Timothy Vern Moore, P.E.

Timothy Vern Moore, P. E., 77, of Carmel, IN died peacefully on July 3, 2020 in St. Petersburg, FL with his wife and children by his side. He was born to Vern and Esther Moore in St. Joseph, MI on July 13, 1942. Tim graduated from South Bend Central H. S. and attended Purdue University, earning a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1965. After working for various A/E firms, he started his own company, Moore Engineers, P. C. in 1988, and sold it after 24 years of exceptional projects to a national engineering firm. Some of his most notable designs include Lucas Oil Stadium, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the Conrad Hotel, I. U. Basketball Facility, the Forum at Fishers, and the Marriott Convention Centers in Indianapolis and Louisville. Tim was well respected and considered an expert in his field for over a half of a century and left his mark in Indianapolis and across the country.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan, and children, Kimberly (Michael) Koch, Kelly Payton and Brian (Lauryn) Moore, six talented grandsons, whom he dearly loved, and five siblings. His passion was his family. He was a great story teller for all ages. In later life, he loved to travel, spend time with family and friends, and play golf with his wife. He will be missed by many but is now pain free and earning those hole-in-ones on his heavenly golf course.

Due to COVID, a private ceremony will be held. Donations can be made at Simon Cancer Center for GU research www.cancer.iu.edu/giving in his name.

Tim's Eulogies:

Kimberly's Eulogy for her dad:

Good afternoon. With this being such an intimate gathering due to the Coronavirus – I am going to assume you somewhat knew Tim Moore. My name is Kim and I am the oldest of his three children. At other people’s funerals, my dad would often wonder if he would have a good turnout at his memorial. Dad would be overwhelmed with today’s attendance. Thank you all so much for coming and spending your Saturday evening helping us to celebrate the life of Timothy Vern Moore.

Twenty-five years ago, I got to know the professional side of Tim when I worked for him. He took great pride in his professional accomplishments and successes. If dad were writing his own eulogy, I think he would list his successes as: the huge national projects he was instrumental in and how he was a self-made man from humble roots. BUT – as Sir Winston Churchill once said, “My most brilliant achievement was my ability to persuade my wife to marry me.” Su was the love of his life and made him feel giddy and proud to have his beautiful bride on his arm. The first time I got to see him happy was not until the age of fifteen when he and Su started dating and then eventually married. But I digress. Moving on …

I was very fortunate to know Tim first as dad and more recently as a friend (after the teenage years of course).

In no particular order – dad was a provider, a protector, a hard worker, and a superb salesman. He was a great waltz dancer, very intelligent, and the consummate gentleman (most of the time). He had a strong sense of perseverance along with an unstoppable work ethic. He was a disciplinarian, he did not abide by lying or stealing, and he would tell you he was a POLISH CATHOLIC. He had big feet and a crushing handshake. He took his roles in life seriously – good son, role model oldest brother, excellent student, loving husband, breadwinner, and a father that always provided.

He believed in being strong even when you didn’t feel it, no crying and never, never, never quit. He said to never start a fight but always be sure to finish it. If he told me once, he told me a thousand times: family will ALWAYS be there when no one else is and when it comes to friends – always take quality over quantity.

Having told you who he was – some of my favorite memories with him are in the snow whether sledding or skiing – he LOVED the snow. I would always call him on the first snowfall to see what he was doing and where he was. He was always able to calm us down during thunderstorms or bad dreams in the middle of the night. Some of his truly remarkable calm moments that he handled so well as a dad were when I told him I was going to attend Indiana University rather than his alma mater, Purdue University. When I told dad I couldn’t go through the Catholic Confirmation Sacrament because I was conflicted, he told me it was okay so long as we did not tell grandma (his mom). I also loved the Baskin Robbins ice cream runs for no special reason (ice cream always put my dad in a really good mood). Watching the Carol Burnett show, MASH, Johnny Carson Tonight Show and George Carlin. Listening to Willie Nelson, Beach Boys, Beatles and Johnny Cash. Not so favorite times for me? Watching Hogan’s Heroes, Hee Haw, and golf.

He taught me to cook, sew, iron, clean house, (yes, you know it - all the womanly household duties). BUT - he also taught me how to cut the grass, drive stick shift, and tie a tie (he thought it was cool for women to know how to tie their man’s tie). He also thought it was the sign of a real woman if she could sip scotch – sorry dad, never could get that one down.

We always think our parents should be perfect, but then along comes maturity and possible parenthood. Inevitably, grace towards our human parents and their mistakes comes next.

