... Apprentice gardener

If there is any doubt that Timm surrendered, grew and then thrived under the direction of the Master Sower mentioned above, I submit the following articles which appeared in the Salem Statesman Journal and Stayton Mail in the days following Timm's death.

To me they provide abundant evidence how wounds can become wombs of life, that suffering can seed healing, that much can be made of exactly what we are given.That is the work of the wounded healer, which Timm obviously was.

The gardening metaphor - that of tending seed that falls on fertile ground -- is an apt one for the latter years of Timm's short life. He took so many glorious pictures of the Oregon Garden, such as the one included with this post. He was careful and learned with his craft, and its end was the healing touch of beauty. I understand he talked of wanting to start a garden of his own. Certainly he reached out to love the living world in a way that shows a deep and abiding husbandry.

In his presence and now absence, the call is the same to us: to live, to love, to say Yes -- and give it all back.

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Remembering a public servant, journalist

Salem Statesman Journal, 4/23/2008

A lot of men and women make the Mid-Valley a special place. Timm O'Cobhthaigh, who died Friday morning of a heart attack at age 44, was one of them.

Love of nature and love of photography combined in one of his great passions, nature photography - a talent that shone through his many photographs for the Oregon Garden and Oregon State Parks.

He freelanced photos to the Statesman Journal for years. And he faithfully chronicled the lives of East Valley residents from about 2000 to 2004, when he worked as a reporter and photographer for the Silverton Appeal Tribune and the Stayton Mail.

At his memorial service on Monday, people who knew him primarily as a journalist were amazed to learn of another side of his life. A 16-year member of Alcoholics Anonymous, O'Cobhthaigh had stayed sober and inspired others to do so, his friends said. He also co-founded Lakepoint Community Care, a nonprofit drug- and alcohol-outreach center in Salem to serve low-income people.

Last year, O'Cobhthaigh started working as a district aide for U.S. Congresswoman Darlene Hooley. The job let him make fresh use of his social-work education and his passion for helping those in need. He assisted Fifth District constituents with problems involving nursing-home care, health insurance and Medicare, among other issues. He was instrumental in helping draft Hooley's anti-meth program.

O'Cobhthaigh left behind magnificent color nature portraits that lift the spirits of viewers; and he left hundreds of newspaper clippings that families will treasure in scrapbooks for years to come. He likely changed lives, even if he didn't live to hear about it.

Our sympathy goes to his family and his many friends.

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This follow-up note was sent to the editor after the publication of this piece:

Thank you for the remembrance about Timm O'Cobhthaigh - a wonderful friend, business associate and service partner whom we had the privilege of knowing

While honoring Timm, remembering the "why" behind his actions is important. He was a man who lived his faith and took action because of his great desire to do the will of God. If Timm was to be remembered for one thing, that would be the only thing of importance to him.

He did live a life of service, living and loving and touching lives. It was the mission and meaning of his life, and for those who know Timm it was a large missing piece in your tribute.


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Former photographer remembered fondly

Stayton Mail
April 23, 2008

Through the years, many men and women have become part of East Valley life as reporters, photographers and editors for the Silverton Appeal Tribune and the Stayton Mail. Timm O'Cobhthaigh, who died Friday morning of a heart attack at age 44, was special.

He may have taken your photo or covered your sports event while he worked for the East Valley papers from about 2000 to 2004.

Love of nature and love of photography combined in one of his great passions, nature photography - a talent that shone through his many photographs for The Oregon Garden and Oregon State Parks.

The tall, genial photographer was less visible around the East Valley during the past year, but for good reason: He had taken a three-quarters-time job as a district aide for U.S. Congresswoman Darlene Hooley.

The job let O'Cobhthaigh make fresh use of his social-work education and his passion for helping people in need.