I'll trade ya an Orange HDX 80 mold for a........ by
Random thoughts from a longtime friend. I spent a lot of my youth hanging out at Tim's house. He's the first guy I met who would take me to play volleyball on Friday night instead of going out to the bar!! I got to hang with his brother little Joe and dated his beautiful sister Mary. Man, those were great days! I will cherish those moments forever. We would hang out at the IFA store next to Whamo and go to In and Out burger for lunch Yum!!
I loved the Selinske household, it was filled with the coolest antiques.
Tim and I were avid disc collectors and we spent countless hours talking about and trading discs. He bought Jim Palmari's collection and I had it spread all over his back yard so I could catalog it and he could estimate how much money he was going to make off of me. :-). He would get me some of the coolest one of a kind discs from the Whamo art department. I still have all those discs and wouldn't sell them for any price. I have one of the finest disc collections on the planet and it is due in large part to Tim.
I was lucky enough to be at the factory when the first Innova disc was "born". The engineer cut a big knob off of the bottom and we went out in the parking lot and threw it. From that moment on, we knew he and his partners had done something special. From those humble beginnings, Innova Disc turned into a huge company. I am very proud of him for all he has accomplished.
Hanging out with Tim all those weekend nights, I wondered if he would ever date, not alone get married. When he and Sue found each other, my first thought was WOW!! Ske you hit the jackpot dude! Sue is a pretty, energetic, caring woman with an unmatched personality. Ske, you done good buddy!!!
Life and distance kept us from seeing each other regularly. Sue had mentioned to me that he had been sick. About 2 months ago I flew out to LA to see all of them. I am so happy I got to visit with him, Sue, the kids and his Mom Kathy. He was out of bed, he was getting better and we all thought he was on the mend. It is a real shock to hear that he died. I beleive that he loved and took good care of his family. As a financial planner, I can tell you that the planning he did while alive will make sure that in his absence Sue and the kids can continue the lifestyle they had all built for themselves. His legacy will live on forever. Good for you Tim! He was a great guy with a great family and I will miss him. Thanks for the memories Tim. Love,
Mike
Worlds Fastest Catch by
I got to know Ske from working with the PDGA, and I loved to prod him with old Guts memories. The best was razzing him about tring to break his world record fastest catch, which I believe still stands to this day. I am honored to have considered him a friend. I'll see you on the other side.
We Love you Tim by
I returned from a small family vacation Monday, August 17th and heard the terrible news about Tim. I was just blown away. I had talked with Tim in Kansas City; he indicated that things were beginning to look up now that the doctors knew what they were up against He seemed so upbeat and positive. The Tim I talked to seemed so ready to beat the odds. I just can't believe he is gone.
I had the very good fortune to have shared a room with Tim and Jim Herrick at the 1994 World Seniors meet in Atlanta, GA. Tim was Tim the whole week, ensuring that the two Jims with which he shared the room had a great time.
Furthermore, at the Save the Children Auction for that 1974 Senior’s tournament, there was an important historical document that came up for bid. I wanted it pretty bad, so bid on it until it went over 50 dollars, then had to quit due to financial constraints. Tim jumped into the bid at that time and spent over 120 dollars to win the bid. He then promptly walked over and gave the document to me, saying, "Jim, I want you to have this, it is much more meaningful to you than me". When I protested that I can't take his prize, he said that the money was for a great cause and that he was glad to be able to get the document for me because he knew that I would make great use of the information. Knowing Tim, his behavior at that auction was not isolated to that one time, it just epitomized the wonderful person he truly was.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Tim’s wife and family as I share the pain of their tragic loss.
Jim P.
Ske's legacy by
I only met Tim a couple months before I found myself sitting at a card table playing Monopoly with him, Harold Duvall, and Dave Dunipace at the 1981 World Frisbee Championships. There we were, the four geekiest guys at the tournament, surrounded by hundreds of competitors taking part in the party going on in the next room at the dorm at UC Irvine.
Late in the game, as I was crushing my three new friends in the game, they were trying to razz and or distract me. In the next room where the Velasquez brothers were tearing up the dance floor, a song came on by the B52s. As anyone in the frisbee world who knows me can guess, that song was Quiche LePoodle.
