Timothy John Dorward

Timothy John Dorward of Trumansburg passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the age of 66 surrounded by his loving family after a valiant 10-year battle with colorectal cancer. 

Tim was born on May 1, 1958, the first-born son of John and Virginia (Russell) Dorward. Raised in the close-knit town of DeRuyter, NY with his sister, Donna and brother, Tom, Tim attended DeRuyter Central School, graduating in the class of 1976. With a large extended family in the surrounding area, his youthful days were filled with time on his Uncle Bob's farm creating mischief with his cousins, hunting on the farmland of his Uncles Ray and Clair, or carrying on around town with classmates, forging many friendships that were maintained throughout his life. 

After high school Tim attended Alfred State College earning an associate’s degree in Electro-Mechanical Technology. Tim spent much of his professional career at Mettler Toledo's Hi-Speed Checkweigher in Ithaca, NY, holding positions of Service Engineer, Engineering Technician, and Aftermarket Product Specialist. After leaving Hi-Speed Tim worked for smaller companies before pursuing his dream of owning a small business combining his engineering skills and love of beer! The Mobile Can Man travelled to micro-breweries throughout NY and the east coast canning a variety of beers with his own mobile canning line. This job brought Tim a tremendous amount of joy, making incredible connections with business owners and beer lovers alike. 

Tim had a passion for life and adventure. He enjoyed skiing with friends, hitting slopes in the US, Canada and Europe while living up to the nickname "Mad Dog" he earned in college. Tim enjoyed bowling at Richards, volleyball leagues, golfing, hunting and most importantly running. Nearly 25 years ago Tim started running with the Ithaca Hash House Harriers, a drinking club with a running problem. His weekends were spent setting trail with his faithful companion Phoenix and he loved being a newbie’s “first” trail. Tim's love for his hash family spread far beyond Ithaca, across state lines and into other countries; he was a legend in his own right and deeply loved by fellow hashers. Locally, Tim could be found enjoying a Bills game at Little Venice or at Garrett's for his weekly "board meetings". 

In February 2015 Tim was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, life altering news that he was not prepared to receive or that he ever let take control and slow him down. For ten years Tim shared the highs and lows of cancer through his writings in "The Chronicles of Elmo" where he fondly named his tumor Elmo and introduced a host of new characters as the cancer progressed, altering his body. Throughout his treatment he received the highest level of care from Roswell Cancer Institute and the team of Dr. Steven Nurkin and locally by the team of Dr. Timothy Bael. Tim was a regular in the Ithaca oncology suite for many years and developed a close relationship with all the staff. Our family would like to extend an abundance of gratitude for the love and care that was provided during those long days in the chair for infusion or hydration. 

Tim's spirit was never diminished or defined by his cancer. He loved life and lived every moment to the fullest, personifying the motto “Live while alive”. That motto lives on with his family and friends. He was a loving father to and survived by his daughters Melissa (David) Dorward-Bauman and Kathryn (Andy) King and was predeceased by step-daughter Amanda Nivison, who passed away in January 2024. He was known as "Bunka" to his grandchildren Ella, Sofi, Bria, Jack and Jacob. He is survived by his parents John & Virginia (Russell) Dorward of DeRuyter, NY, Sister Donna (Michael) Southworth of Cortland, NY, brother Tom (Laura) Dorward of Lutz, FL, nephew Jon-Michael Southworth of Mentor, OH, nieces Ashley (Frank) Mussett of Erie, PA, Megan (Mason) Southworth of Cuyler, NY, Elizabeth Dorward of Lutz, FL, great nieces Isabella, Remi, Evelyn and nephews Micah, August and Jonathan.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Trumansburg, NY when the weather warms, please look for a date to be shared in the future. Tim's motto has always been "Life while Alive", please take care of each other and be kind. Cards of condolence and remembrance can be sent to Melissa Dorward-Bauman, PO Box 16, Trumansburg, NY 14886; stories, memories and photos are welcomed.