Timothy William Goldsmith

Timothy William Goldsmith, born December 10, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on January 11, 2026, surrounded by the family he cherished above all else. Tim was preceded in death by his parents, William G. Goldsmith and Carolyn W. Goldsmith, his sister Patricia Cherry, brother in law Robert Cherry, father in law Joseph L. Hooper, and mother in law Patricia K. Hooper. He is survived by his wife of more than fifty years, Nan Hooper Goldsmith, daughters Alison Goldsmith and Dijana (Pete) Laurentz, granddaughter Zoe Goldsmith, great grandson Cayson Hanley, grandson Julian Lyon, his “bonus daughters” Jessamyn (John) Boyd and Karissa (Joe) Faunce, brother-in-law Reed (Karen) Hooper and sister-in-law Jill Hooper-Rocco. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. Tim graduated from Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Ohio, in 1966 and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard the following year. Over the course of 21 years of service, he commissioned the Dallas and was stationed in Olympia, Washington; Kodiak, Alaska; Traverse City, Michigan; Washington, D.C.; Detroit, Michigan; and Cleveland, Ohio—where he earned his degree from Baldwin Wallace University with a major in computer science and a minor in abstract algebra. His final duty station was Governors Island in New York, where he retired in June 1989. It was during his time in Traverse City that Tim met the love of his life. As the base bingo caller, he announced the winning card that belonged to Nan—who celebrated her win by buying the handsome Coastie a beer. That simple moment sparked a partnership that grew into 51 years of marriage, a lifetime of devotion, and a family he adored. After retiring from the Coast Guard, Tim continued his career as a computer programmer with Lakes State Insurance Company, where he later retired. His greatest joy, however, came afterward: being a full time Grandpa. He poured his heart into his family, cheering from the stands at his daughters and granddaughter’s sporting events, celebrating every milestone, and instilling a deep pride in service that lives on in his daughter and granddaughter. Tim was an active member of the Traverse City Coast Guard retiree community and a loyal friend to many. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a proud great grandfather, a supportive uncle, and a steadfast friend. A memorial service will be held at Kingsley United Methodist Church, located at the corner of Spring and Blair Street, on Saturday, January 31st. Visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Coast Guard Foundation at coastguardfoundation.org or to Kingsley United Methodist Church Food Pantry. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Timothy William Goldsmith

December 10, 1947 - January 11, 2026