When Ske heard the song's lyrics, he made the connection between the similarities between Rick LeBeau and Quiche LePoodle, and decided to start calling me that.
Somehow that moment carried on into the next day, and soon it seemed half the people I knew in the frisbee world were calling me Quiche.
To this day, there are still people I see on the street, in a store, or at a tournament, and they will walk up and say "Hi Quiche" as though it were my real name.
I have always loved the fact that Ske gave me that name, and have been proud to keep it for nearly 30 years (and counting).
With that nickname, Ske lives on in my life, and I will think of him every time someone calls me Quiche.
Memories of Tim... by
Through our friend Mr. I
I rarely go on to Facebook but I happened to see your post this morning about "Ske". I have fond memories of freestyling (great spin) with him and some pretty amazing ultimate games too. He was a terrific guy and always had a smile on his face. I am so sorry.
Best,
Margie
Memories of Tim... by
I just wanted to pass on to you and your family my deepest sympathies for your loss of Tim - which I learned of via Facebook from his site. Tim will always hold a special place in my heart. He was such a sweetheart to me. I will always remember him with Mr. I at our volleyball games at SMHS, going to Westwood to watch UCLA girls volleyball, and of course Ultimate frisbee in the park. I was glad to get a chance to see him briefly several years ago (over our 20th reunion weekend) and reconnect. I was shocked to hear of his illness and more recently his passing. Love to all the Selinske family.
Jennifer Becker Hemond
Face off at Robb Field by
Like many of us older disc golfers Tim was an overall player. He played Ultimate, great DDC and was a West Coast Guts player too. "West Coast Guts"? - no....not quite an oxymoron (some CA teams played the IFT in the sixties and Foothill Institute won it back in 1982).
Tim was the driving force behind a competitive match that we put together in 1990. LA vs. San Diego down at Robb Field. What do I mean "we"? It was Tim that was driving us to this match, literally and figuratively - joined by a very willing Jon Freedman and carrying the likes of Greg Fortay and me in the slipstream. From the first whirlwind pressure practice (hey - you try to learn to play "Winning Guts in 3 Easy Lessons"!) - it was apparent that Tim REALLY wanted us to triumph over Scott Zimmerman, Al Bonapane, Rick LeBeau and the other San Diego Guts players.
.......some zoom forward time travel music here.....over a video montage of us getting hammered by Zimmerman et Al, great ups and catches, Al B. having trouble catching Tim's heat etc.
OK - we managed to emerge victorious that day - proudly bearing our guts welts back home in Ske's Previa. Although it felt great to play some disc with good friends - and it was indeed a team victory - I knew that I was part of Tim's fantasy scenario that day. He glowed like a Night Flyer on the ride home - positively GLOWED.
Uncle Tim by
Tim was one of the first people I ever knew. He was one of the faces I grew up with at the Innova factory. He was as much a part of my family as any of my aunts or uncles. Usually more because I saw him a lot more than I did them.
I feel fortunate, because I got to spend a lot of time with Tim and the Innova crew as I grew up, which made for one hell of a fun childhood. For the purpose of brevity though, I'll only share one memory:
Breaking into Tim's office to steal his chair was the first deviant act I ever learned (I think), thanks to Gavin and Gred Muir. I was taught to jimmy open the door with a piece of metal and hide his seat before lunch, and it quickly became one of my favorite past-times.
No matter how many times, I did this to Tim, he wouldn't yell, hit me, or even lecture me. He'd just sigh and ask where his chair was. This perplexed me, because, seemingly, I was able to get away with whatever I wanted around Tim. What I didn't get until later, was that I was being taught a lesson which can't be taught by force: just because I can, doesn't mean I should. A basic tenant of right and wrong.
Even though I harassed him and pestered him throughout the work day, he was never unkind, and never a victim. His generosity of spirit and limitless patience were what taught me to respect him and to make him my friend. I can never express how much he meant to me, and how much I'll miss him.
