Tim Watabe Family Memorial

Please join me in supporting a long-time friend of mine, Tim Watabe, who tragically passed away this weekend in a rock climbing accident.  Money raised will go directly to Tim's wife Joleene and his four children to help with the unexpected memorial expenses and ongoing costs associated with raising a family.

The first time I met Tim was in the parking lot outside the stairwell at Wymount Terrace – the famous “rabbit hutch” married housing at BYU.  We were moving in and I had a truck full of all my earthly possessions that needed to be hauled up a couple flights of stairs.  Tim had a basketball under his arm and was headed out for what I’m sure was a serious game of hoops but the second I got out of the truck he and Barry Henline came right up and introduced themselves and offered to help.  We didn’t know each other from Adam but at that moment I could tell that this was the start of a great friendship.  While at Wymount we played more volleyball out in the quad than I can remember and spent time hanging out and playing games late at night instead of studying for finals or writing that  school papers that were due the next day.  One time  we all went fishing together at a small pond up Manti Canyon.  The fishing was ok but the highlight of the trip was seeing Tim strip down to his shorts and run fill tilt down the bank and jump into the freezing water.  Classic Tim!  Always looking for an adventure and ways to make memories.  He was always good for a story.  Over the year’s we’ve had several reunions with our little Wymount friend group and I’m amazed, but not surprised, to learn of some crazy or offbeat thing Tim had done.  I knew he liked to surf but I never realized until now that he could give Kelly Slater a run for his money.  I was looking forward to our next get-together and talking to him about my recent surfing adventure at Huntington Beach and how the waves handed me my trash.  I seem to recall Tim had surfed there and I wanted to compare notes.   I can picture the grin on Tim’s face as I told him all about it and how we’d have a good laughing at my expense but I also can picture him giving me all kinds of tips and tricks for the next time I grabbed a board.  It’s been bitter sweet reading about the impact Tim had on so many people.  He was as caring and concerned for others' well being and success as he was for living life to the fullest which for Tim was really one in the same.  For most people it takes a lifetime to reach that pinnacle and fortunately Tim didn’t waste any time getting down to the business of what really matters – faith, family, and friends.  Godspeed to you Tim and God bless your family.