Timothy Aaron Dahl
September 13, 1974 - October 14, 2008
Obituary
Former Juneau resident Timothy A. Dahl died in Seattle on October 14, 2008. He was 34.
Tim was born on September 13, 1974 in Juneau, Alaska to Craig E. Dahl and Kathy Dahl/Taylor He graduated from Juneau Douglas High School in 1993 and from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in Bio-chemistry in 1998.
Tim worked as a bioinformathetician at Nanostring Technologies in Seattle. Tim had been with Nanostring since its inception and was involved in the research and development of revolutionary technology that enables the identification and quantification of individual target molecules in a biological sample by attaching a color coded fluorescent reporter to each target molecule. This approach is similar to the concept of measuring inventory by scanning barcodes except on a molecular level.
Tim was an excellent photographer, enjoyed the outdoors and was an independent thinker known for his ability to argue a point with passion and complete dedication. The last two years Tim’s focus has been on being a great father to his daughter.
Tim’s family, friends and coworkers will miss him tremendously, and will all Endeavour to honor his wishes that his daughter grow up being taught to question the things around her and to look beyond the easy answers. He would want her to explore and challenge the rules of our existence.
Tim was preceded in death by his grandparents George and Ona McKee.
Tim is survived by his 2 year old daughter Bibi Appaline Brown, his Father Craig Dahl Stepmother Leslie Dahl , Mother Kathy Taylor, Sister Kristin Dahl partner Jake Gundersen, Grandparents Craig and Joan Dahl, Stepbrother Jason Cameron, Aunt Jane Bohon husband Tom, and Cousin Keoki Dahl.
A Celebration of Life is being held Saturday October 25, 2008 at 1pm at Shilshole Bay Beach Club in Seattle, Washington. Tim loved the outdoors, spent hours on the beach in that very area, and one of his favorite pastimes of flying kites will be honored as part of the Celebration of Life. A remembrance gathering will be held in Juneau at a later date. Contributions in his memory can be made to the educational trust fund for Bibi Brown at Smith Barney 3031 Clinton Drive, Juneau, Ak 99801.
Tim was a good friend and a trusted colleague. We worked together briefly at the University of Colorado, and had many memorable times outside of work. I always felt lucky when I could spend time with him. Tim had so many hobbies and interests that he rarely rested. When he did, philosophical debates were the typical result and fundamental questions were pondered, sometimes until the early morning. I felt that Tim was a kindred spirit, with the burden of thoughtfulness, but without the burden of inertia. When he left for Seattle again, I always felt we would have the chance to be close again someday. I did not hear of his passing until well after the fact. Knowing that now, I realize the world has lost some portion of its’ richness. Tim was a wonderful human and a pleasure to have known. For his close friends and family, I am truly sorry, your burden must be great.
Tim would have wanted us all to carry on, but that is easier said than done.
Matt Brenton
I feel fortunate to have known Tim so well. He infused me with his inquisitive nature, and I am a better scientist because of him. It was so wonderful to hear those tales at the celebration of his life, and I feel more connected to him knowing these intimate details. A friend, mentor, and an inspiration for my life…I miss you dearly, Tim!
I haven’t talked to Tim for years, but once you have known him, you love him forever. I have missed him and I have missed all of you. There was a time that he saved my life, and knowing him made me a better person. You seldom meet people as GOOD as Tim–his active mind, his passionate heart, his true friendship. His friends always knew they could count on him, and could always trust him. He will always live in the love we feel for him, and the changed people we are because of him.
I feel profoundly grateful that I got to know Tim in this life. He was such a kind, generous, brilliant, passionate, fun loving guy who was just larger than life. He is one of the best friends that I have ever had both in work and my personal life over the years and the void that he leaves behind is tremendous. We all miss him terribly.
May our Good Lord give you strenght, peace, and confort in theses times. Our prayers go out to such a wonderful family.
NanoString Technologies mourns the loss of Tim. He was a great colleague who brought intelligence, passion and enthusiasm to all of our projects. He has contributed greatly to the success of this company and will be terribly missed. I am sorry that I only got to work with Tim for such a short time. It will not be the same without Tim’s big smile and terrific wit. My deepest condolences to Tim’s family and friends. We miss you Tim.
Dear Kathy and family,
Please know that I am praying for your strength. There is never enough words to express my sorrow for your lose.
When you arrive in Juneau for the memorial, please let me know if there is anything that I can do. I would be very happy to help in anyway that is needed. I have a few extra bedrooms and a lot of hugs to share if needed. Please call 789-0816 or 723-5433 if you need anything. I love you Kathy. Please take care of yourself during this terrible time.
Carol
Tim was such a delight to work with. He was so smart and thoughtful and funny and kind, I feel lucky to have known him. We will miss him terribly.
