Atwater community mourns death of longtime priest

The community is mourning the sudden death of the Rev. Thomas Michael Timmings, a man they remember as a passionate leader and a humble servant.

Parishioners say Timmings used to drive around Atwater in an old blue car, despite many people urging him to buy a newer vehicle.

“We all talked about pitching in and getting him a new vehicle,” said Deacon Kelly Canelo. “He bought all his clothes from a thrift store – he never bought himself anything new. But he would give money to people outside the church.”

Canelo will help conduct sermons at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Atwater in the wake of Timmings’ unexpected death Saturday. Timmings, who died in Hughson, was 70.

Timmings was born in Fresno to William J. and Dorothy Timmings, according to his obituary. He attended college at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo and was ordained May 22, 1970. Timmings was assigned to a variety of parishes from Delano to Atwater, and served for 45 years in the Diocese of Fresno.

He had been the priest for Saint Anthony’s in Atwater since 1994, also overseeing Saint Anthony’s School for kindergarten through eighth-grade students.

“He was a very humble servant, and he loved his parishioners,” Canelo said Tuesday. “He never spoke badly about anybody. He was always positive and uplifting. I know he’s in a better place.”

The Merced County Board of Supervisors adjourned its meeting Tuesday in memory of Timmings. District 3 Supervisor Daron McDaniel, who’s lived in Atwater most of his life, called Timmings a “staple” of that community.

“His death was completely shocking,” McDaniel said. “Ever since I’ve lived in Atwater, you’ve always known Father Timmings as being a part of Atwater and a leader in the faith community. I just remember he was always busy, always had a smile on his face and always very accepting to everybody.”

Randy Heller, 53, who was baptized at Saint Anthony’s and has lived in Atwater his entire life, said it’s going to be difficult to replace Timmings. Heller, who attended Saint Anthony’s each week, said Timmings’ sermons were meaningful, passionate and relatable.

He also called Timmings a friend, saying they often would chat about sports, life and their families. “People see him as a priest – but he was so much more than that. He was the kind of guy who would always be there,” Heller said. “You ask him for help and he would do anything in the world for you.”

Heller also remembers that old blue car – which he said is now sitting empty in Atwater.

“He didn’t want a new one because he said it got him from point A to point B,” Heller said. “He was just a good, humble man.”

Remembrances may be made to Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church, 1799 Winton Way in Atwater, or Saint Anthony’s School, 1801 Winton Way in Atwater.

This story was originally published April 7, 2015 at 6:49 PM with the headline "Atwater community mourns death of longtime priest."