University of Kansas about the differences in the application of the Teaching Family Group Home program with girls verses boys. I was so thrilled when Gary signed on to the national grant that we at Western Carolina Center had been awarded to establish the “Bringing It All Back Home” project. I believe that Gary and his team (including Karen Blase) are the only one’s who could have navigated the implementation of this program that they established throughout rural western NC. Becky and I had been trying to figure out how to reach you and Gary over these past 3 years. I’m disappointed that my connection comes under such saddening circumstances. We were pleased to hear that Gary had a successful kayaking fishing trip shortly before his death. We too enjoy kayaking, pontooning, and sailing on the Gulf of Mexico. Barbara, if your game, we would appreciate your reaching out to us sometime. Our peaceful wishes to you and your family, Rusty and Becky St Petersburg Florida [email protected] 813-494-8233