Timothy James Kewin

Grawn – Timothy James Kewin, “Papa”, 76, of Grawn, Michigan, formerly of Horton, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, in Traverse City surrounded by his loving family. Born in Detroit on August 30, 1949, to Donald Raymond and Shirla Delphine (Shelley), his life exemplified dedication to family and service to others. Tim was a 1967 graduate of Melvindale High School and a Navy veteran. He married the love of his life, Barbara Garity, on August 9, 1974, in Detroit. He moved his family, now including sons Tim and Brendan and daughter Brigid, to Horton in 1980. Tim was a railroad police officer for over 20 years, working both in Jackson and Detroit. Tim’s quick wit and gregarious personality served him well in a second career in sales. He coached youth sports in the Jackson area for 13 years, and he was a fixture at Lumen Christi games while his kids attended school there. Upon their retirement, he and Barb moved “up north” to their home on Duck Lake peninsula. His grandchildren were his world, and he loved to attend his grandchildren’s games, races and concerts. The same dedication he showed to his children was transferred to his grandkids. If he couldn’t be at a game or event, he was following along online or calling afterwards to get a recap, always with words of encouragement. He spent his last 7 years splitting time between Perdido Key, Florida and Duck Lake peninsula. He loved hosting family and was always up early to cook breakfast for everyone. Tim was an avid reader - he loved good music, corny jokes, and telling stories. He had a tool for everything and loved to tinker on his projects. He enjoyed visits to the beach at Sleeping Bear and Frankfort with his family, watching the Blue Angels while sitting on his deck in Perdido Key, and visiting his grandkids in New Orleans. He was famous for his “Papa” stories, and he put a smile on the face of everyone he spoke with. Tim was preceded in death by his parents and brother, William “Bill” Kewin. Tim is survived by his wife of 51 years Barbara; their children Tim (Bridget) of Dexter, Brendan of Mandeville, Louisiana, and Brigid (Matt) Rowbotham of Traverse City. His beloved grandchildren are Emelia, Ava, Patrick, Maggie, Elizabeth, Katherine, and Olivia. His surviving siblings are Thomas (Judy) Kewin of Pinellas Park, Florida, Sue (Glenn) Currie of Baltimore, Maryland, Lori Kewin of Allen Park, and Jeremy Kewin of Melvindale. He is also survived by his aunt Barbara Millard of Livonia, his uncle Joel (Crispin) Shelley of Vancouver, British Columbia, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Papa wanted everyone to know he was incredibly grateful for the life he led and that people are good. The family would like to extend special thanks to all the Doctors, Nurses, and staff at Munson Hospital in Traverse City, Specialty Hospital in Ann Arbor, Munson Home Care, and Illumia Health. Tim will be interred at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida this Spring. We will have a celebration of life for Tim on May 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at 7185 Ryan Road, Whitmore Lake, Michigan. Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to Munson Healthcare Foundations. We ask that you consider adding your name to the Donor Registry List to give the gift of life, just like Tim did.

Timothy James Kewin

August 30, 1949 - December 17, 2025