Timothy Allen Hawkins, age 64, of Temperance, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Ebeid Hospice Center in Sylvania, Ohio with his loving family by his side, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Born March 10, 1962, in Garden City, Michigan, Tim was the son of Albert Hawkins and Alice Friar.

Tim graduated from Lakeland High School in 1980 where he lettered in football. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in 1999 and his master’s degree in literature in 2014, both from Eastern Michigan University. While at EMU he ran track.

He married Kristi Kaminski on June 19, 2004, and together they built a life filled with love and laughter.

A dedicated educator, Tim taught at Dundee Community Schools for 28 years, where he touched the lives of countless students and colleagues through his commitment to learning, literature, and community.

A lover of music, a devoted teacher, a true literature junkie, and a first-time Papa to William, Tim lived with an open heart and an easygoing spirit. He found joy in the rhythm of song, the beauty of a well-written story, the simple peace of a yard lovingly tended and tranquility on the golf course.

He was content being in the background, except when it came to sharing his love of music. Watching his energy come alive was just as entertaining as the songs he sang in the band of which he was a member, Temperance Tonic. In those moments, his joy was unmistakable and contagious.

Known affectionately as the “pool boy,” he brought care, humor, and pride to the everyday things that made life feel like home. His rainbow-and-butterfly mentality reflected the way he chose to see the world—with color, hope, and lightness.

Tim is survived by his wife, Kristi; daughter, Riley (William Leicht); grandson, William; his parents, Albert Hawkins and Alice Morgan; his father and mother-in-law, Chuck and Ronnie Kaminski; sister, Tee (Rick) Bretz; brother, Michael (Lorena) Hawkins; and many nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered for his kindness, his calm presence, his love of learning, and the quiet way he made life brighter for those around him.

In keeping with Tim’s wishes, cremation has been held. On Tuesday, June 2, 2026 memorial visitation will be held at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. Monroe, Michigan, 48161 beginning at 4:00 pm where a memorial service celebrating Tim’s life will be held that evening at 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Dundee Community Schools Scholarship Fund or Gilda’s Club, 1806 Bridge Street N.W. Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49504.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.