In the end – anyone can be a father, but not everyone can be a dad. Dad was definitely human but thank the Lord after my teenage years, I got to see him through an adult parent’s perspective and I truly appreciate the sacrifices he made as well as the tough love even while knowing I was not going to like him at that point in time. I can also respect the generation gap and really the gender gap we struggled through in the earlier years yet eventually laughed at in the later years together.

Dad – I will miss your big smile and hearty laugh, your mesmerizing storytelling, your childlike love of holidays, vacations and snow, your unsolicited advice, and your shouted driving directions. May you reunite with your parents, play some cards and drink coffee together. May you rest in peace and be pain-free. But most of all – may you know how much you were loved and that you left a great legacy of a loved and well-cared-for wife, three successful children and six healthy grandsons.

With love, Berly Woman (a.k.a. Kimberly)


Kelly's Eulogy for her Dad:

Dearest guests, family and cherished friends:

Su, Kimberly, me, Brian and our families thank you for being here to honor my father‘s life. I once heard it said of man, “The idea is to die young as late as possible”. At age 77, a favorite past time of Timothy Vern Moore was firing up his motorcycle-he loved opening up that incredible Harley Davidson Sportster 883 to fly-joyfully fly-out onto one of our favorite rides out to Morse Reservoir and yell out to me, riding adjacent to Dad on my Harley Davidson Fat Boy, “Let’s Riiide, baby!” laughing his head off with his 1000 watt smile , bigger than the open back roads we so loved to travel together. On road trips, we would always crank up and sing along with dad‘s very favorite: his beloved Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.

In Dad’s last year of his life, he took great delight when his closest pal , Steve Overbeck, smuggled gin and tonics into their patio visits, two great friends talking and laughing about guy stuff. Steve, thank you for being such an amazing friend to my very best friend.

To Dad’s very last days, his life was instructive. As he aged, he taught us how to grow old with dignity, humor and kindness -and when the good Lord finally called, how to meet Him with courage and with joy in the promise of what lies ahead. One reason Dad knew how to die young is that he almost did it twice. The first diagnosis of his cancer in ‘ 98 , and the second battle over a decade later.

God answered our prayers to save him both times. It turned out that he had other plans for Timothy Vern Moore. For dad’s part, I think those brushes with death made him cherish the gift of life, and dad vowed to live every day of his life to the fullest.

Dad was always busy, a man in constant motion who had two settings: full throttle or sleep , passed out cold in his favorite recliner. Though Dad thrived on being busy, he was never too busy for his greatest love and passion of his life: his family. Once confined to his walker, he seemed happiest sitting on his favorite perch on the back porch at home, contemplating the majesty of the sunshine and fresh air outdoors. The horizons he saw there were bright and hopeful. He was a genuinely optimistic man, and that optimism guided his children and made each of us believe that anything we dreamed was possible.

Dad could relate to people from all walks of life. He was an empathetic man. He valued character above all other traits. He was no cynic. He looked for the good in each person-and he usually found it.

In victory, my Dad shared credit. When he lost, he shouldered the blame. He accepted that failure is part of living a full life, but taught us never ever to be defined by failure. He showed us how setbacks can strengthen.

Dad loved to laugh, especially with his closest friends- his brothers and sisters. My aunts, uncles and Dad, “The Original Six” as we referred to them, had a closeness as siblings that is beyond rare these days, and truly something so special to each one of them. I know that my Grandmother Esther and Grandfather Vern Moore are rejoicing in their reunion with their firstborn, “Timmy“, and I picture them all together, around our beloved family table, laughing and chewing the fat over their average 10 pots of coffee.

Dad could tease and needle, but never out of malice. He placed great value on a good joke. On phone and emails he had a circle of friends and family with whom he shared or received the latest jokes. The huge winners- most of them off-color- would send him into belting out that infectious laugh that made the world a much better place just hearing it.

Timothy Moore knew how to be a true and loyal friend. He honored and nurtured his many friendships with his generous and giving soul. I cherish many handwritten notes, cards and letters encouraging me through my undergraduate and graduate years. He was so proud that we were both graduates of Purdue University and that we shared that bond. In later years, I saw dad in the audience at my commencement; that loving smile with his loving eyes full of tears, yelling out with both fists waving in the air, “Hey, that’s my baby girl!” when I received my MBA. Dad always made me feel that I could move mountains. His approval, and my making him proud of me, was of paramount importance to me throughout my life. He had an enormous capacity to give of himself. Many a person would tell you that Dad became a mentor and a father figure in their life. My three beautiful sons, first and foremost. Grandpa listened, taught, loved, helped and consoled. When my sons had their grandpa there at anything that mattered to them, they felt like they could move the very earth by hearing him yell, “Hey, buddy boy!” Grandpa was our favorite and most important cheerleader. His firstborn grandson, the oldest of my three sons, I proudly gave him my Dad’s name: Skyler Timothy. My younger two, additionally, Cade Michael and Riley Rhys, they lit up my Dad’s life like he was a kid all over again. My sons adored our real life superhero with an invisible cape. We did everything together, with grandma and grandpa living just blocks away for 14 years. We got the very best years of grandpa, and I’m so thankful that my sons lives were touched by my Dad’s shining light.