To The Entire Family of Tim Dahl
I’m so sorry to hear of Tim’s passing. He was a great kid, one you can be very proud of. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Myrna McDougal
Kristin, I cannot express the deep sadness I feel for you and your family. Reading about Tim in his memorial, sounded like reading about you–questioning how things are done, approaching life and the world with total involvement and a keen intelligence. So Tim’s spirit lives on in you and your life. I’m so sorry for you and your family. With love, Holly
The loss of a brother/ son is very hard. I know this all too well. Tim’s life lives on in that of his daughter. Know her, love her, and visit her often. Very sorry for your loss.
My most heartfelt condolences to all of Tim’s family. I truly enjoyed working with Tim at NanoString. His knowledge contributed vastly to our technology and his perspective helped to shape our culture.
Craig, Leslie, Kristin and family – My heart aches for you at this time of loss. We are praying for all of you and hope that you will find comfort and peace during this difficult time. Bob and Becky Baxter and family
Dear Craig, Leslie, Kristen, Jason and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you every day and wishing I could be there to give you a big hug.
Love,
Lynn
My sincere condolences are with all of Tim’s family at this tragically sad time. I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Tim for two and a half years in Colorado. The world has lost an insightful, inspiring and brilliant man.
Dear Craig, Leslie, Kathy, Kristin, Jake, Aunt Joan, Uncle Craig, Jason, Jane, Tom and Keoki, We wish we had lived closer to fully appreciate what an articulate, brilliant young man Tim was. We look forward to seeing Bibi grow to carry on his legacy. His family has aways shown that love can never die. Love to all.
Dear Kathy,
Barb Coate just called me with the news about your son, Tim. I am so very sorry. I know you were close to your children. I do not know your current address. Forgive me for not keeping in touch with you. Your phone number is listed in the phone book, but when I called I got a recording. Please contact me either by phone 907-789-2831 or e-mail bduncan@gci.net. You are in my prayers. Again, I am so sorry. May you be comforted by the many warm thoughts of those who care.
Dear Kathy and Craig and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our children are forever precious. Much love, Brita & Al, JJ & Brent Vollenweider
Dear Craig and Leslie..So sorry to hear about your son, Tim..Our best to you at this time..Jerry and Milly
Hi Kristin,
I am sorry.I wish I could go and see you with my mom. Lars and Wade do too. Love Elliot.
We are so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Timmy – You will live on in my memory long after your passing. I miss you buddy!
Shane
I only knew Tim for a few short months, but I worked closely with him and got to know him well in that short of a time. Learning of his passing was a shock to me, and his spirit will be dearly missed.
Craig and family, there simply are no words to express my sadness over your loss of Tim. Know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Tim was a valuable and fun colleague to work with. He thought deeply about his work and the world around him. His sense of humor was infectious and his laughter will be greatly missed.
We at Nanostring are profoundly saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague. Tim not only contributed in a huge and ongoing way to the development and success of our products, he added light, life, fun and reality to our world. Tim, we miss you!
We are so sorry to hear of Tim’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
We are so sad to hear of Tim’s passing. We remember him in Juneau as such a bright and lively kid. Our hearts go out to his family for we shall all miss him greatly.
Dear Kristin and family,
I am sincerely sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you. If there is anything I can do, maybe work wise, to help during this hard time, please let me know.
Condolences,
Veronique.
Craig & Leslie, Kathy & Kristan, Joan & Craig, Jane & family and Jason…our love and support reach across the miles now and always.
With Love,
Terry and Roger Shattuck
BiBi,Kathy,Kristin, Craig and Leslie, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in hopes that you find an inner peace during this time of your loss. with love and prayers Lisa Ibias and Family
My heart goes out to you, Craig, Leslie, Kathy, Kristin, Jason and all those who loved Tim. I’m so glad I got to watch him grow up to be such a talented, intelligent man. Several years ago, Tim gave me a tour of his lab and his pride and enthusiasm in the research they were conducting was evident and contagious. His intellectual curiosity will live on in Bibi.
My thoughts, prayers and much love are with you all. Tim will be missed; he enriched our lives so very much.
Tim, you were always so fun to have around. You had a gift for being so enthusiastic and totally present in each moment of what you were doing….that gift will live on in Bibi.
I was truly shocked and sorry to learn about Tim’s passing. I had the honor to work with him at the University of Colorado Medical School before he moved back to Seattle. I remember us raising orphaned lab rats, solving Google math challenges, figuring out how to fold origami flower, and him helping me rewire a wall outlet. He is a man with a big heart, energetic, inquisitive, intelligent, passionate, thoughtful, and funny. Although he has moved on, his infectious laughter will always remain in our hearts. I am grateful to get to know such a wonderful human being, it’s so unfair that his life was cut short.
Patrick Li