Charles Timothy Gugan, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26th at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare with his wife, Robin, by his side. He is survived by his son, Kevin, daughter, Colleen, sisters, Dot and Marlene, brother, Dick and a slew of nieces and nephews who love him. He is predeceased by his father, Charles, mother, Catherine, sister, Cathy and brother, Bill.
Tim grew up in Detroit, Michigan, number 5 in a loving family of 6 kids. He studied marketing at Wayne State University. He sold medical products for 3-M and then moved into Sales Management with Radiometer. In 1985 he moved to New Jersey to join his sister, Cathy and her husband, Bill, in their Specialty Food importing business.
Tim met Robin at a “Doubles for Singles” indoor tennis club. They soon were inseparable, and were married in 1986 after he learned how to waltz for their wedding.
In 2003 Tim was diagnosed with severe arterial problems. He required an immediate quadruple by-pass. After that scare they decided to retire early and move to Wilmington, with its warm weather and wonderful beaches. They built a home in Magnolia Greens in Leland and had a lot of joy turning their backyard into a beautiful oasis. Tim loved playing golf and tennis and making new friends. But he wanted to “give back” in some way. They found a church home at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Wilmington, which led the couple to several outreach programs. Tim started by cooking at Good Shepherd’s Ministries and moved on to serve on the Board at Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. He ran Food Drives and also worked on the Empty Bowls program. Tim’s whole heart and soul went into any project he tackled. He thrived on meeting new people. His friendliness and enthusiasm at the UUCW Welcome Table encouraged many new guests to visit again.
Tim loved to sing. In his youth, his family would often sing hymns together around the piano. He sang in church choirs, for weddings, and even with the Michigan Opera. He melted Robin’s heart when he sang “Evergreen” to her at their wedding. Tim was thrilled to find out that Wilmington had a Barbershop Harmony Society and has been a proud member of the “Cape Fear Chordsmen” for 17 years. He loved being part of a quartet when they sang to individuals on Valentine’s Day. He also sang with the UUCW church choir and the Carolina Bay Chorus.
And dancing – Tim and Robin continued taking lessons and became members of The Cotillion Club and the Over 50’s Dance Club. Tim held officer positions with both associations for many years. The couple felt blessed to be able to take many dance cruises together and also take trips with family members.
As Tim’s health issues increased, they decided to move to an apartment at Carolina Bay and had five terrific years there together. Tim remained upbeat and was thrilled to make so many new friends. He always had a positive attitude even in the face of adversity. He lived his life to the fullest with few regrets. He fought the good fight. He finished the race. He was loved and respected by all. What better legacy. He will be missed.
A Zoom Celebration of Life will be held 2pm Thursday, July 16, 2020 at https://zoom.us/j/97988248274
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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st St., Wilmington NC 28403
910.791.9099
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