Timothy Adam Syens, aged 46, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Woodland Park, Colorado, on March 9, 2024, after a year-long illness.
Tim was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin on November 1, 1977, the son of Tom and Jackie Syens. He grew up in Cambria, Wisconsin where he was a member of First Presbyterian Church and attended Cambria-Friesland Schools. Tim was an adventurous boy and by the time he was in his teens, his dad was teaching him the carpentry trade during Tim’s school breaks. This effort by his father to positively channel Tim’s abundant energy blossomed into a lifelong talent and skill in building.
After high school, Tim worked with his dad for a few years before his quest for adventure led him to explore various occupations across the country, including spending a decade laying cable on Orcas Island, Washington. In 2009, he moved to Colorado, eventually finding his forever home in Woodland Park with the love of his life, Vanessa Haakenson. Following the high school graduations of his son Toby and nephew Jack in Wisconsin, they moved to Woodland Park to be with Tim and Vanessa. Tim owned a successful business, Greencamp Construction, which specialized in installing high-quality replacement windows in homes throughout Colorado until his illness forced his retirement at the end of 2023.
Tim is survived by his beloved life partner, Vanessa Haakenson; their sons, Justin Haakenson and Toby Syens, all of Woodland Park; his mother, Jacqueline Smedema Syens; his adored sister, Erin Syens Austin, both of Tomah, WI; three nephews in Wisconsin, one in Colorado; two special nieces, Olivia “Bean” Austin and Johanna “Josie” Glenn, both of Tomah, WI; his favorite canine companion, Penny; as well as uncles, aunts, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Syens, both sets of grandparents, two aunts, and an uncle.
Family and friends will hold three gatherings to celebrate Tim’s life. The first is a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church, Cambria at 12:00 noon on Saturday, April 6 with Pastor Mark Hughey officiating. A visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the time of service, with a light luncheon to follow the service. Two Celebrations of Life will be held at later dates: the first in Tim’s Colorado garden in July and the second on Orcas Island, WA. in autumn.
To view his garden, visit http://www.myBackyardHomestead.com