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Memorial Keepers(5)
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Tim McDuffie
A LIFE WELL LIVED
Our good friend Tim McDuffie died January 13, 2026, in his home in Phoenix, Arizona from heart failure. Tim was born in Medford, Oregon on September 12, 1950. His family moved to Portland where he attended Wilson High School graduating in 1968. He then went on to Oregon State University where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. College is where his warm, fun, witty personality became apparent and where he began developing many lifelong friendships.
In 1977, after some stints working in restaurants in Sun Valley and Portland, Tim began his career as a flight attendant with TWA (Trans World Airlines.) With Tim’s engaging personality and love of travel it was a perfect fit for him. Tim liked his international trips best and visited dozens of locations in Europe and Asia, but his favorite city was Paris where his most liked Bistros featured his favorite steak frites and red wine.
Tim made many close friends in the 1980s while living in NYC and working for TWA. It was there that he met fellow flight attendant Barbara Kwan. They were married in Central Park and lived and flew out of the city for many years before moving to Phoenix where Barbara’s family lived. Their son Alec was born there on October 16, 1988.
Eight years later, on July 17, 1996, Barbara died tragically when TWA Flight 800 crashed shortly after taking off from NYC, taking the lives of all passengers and crewmembers on board. Following Barbara’s death, Tim continued to live in Phoenix and raised Alec as a single parent.
Tim retired from flying so he could be more present for his son. He was a proud dad as he watched Alec mature and become a star football player at Arcadia High School. Following graduation, Alec went on to attend and obtain his degree from Arizona State University. Tim and Alec never lived more than a few miles apart, kept in close touch and were best buddies.
Tim will forever be remembered as a gracious host and caring friend to many of us in Phoenix, Portland and around the world.
Please share this tribute with others who knew Tim, and if you have a message, photo or remembrance you would like to share, please do so on the Memorial page below.
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Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Tim’s life with a heartfelt message.
Jim Richardson
I only had the privilege of knowing Tim for about 15 years. I met him when he came to Portland every summer and treasured visiting him when I went to Arizona. In all environments and with all people he was kind, gracious, courteous and sensitive to the needs of others rather than of his own. All interactions were highlighted by his wonderful sense of humor! It is very sad that he left us all far too soon, but his memory will always be with me!
Thomas Baisch
I knew Tim for my entire life and he was as much of an uncle to me as my blood uncles. It took me a long time to post on this forum because I was still struggling with his loss. I have memories of going to Mazatlan with him beginning when I was eight years old. I have memories of staying in New York City and visiting the condo that the TWA friends kept in Manhattan. I have a million memories of him living with us in Portland and then me staying with him in Phoenix with friends and my wife, Lynette. Every spring training season will remind me of him. Every August when he would normally be in Portland will remind me of him. I loved him dearly and will miss him always.
Ken Bordner
Debby and I had been going to Phoenix to visit and go to spring training with Tim for over 10 years. We always had a great time together going to the games , dining out , drinking and having fun. We were looking forward to seeing and staying with him again this year. He was always a great host and we always had a great time there . He is sadly missed and we think of him every day. RIP dear friend .
Thomas Baisch
Linda Hawker
For many years, I was Jan Baisch's personal assistant and my husband, Carl, was his private investigator. I met Tim in the early 2000s when he came to Portland to visit his Oregon State University classmates and very special friends, Jan and Marcia Baisch. Jan had a beautiful law office in central downtown Portland and when Tim came to Oregon he would often accompany Jan to work and spend the day. Tim would begin his "supervisory" duties by making himself comfortable in Jan's office, perusing available reading materials and selecting a refreshing beverage. He always brought his famous smile and winning personality with him and I looked forward to the days he would spend with us. Tim generally came to Oregon in August for a few weeks when the average temperature is in the low to mid-80s. Comically, Tim would complain about how "cold" it was and combat his discomfort by wearing his warm wardrobe...including sweaters. Tim's transition from Pacific Northwest weather to that of hot Arizona was complete. From the beginning, I appreciated Tim's engaging personality, killer smile and warmth toward others. Tim was, quite simply, a wonderful person with all of the qualities that made everyone's world brighter. It is easy to see why Tim easily made friends wherever he went -- whether at home or abroad. Tim will be forever missed, but he will never be forgotten by those lucky enough to call him their friend. I am one of those lucky ones.
Jake Hammer
What words would you use to describe Tim?
Tim was one of those rare people whose presence made everything feel lighter. He was funny, smart, and effortlessly witty, with a quiet confidence that never demanded attention but always earned respect. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a patience that made you feel truly heard. Some of my favorite memories are simple ones — golfing together, dinners, sipping cocktails and talking about life. Tim was a very good cook and genuinely loved serving others, finding joy in bringing people together around a table...especially at the Baisch estate. He was a devoted father and a loyal friend. No matter what he had going on, he would check in to see how I was doing, always curious, always caring, always listening...he was thoughtful in ways that mattered most. I always loved watching him interact with my kids, it brought out a childish energy and enthusiasm that was endearing. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever appreciated for the warmth and laughter he brought into our lives.
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