My Dad was a great father-in-law, also. I was blessed to meet the love of my life, my husband of 12 years, Greg, who ironically also graduated from Purdue University in the school of engineering just like dad. Dad and Greg shared their mutual love of engineering and doing “manly stuff”, like working on all 3 of our motorcycles , and projects on both of our houses. Dad just loved listening to Greg’s piano and guitar playing. He was amazed and always wished he had learnEd to play. Their friendship and common interests shared was very special to witness.

Dad taught us what it meant to be a wonderful father and grandfather. He was firm in his principles and supportive as we begin to seek our own ways. He encouraged and comforted, drove and pushed, but never steered. We tested his patience- I know I did-but he always responded with the greatest gift of that unconditional love.

In the pre-dawn hours of July 3rd , when I was told that he only had hours to live, I leaned over many times through the night to hold his hand and kiss his cheeks, whispering, “Dad, I love you. You’ve been the best and most wonderful father.” To me, he was as close to perfect as a man could ever be. The most important person in my life-the first man I ever loved, and my very best friend. We were close beyond measure abd he was my hero.

Finally, every day of their 40 years of marriage, Dad taught us all what it means to be a great husband. He married his sweetheart, and he adored her completely. He laughed and cried with her. He was dedicated to her totally, and cherished his bride Su, “The love of my life”, he would always gush about her.

Dad, we will always remember you for the immense, beautiful love that you gave to us all. Your family will carry out your legacy of love and keep you close in our hearts all the rest of our days. We are going to remember you for exactly that and so much more.

We are going to miss you, Dad. Your decency, sincerity and kind soul will stay with us forever. So, through our tears, let us see the blessings of knowing and loving you, a great and noble man, and the best father a daughter or son could ever have. And in our grief, let us smile, knowing that Dad is in pain and suffering no more, and that he is hugging and holding his mother’s and father’s hands once more, and the three of them are laughing, talking, and singing.... with Johnny Cash playing in the background.

Your Loving Daughter,


Kelly


Dad’s Eulogy by Brian:

First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone for traveling the distances required to attend this celebration of life for my father, especially in the middle of a global pandemic. My father’s love languages were a mix of “words of affirmation” and “acts of service,” so I’m sure he’s tickled in heaven to see the effort made by so many and the kind words conveyed on his behalf.
In struggling to find the words to properly eulogize my dad, I figured it would be appropriate to start & end with a quote. Theodore Roosevelt stated that “There are many kinds of success in life worth having. It is exceedingly interesting and attractive to be a successful business man, or railway man, or farmer, or a successful lawyer or doctor; or a writer, or a President, or a ranchman, or the colonel of a fighting regiment, …But for unflagging interest and enjoyment, a household of happy children, if things go reasonably well, certainly makes all other forms of success and achievement lose their importance by comparison.” By this standard Timothy Vern Moore lived a successful life, one others only could have dreamed of. Not because he was the first in his family to attend college and graduate from a prestigious university like Purdue, setting the standard for other Moores to follow suite, nor was it because he built his own engineering firm, consulting on some of the most significant buildings in the city of Indianapolis’ skyline. No, Tim Moore was a success because of the family man he always was. He was a loyal brother to his siblings, and a son that made his parents proud. He was an endearing uncle to his countless nieces and nephews, a loving husband to my mother, and an almost zealously proud father and strong example to Kim, Kelly, and myself, and quite possibly, and even prouder grandfather.
When thinking of the aspects of my father that I will miss and remember the most, they are unquestioningly the talks that I was blessed to have with him. Even though we didn’t always agree on everything, I knew that there was always one person I could call at the end of the day who would have my back no matter the outcome. Even if I failed miserably, my dad would encourage me to remember my value and the support my family has always shown in my life’s aspirations. I will miss the devotion and loyalty my dad had towards all members of our family. It seemed that he was always there to support an important life event for any of his family members. This devoted nature inevitably spilled over to the people that were fortunate enough to work for him. When asking a former employee of my dad’s what it was like to work for him, they simply stated “he was loyal and generous.”
I am proud that this is how he will be remembered. In a society that promotes self over others, Tim Moore was a talented man of generosity, loyalty, and devotion. Not just to his family, but to everyone. He set a high standard, he positively impacted his professional industry, he loved hard, and he proved that even late in life one can grow in their faith. I believe those qualities of my dad’s personality, and reminiscing on the blessings of his life, was what was on his heart the last day I spoke to him on the phone while he overlooked the Florida waterfront view, before he was admitted to the hospital. I called him to see how his trip to Florida was going, we caught up on life, work, and family. I asked him how he was feeling, knowing that everyday was a hard fought battle. It was then he spoke his final words to me and it is the quote only fitting to end this eulogy and a summation of a life well lived, “I’m great” he said “no complaints, no complaints, I love you.”

