Timothy C. Lakin

Timothy C. Lakin, age 64, of Rochester Hills, formerly of Belding and Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away at home on June 18, 2026, following a courageous cancer battle, under the care of his devoted family and hospice. Tim beat the odds, living well beyond the projections and estimates, maintaining a good quality of life right up until the end. He was born into life on April 23, 1962, in Santa Maria, California, son of Roger W. and Carol A. (Sawyer) Lakin, both of whom preceded him in death. Tim graduated from Belding High School with the Class of 1980 and continued his education at Grand Valley State University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. and pursued many endeavors during his lifetime. Much like how he handled his health challenges, there were many aspirations and goals that Tim set for himself and successfully reached. Among his many career pursuits, Tim was a school teacher, and also owned and operated a beauty salon, an adult assisted living home, and The WillowTree Market which was a retail grocery, floral and gift market that he envisioned, designed, built, and operated for several years. As the gig economy burgeoned, he retrenched and retrained, focusing on the bustling real estate market and became a licensed property appraiser/inspector, working as an independent contractor supporting both business and governmental clients for many years. Tim had an eye for design and bought and remodeled several houses over the years as well, always keeping a fresh supply of interior and exterior decorations ready to be switched out, just at the right time of year to usher in the anticipated change of seasons or the holiday that was just around the corner. He loved keeping his new Halloween costume a secret every year debuting in the big night. Tim was kind and helpful to family and friends and was the life of many social gatherings and social media exchanges. Tim attended both Smyrna Bible Church and Impact Church in Lowell through the years. His wit and energy will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Among the many people who will cherish their memories of Tim and are saddened by his passing are his dear sister, Cheri Ann (Brent) Westberg of Rochester Hills; his cherished nieces, Rachel (Brandon Bubel) Westberg of Oakland Twp. and Alyssa (Brad Bartolomucci) Westberg of Rochester Hills several aunts and uncles including Janet M. Lakin of Portland, OR, Janet L. Lakin, Noel Babbitt, and Tod Sims all of Portland, MI, Thomas (Debbie) Sawyer of Fenwick, MI, and Lawrence Sawyer of West Virginia; and dozens of cousins, and countless friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents; and aunts and uncles, Barbara Sherwood, Douglas Lakin, James Lakin, and Kenneth Lakin, Constance Bennett, Rebecca Sims, Marge Lakin and Wayne Sherwood.

A Memorial Visitation will take place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan. Private graveside rites will take place at Smyrna Cemetery where Tim will be laid to rest with his parents. Memorial contributions are recommended to The “B” Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the visitation. For additional information contact Verdun Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services at (616) 794-1300 or www.verdunfh.com.