Timothy Mark True

 Tim True passed away 15 December 2025. He was a one-of-a-kind, Brother, Uncle, and Friend to many.

 

When asked about Tim one of the first things people say is “he was kind.” 

 

Tim found joy in simple things. His world focused on family, friends, wildlife and plants.  He spent his life artistically collaborating with Mother Nature and God. 

 

Tim’s passion and talent for growing bonsai made him a bonsai expert. He could make magic happen with soil, a pot, and his bonsai wire tools. He cultivated a collection of bonsai and cared for some of them for over 25 years. His home in Sarasota FL was a bonsai sanctuary, with more than 30 trees greeting you at the front door. It takes patience to care for bonsai, and Tim had plenty of it.

 

 

Tim was an artist and crafter, who worked in many different mediums. He spent years perfecting traditional artistic methods including quilling, wreath-making out of Sarasota’s shells, and creating dream-catchers with feathers he found. He made colorful woodburning artwork with nature themes, and designed and painted on small wood boxes. He made intricate beaded necklaces. 

 

Proud of his collections, he collected shells from large conch shells to small coquina shells that he used in his art. He collected artistic glass marbles and wooden boxes from all over the world. Tim had a keen eye.

 

Tim loved Sarasota. He walked many miles of beach along the Gulf of Mexico. He walked all the trails in Myakka State Park (his home away from home). He named all the trees and plants along each path. He also pointed out blue herons, egrets, wild turkeys, and of course many alligators.

 

Tim loved gardening and landscaping. There wasn’t a bag of compost or potting soil he didn’t like. He designed, planted, watered and grew many gardens throughout his life.

 

Tim departed earth way too early. He was only 64, though his time on this earth is timeless.

 

He is survived by his sister Lynn True, his brother-in-law Joe Crosetto, and his niece Charlotte True. 

 

Celebrations of Tim’s life will occur beachside in Sarasota in the Spring, and in the Chicago-area.