Sue's Eulogy for Tim

Tim and I are honored and humbled by the number of family and friends here from a far during these difficult COVID times. Timothy has siblings from Jeffersonville, Chicago, and Dayton. His Godchild, Jennifer, her family and Matt are here from Arizona and nephew Andrew and family from Washington. Our daughter Kelly and family have traveled from Colorado. Multiple nephews have traveled from Louisville. Brian’s wife parents, Jason and Shelly, arrived from Montana.
Timothy cherished his special time with many unbelievable people the past few years. His children were always close by with Kel calling often and making surprise visits. Brian kept his Father inform of his Navy activities with also special visits from Virginia Beach. Kim made routine calls and traveled with him to many of his doctors’ appointments which were frequent. His siblings were always there with Dan, Sandra and Joe calling often from their homes in other cities. Pat came for their coffee times and Carolyn had special times at the kitchen and outdoor table over a cup of coffee. Gerry, Carolyn’s husband, spent many hours just talking with Tim during his multiple hospital admissions with Starbucks’ coffee and a chocolate chip cookie. His friends were so dedicated- Dennis with many calls and visits to him as a couple. Phi joined him for breakfast often. Dawn and Bruce were always there to boast his spirits. Bob and Diane connected with concerned calls to update his progress with treatments. Then there was his cohort in crime Steve who he often saw biweekly. Steve promised to bring him salt behind my back. Stevo joined with him for many gin cocktails and often he would bring his homemade beef stew. Timothy cherished his relationship with his close circle of friends.

My sweetheart was my warrior whose spirit fought another month and then another month and another year. He wanted so much to live to see his grandchildren grow and leave their mark. In the end, his body was not able to stand the continual insults from his cancer, his constant pain and heart failure. I could not have found a better partner that loved me so hard. We were lucky for the many special times these past years because we both knew his life was a gift. Those days when he slept in his hospital bed at home to relieve his back pain, I would rest beside him with both holding each other’s hand through the night. Those were special time for both of us.
His fatherly love for his children was without end amen. He would always take the extra 100 miles for all of them. When we first meet I thought he is such a great Dad and Mother – watching over his two special girls and then Brian - guiding them through their life’s path. This loved rolled over to all of his older grandchildren. Skyler, Cade and Riley and Garrett. They learned early some of his off color stories and phrases. His nick names for them were many Skyman, Cado, Ridog and shooter Garrett. Eli became buddy boy. Tim was able to finally meet Lukas on several extended Virginia Beach visits.
I was the lucky one to meet him on a blind date. He swept me away with his family values, intellect and pure drive in anything he did and his beautiful daughters. I soon became a second mom and loved them as my own. Tim’s greatest joy was to keep me on my toes with off color comments – I would always remind him he married me for mind.
My sweetheart came from a very humble background. His father would be proud of his accomplishments. . He was the first to be college bound in his extended family. His company, Moore Engineers, grew quickly and his financial advisor Andrea became his endearing friend. Tim made his mark as a capable creative engineer in the city, state and across the country with outstanding buildings. I love how we always went to the lower floors to see just what made each building work. One of his loves was the smell of the ice at ice arenas. He wanted to leave a sports venue for children in the cit. He talked to a group of hockey parents lamenting about not enough up-to-date rinks in the city. He said I can fix this and he built the Fisher’s rink. His energy and ideas had no bounds.
Timothy was the true traditional family man providing always for his wife and children. He supported me in my endeavors as a faculty member in the university and my own educational directions. I was grateful for his loving support.
Most important was his walk with Jesus the past several years. He dedicated his life to him. Coming from a more private Catholic background his conversations with me were personal of where God purpose was in his personal life. His last months fits scriptures from Matthew 11:25, Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble at heart and you will find rest for your soul. I know Timothy found peace at the end of his struggle with metastatic bone cancer.
Thanks for celebrating a life well lived.