Timothy James Collene

Timothy James Collene, 30, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Tim was born December 3, 1980, and had battled health issues due to complications from Cystic Fibrosis his entire life. However, he did not spend his life dwelling on his health concerns. Moments with his family and friends, experiencing anything that brought him or others happiness. In his short life, he touched the hearts of more people than anyone can count. Tim actively supported the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in fundraisers such as walk-a-thons, whether he was physically able to walk the entire route or just go a few steps. He did his best to bring light to the incredible gift of organ donations, by using himself as an example of how successful it can be, by participating in two Old Shawnee Days parades encouraging everyone to not only become a transplant donor, but to make sure people knew that they wanted to be donors. Tim's life was extended 16 years by successful transplants, including a live transplant from his Aunt Janice, who also shared his birthday.

Tim is survived by his mother and father, Kathy & Kevin Collene; brother Shawn Collene & Megan McCurdy; sister Jennifer Collene; his youngest brother Andrew Collene; and his grandmother Cathy Laird. He also leaves behind many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Tim was preceded in death by his grandfathers Bud Collene, Rip Laird and Tom Murphy; his grandmother Betty Murphy; and his cousin Chris Collene, Jr. Tim will be greatly missed, but forever remembered with smiles. The way he lived will be an inspiration to us all.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Heart of America Chapter, 6950 Squibb Road, Suite 310, Mission, Kansas 66202 or online at www.cff.org Flowers will wither and die, but the donations will live on in the lives that are touched.

Visitation and Funeral Service

Visitation will be from 6-8 pm, Thursday, May 12, 2011, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Funeral service will be 1:00 pm, Friday, May 13, 2011, at the chapel. There will be time to share stores about Tim immediately following the funeral until 5 pm at the American Legion Post 327, 6521 Nieman Road, Shawnee, Kansas.