We all Love You TIM by
Greetings All, August 20,2009
Upon notification of Tim's passing last Friday, to say that put a dent in my day would not come close. I was probably one of the first to be told through an email from Mark Molnar. I had been looking for some specific discs, & I had emailed him last Thursday afternoon.
Friday morning his return email contained the news no one was expecting to hear. Well I must share a few thoughts, feelings & emotions that have emanated from this.
First, my work day was simply done right then & there...I was not able to do what I normally do...it was just NOT important.
What did end up happening later in that same day must be shared with our Frisbee Family.
I was overcome with this feeling that I had to (in memory of & in celebration of his life) go to an open field & throw each of my Midnight Flyers back from the day of competition in 1979 through the early 80's.
An 80,50,100, & a 40 mold.
I called a few of my friends & told them, "you need to meet me at Durango High School's football field". We are going to throw some 'old school' plastic & remember a true friend; one that was an integral part of the success and growth of both Innova Champion Discs & The sport we all love so much.
My friends were right there waiting for me. They asked me what was up. I explained to them who Tim Selinske was, and that he had passed away, unexpectedly, though we were aware of his illness.
We proceeded on the the field & began throwing the Midnight Flyer's. Except for one other person, none of the others had ever thrown the early golf discs. They were just having a blast, big smiles & all. The sky was sunny & clear above, but over towards the north some ominous looking dark rainclouds were approaching. I thought nothing of it, as we continued throwing these historic flying discs.
Well within about 3 minutes a storm burst right upon us. A torrential downpour, LIGHTENING & THUNDER the likes I can't remember ever seeing here, did NOT stop us from what we were doing. Might as well have just stepped out of the shower with all our clothes & shoes on, because that is exactly what it was like.
One might have thought we would have dashed to cover & waited for it to pass..we did NOT...we did watch the football team scatter off the practice field, & they were looking at us like we were nut's. Ya think ?
Well within about 5-7 minutes the storm moved towards the south. At that moment, one the most vibrant colored, 'double rainbows'
I have ever seen appeared. It was surreal. At that VERY moment staring at that rainbow, Thoughts of Tim filled my mind, while tears filled my eyes,
I took a slow deep breath of air which was followed by a slow exhale, followed by big smile.
The Gold at the end of this rainbow was really Tim's spirit
saying, Kurt, thanks for being my friend.
NO..... Tim, Thank You for being 'Everyone's friend'...I Love You SKE !
Tim's passion for the games with a Frisbee flying disc was surpassed only by the love for his two family's ; Sue, Connor, Kimberly,Kyle, and brothers Tom and Joe, sister Mary and his mother Kathy. As well as for his extended (all over the country)
Frisbee Family.
As for myself, I feel honored to have known him as long as I did. Specifically I would like to mention Tim's immediate support,
first emotionally, when in 1999 I was dealing with The Columbine High School incident, as well as with the loss of Nicholas Kunselman Jr. soon after that.
When ever I needed a shoulder to cry on, Tim was right there every time. He & Innova were my biggest supporter's when it came time for doing fundraising 'for the cause'.
The Innova Champion Disc's of today, would never be, if not for the Tim Selinske of yesteryear, and the many year's & decades before that.
He was always there to HELP anyone & everyone do what ever it took to get them going in the sport of disc golf.
The sport, the people within, I know have a great deal of admiration, respect, & gratitude for all our friend has done.
I will always cherish Tim's thoughtfulness to his friend's. For me, it was always around the holiday's. I would receive a box that
would contain a Special disc from his collection...CE Valks come to mind...test colors & such...right out of his heart.
The last thing I would like to share is knowing how many times I told Tim I loved him. Also, the many, hugs we gave each
other over so many year's. I looked so forward to those hugs.
That all means more to me now than ever.
It also makes me realize, the importance of using & truly meaning that phrase to so many others during the rest of my own life !
Innova may be #1 in Disc Golf
Tim Selinske is most definitely #1 in all our hearts !
Loved by all
Never Forgotten
Regards,
Kurt Lampkin
Tim Selinske - Cinderella boy/former greenskeeper by
Tim had a voice like no one else. I liked it so much I imitated it in a 1980's movie.
