Obituary of Timothy F. Crosby

Timothy "Tim" Frederick Crosby

July 15, 1952 - July 9, 2023

Timothy Frederick Crosby, 70, passed away on July 9, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. He resided in Iowa City with his beloved wife of 51 years, Diane Crosby.

Tim was born to Frederick Crosby and Eleanor (Rymers) Crosby in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from Catholic Central High School and attended Oakland University on scholarship. He married Diane Stoddard on June 2, 1972, and they had three wonderful children, Meghan, Daniel, and Amanda. Every step of his life was motivated by love, kindness, and joy for his family, friends, and community. In 1992, the family relocated to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and in 2018 to Iowa City, Iowa.

Tim had a distinguished career in advertising and marketing. His one-of-a-kind intelligence, imagination and creative vision were recognized by multiple state and national advertising awards. He was an in-demand presenter and trainer for advertising professionals. Most recently, he served as the Marketing Director for MMS Consultants, Inc. Tim also established CrosbyWorks, where his excellence in writing, graphic design, and technology served clients both locally and nationally. Throughout his life, he donated his professional talents to his church, his community, to fledging entrepreneurs, and to help family, and friends.

Tim also contributed his talents, joy and energy to various community organizations, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and service. He served as the grand knight of his council of the Knights of Columbus in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He played a pivotal role in founding and developing the Prairie Music Association. Within the South of 6 Iowa City Business District, Tim served as a voting board member representing the South District Neighborhood Association, served or led committees for branding and marketing committees and strategic planning.He was driven to work for social and racial justice and economic opportunity for the poor. Tim was committed to leave the world better than he found it. He literally gave his own coat off his back when he saw a homeless man shivering in the winter cold. Tim’s bedrock belief was “love is everything,” and embodied this in his daily life. He recently shared with family his daily meditative practice of asking himself, "What is the most loving response in this situation?" This was of course surprising to no one.

Tim was funny, joyful, kind, whimsical, creative, and brilliant. He found joy in gardening, spending time in the woods, camping, fishing, and working with stained glass art. Tim had a passion for cars, technology, and science fiction. Tim possessed an exceptional ability to fix anything that came his way and was known for his famous, delicious pizzas. Tim had a deep appreciation for the arts. A talented singer, he lent his beautiful voice to numerous choirs and weddings throughout his life, cherishing the friendships formed through his musical pursuits. Above all, his devotion to family was his lodestar. His beloved grandchildren were his constant delight.

Tim was preceded in death by his father, Frederick Crosby. He is survived by his wife, Diane Crosby, and their children: Meghan Crosby, Daniel Crosby (Jennifer Kruse), and Amanda Crosby Perry (Andre Perry). He was a loving grandfather to Owen, Vivienne, and Margo Crosby, and to Josephine and Theodore Perry. Tim is also survived by his mother, Eleanor Crosby, and his siblings: James Crosby, Mary Davies (Jeff), and Julie Arbucci (Steve). He will be deeply missed by his brother-in-love, Daniel Stoddard (Shari), nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to CommUnity Food Bank (1045 Highway 6 East, Iowa City, IA 52240, https://builtbycommunity.org/i-need-help/food-bank/) or Houses into Homes, (401 6th Ave., Suite 1, Coralville, Iowa 52241, https://www.housesintohomes.org ).

A celebration of Tim’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 18, at Big Grove Brewery Event Space, located at 1225 S Gilbert St, Iowa City IA, from 4:30 - 7:30 PM. The event will provide an opportunity for friends, family, and community members to gather, share food, drinks, and stories as they celebrate Tim's life.

Tim will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. His legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know him.

“Love is Everything.”