Tim O'Toole

Tim was deeply authentic, uniquely humorous, and always thoughtful. He enjoyed the love of many friends, family members, and work associates. Tim had a seemingly endless appreciation and curiosity for art, architecture, cooking, music, film, politics, history, literature, travel, and much more.

Tim was born December 24, 1961, in St. Paul to Ruth Joan (née Bradley) O’Toole (passed away 2007) and John J. O’Toole (passed away 1983). Growing up in Apple Valley, Tim formed deep and lasting relationships with childhood friends while playing baseball and hockey, participating in Scouts, and tramping around the-then mostly rural neighborhoods where some of his friends lived on working farms. Many childhood friends remained close to Tim to this day. At Rosemount High, Tim played on the tennis team and finetuned his acerbic yet charming wit. His oldest friend described Tim as the Don Rickles of Rosemount High, because no one was safe from his good-natured ribbing. He was so appreciated by classmates that he was elected Sno Daze Prince in his junior year. Also in high school, Tim embraced his lifelong hobby of enjoying and studying alternative rock and other music genres. Upon transferring to U of M Twin Cities from U of M Duluth, he served as music director of the student radio station, WMMR (now known as Radio K). One of his proudest moments was scoring an exclusive WMMR in-studio interview with members of the Minneapolis band Hüsker Dü, a pillar of the ’80s indie music scene (along with The Replacements, whom Tim also revered). After college, Tim began his career in the film and video industry, working both as a video-assist operator and a location manager/scout for commercials, music videos, feature films, and still photography. He worked with cultural icons, including Prince and the Coen brothers, plus many notable cast and crew members. Tim was also a gifted photographer and writer.

Tim was an engaged and devoted friend to many, initiating long phone calls, funny emails and texts, and numerous get-togethers. He frequently handwrote postcards and letters (tucking in unique enclosures) to friends. He also spoofed recipients with mysterious mailings postmarked from unexpected locations, using intermediaries.

In 1994, Tim met Jill Boldenow. After bonding at a 7th Street Entry show featuring Low, Tim made the serious move of giving Jill a mixed tape a few days later. Their first official date naturally featured film and music: an outdoor screening of Touch of Evil followed by a show with The Legendary Jim Ruiz Group. Their commitment was forged immediately, and for 31 years they passionately explored shared interests and experiences with a wide swath of friends. Tim and Jill traveled frequently, including recurring trips to New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and their beloved North Shore, as well as adventures in Cuba, Australia, Italy, and France. With a love of baseball and scenic locations, Tim organized trips to local townball games with friends and family. Tim and Jill shared a loving home in Minneapolis, enjoying the fruits of Tim’s garden plus his cooking and barbequing prowess. Tim is dearly missed by Jill, as well as by Jill’s parents, Jill’s siblings and their spouses, six beloved nephews, and Tim’s cousins, plus many other extended family members. He’s also fondly remembered by friends, coworkers, neighbors, and many others whom he touched.

To spend time with Tim was to be enriched by lighthearted moments and valuable insights. In one brief conversation, Tim could answer your questions about his recent visit to New York’s Museum of Modern Art, trade theories on why his peppers were growing so well this summer, and sarcastically pinpoint why the Twins pitchers can’t get the job done. He’ll be remembered warmly for his honesty, quick wit, and love for family and friends.