In your head, play back the movie quote below with Tim's voice.
"He's a Cinderella boy. Tears in his eyes, I guess, as he lines up this last shot. He's got about 195 yards left, and he's got a, looks like he's got about an 8 iron. This crowd has gone deadly silent... Cinderella story, out of nowhere, former greenskeeper, now, about to become the Masters Championship. It looks like a mirac- It's in the hole! It's in the hole!"
Oak Grove Disc Golf Club by
On behalf of the world's first, we wanted to express our condolences and thank Tim for all he has done for Oak Grove, and for the sport of disc golf.
innovas best man by
tim was is an will all ways be the man. dave designed the discs but tim was the the man from innova. that every one loved the most!
my special memories, where the japan open. he was one of the first guys throwing discs with mixed up stamps. so he would park a hole an look at us an say that was my panther that flew like my shark but was actually a roc!
god bless you tim for all the love you gave to so many!
by
What more can I add to what's already been said about Tim? I haven't seen him for probably 25 years or so. I was just a frisbee-lovin' kid lucky enough to come up in the time when people like Tim were around. He was truly a one-of-a-kind mentor. I worked with Tim and Dave back in '86 in the earlier years of Innova and will never forget his infectious wit.
Tim, I wish I could have just one conversation with you now that I'm a(so-called)adult. I'm sure you would teach me a thing or two about living life to the fullest. I believe you cornerned the market on that. I've always drawn inspiration from your zest for all things funny as well as(and more importantly)kind.
some thoughts (and giggles) by
I have so many memories of Tim and it's been hard to accept his passing. I was fortunate to have played hours and hours of disc with Ske since first meeting him at the Whamo-O counter in '79...mainly DDC at Lacy, Victory, Benton, and Zoo Green...serious play mixed with the laughs. The many after play dinners and road trips is where I learned so much more about his kind and loving soul. We've been blessed.
Tim and I got some Guts going again SoCal in the late '80s, and we managed to field a team for the '91 WFDF Champs in Toronto. We had many practice sessions and below is a memory.
Catching the hand that catches the disc. A moment of great laughter
and giggles would come when either Tim or I caught each other’s hand
while the other caught the disc in Guts…catch the hand that catches the
disc. When it happened, there was usually a "what just happened?"
moment when we would look at each other with one guy holding the disc
and the other holding the hand that caught the disc. Ske's face, his
grin which caused his cheeks to make his eyes squint, followed by his
giggle would start the laughing, and then we couldn't stop. His humor
was infectious.
some thougts (and a giggle) by
I have so many memories of Tim and it’s been hard to accept his passing. I was fortunate to have played hours and hours of disc with Ske since first meeting him at the Whamo-O counter in ’79…mainly DDC at Lacy, Victory, Benton, and Zoo Green. Serious play mixed with the laughter and yucks. The after play dinners and road trips is where I learned about Tim’s kind and loving soul. We’ve been blessed by knowing him.
In the late ‘80s Ske and I got some SoCal Guts going again. We managed to field a team for the ’91 WFDF Guts Champs in Toronto, and before that we had many practices. Below is a memory.
Catching the hand that catches the disc. A moment of great laughter
and giggles would come when either Tim or I caught each other’s hand
while the other caught the disc in Guts…catch the hand that catches the
disc. When it happened, there was usually a "what just happened?"
moment when we would look at each other with one guy holding the disc
and the other holding the hand that caught the disc. Ske's face, his
grin which caused his cheeks to make his eyes squint, followed by his
giggle would start the laughing, and then we couldn't stop. His humor
was infectious.
Sweden loves you by
I met Tim in the late 80's and early 90's, as I travelled to frisbee tournaments in the US. I immediately found out what a great person Tim was, always a smile and a friendly comment. I am very sad to hear about the loss Tim's family (which includes the entire frisbee/disc world) have to share. All the love from Sweden.
trips to LA from nor cal by
I knew tim from the many times I would go to LA for a frisbee tournament and I would bring my little brother Kevin Callahan we would stay either with Tim or Scott Zimmerman. I remember kevin and I got to LA a couple days early and tim brought us to the ocean we freestyle and air brush for hours.
Tim we will miss you
Charlie Callahan pdga#347
Ske "How's it goin?" by
Ske, the lovable kid
Mark & I first met Tim when he was still going to San Marino HS. We would meet at Lacy Park and play Frisbee games like discathon, DDC (a new game at that time), golf and whatever else Mr. I could dream up. He was so energetic, loving, fun, and trusting. My favorite memory of Tim is when he wanted to go with us to Arizona States. We had to promise his mom, Kathy, that we would take him to Sunday mass while we were there. When we got there, we looked at all the churches in the area but we could not find one that had a service that did not conflict with the frisbee schedule. Needless to say, Frisbee won out.
In the early days of Innova, I fondly remember when Harold and Ske came to us and said that the company was ready to start sponsoring events and they chose the Wintertime Open as their first. We were truly honored and Tim and Innova have been the strongest supporters of not only our event but all of disc golf since.
We had opportunities to see Tim numerous times over the last few months and every time I would ask him "how's it going" and his answer every time was to respond by saying "How are YOU doing?" That's the kind of guy Tim was. He always seemed to care more about you than himself. He was a truly great friend.
As Stork & Albie suggest, we will endeavor to carry his torch, the love of the sport, his graciousness, and his laughter.
Stand is Gods presence Tim, and laugh and know that you have been a good and faithful servant.
Shoot me, Butter! by
Of course, I have a million memories of Tim from the old days, and I will forever cherish them. But here’s one with a ‘Guts Frisbee’ slant that I shared with the Guts community last night. Gary Ciaglaski, one of the all-time great Guts players, had forwarded along to the Guts community yesterday the notice of Tim’s passing, and he added this brief note, for those who might not have known Tim:
"Tim was also part of the Guts family and was a great Guts player. He played with the Foothill Team in the 1980’s and did drink from the cup in 1982 when they won the 25th annual IFT."
I know that most of the current Guts community did not have the good fortune to know Tim, so I thought I’d share a bit with them. Here was my reply to Gary.
----------------------------------
Hi Gary –
Thanks a lot for being so thoughtful as to post the terribly sad news about Tim Selinske’s passing – that was very nice of you. He was a great old friend.
While ‘Ske’ actually wasn’t able to join us in our lineup at the 25th IFT, he was a part of our team back in L.A. and was a fixture at our practices. Ske had famously great hands – both in Guts and DDC – and as I’m sure you know he was in the Guinness Book of World Records with that ‘fastest Guts catch’ record for a long time.
But more importantly, he was just a Great Guy. I worked with him back in the early days at the I.F.A., and played DDC and Guts with him nearly daily, and traveled with him to many of the early disc competitions. No one had more friends than Ske – people loved him and he loved them.
And as your post describes, after those early days, Ske went on to leave his mark on the Disc Golf community as one of Innova Champion Discs founding members and long time executives. I am sure there are countless Disc Golfers right now mourning his loss.
Of the many wonderful things that could be said of Ske, I bet the one that comes most quickly to most people is how funny he was – 24/7, in any given situation, he was just a crack up. When we came back from one of those GPA Worlds in the early 80’s, we told Ske of a phrase – new to us – that we heard going around the tournament – ‘Shoot me, Butter!’ He thought that was just great, and he repeated it endlessly, for years, with his own personal vocal touches (he was just great with voices and accents and inflections and such). I am sure that there are dozens of people right now – thirty years later – who can think of Ske and his ‘Shoot me, Butter!” and just laugh out loud. I am right now. :O)
Thanks again, Gary, and Ske – rest in peace, pal.
Al Bonopane
Foothill Guts
A friend to so many by
As I sort through the shock and pain of these days, I'm realizing that Ske had an unbelievable number of close friends. He had a unique ability to connect with people that made him a foundation of the Frisbee Family. In our grief, I hope we can each resolve to keep Ske's spirit alive in our own lives. That will be his greatest tribute. Please share your stories of how this wondrous life intertwined with your own.