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Timothy Edward Sheaff, a beloved member of the community, passed away on June 21st, 2024, in Iowa. Born on July 31, 1968, in Ankeny, Iowa, Tim was the son of James and Marcella Sheaff. He grew up in Ankeny alongside his sister, Pam, in a household that emphasized the values of education, exploration, and compassion.
Tim’s family played a crucial role in shaping his character and instilling in him an insatiable curiosity about the world. They also introduced him to the importance of faith and taught him the values of compassion and loyalty. These qualities became deeply ingrained in Tim’s personality, and he carried them throughout his life.
After graduating from Dowling Catholic High School in 1986, Tim continued his education at The Catholic University of America. In 1989, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama. During his time at the university, Tim was recognized for his academic achievements and was awarded the Ed McMann Scholarship. He was also among the first cohort of students in the Honors College, a testament to his dedication to learning.
Tim’s family was the center of his world, and he took immense pride in his role as a husband and father. Spending quality time with his wife, children, and grandchildren brought him the greatest joy. Tim had a range of favorite activities, including watching movies, reading aloud to his kids, engaging in discussions about baseball and politics, and grilling on the back deck.
He cherished moments when his children gathered together to play games or engage in spirited debates, even though it might occasionally vex their mother. Home was where Tim felt happiest, and he held a special fondness for holiday traditions, such as the annual mandatory viewing of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” He took pleasure in introducing his family to various forms of art, literature, music, and even systems of data analysis.
Tim’s thirst for knowledge was boundless, and he passed on this passion to his children while nurturing their love and loyalty for one another. A famous quote from Francis Ford Coppola’s film “The Godfather” that Tim often referenced was, “Never take sides against the family.” Another tradition he held dear was watching “The Godfather” with his children on the night of their high school graduation.
Tim’s love for his family and his faith formed the foundation of his deep devotion to Des Moines, his parish, and his work. Tim found his second home at Dowling Catholic, his alma mater. In 1997, he returned to the school as a teacher of Drama, Debate, Speech, and Film. Over the years, Tim made a significant impact on the lives of countless students and colleagues. He served as the coach of the nationally-renowned
Speech and Debate team and held the position of chair of the Performing Arts Department. Tim’s talents and dedication were particularly evident as the director of the fall plays and the award-winning spring musicals. His passion for the performing arts and debate left an indelible mark, and his influence reached far beyond the confines of the school.
Tim’s commitment to fostering intellectual growth and critical thinking led him to establish The Paradigm, a prestigious debate tournament hosted by Dowling Catholic. This tournament attracted schools from across the nation, with participation from over 20 states. Tim’s contributions to the field of speech and debate were recognized and honored. In 2019, he was inducted into the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) Hall of Fame.
Three years later, in 2022, he was also inducted into the Iowa High School Speech Association Hall of Fame. Tim served as an emcee for the NSDA National Tournament and held the esteemed position of a five-diamond coach and member of the Board of Directors. His impact extended beyond his role as an educator. With his powerful speaking voice and his unwavering faith, Tim often served as an announcer at assemblies, award ceremonies, and during the beloved Pancake Breakfast events. His teaching philosophy was rooted in his faith and a commitment to truth in the arts and humanities.
Tim’s devotion to his Catholic faith was palpable, and he demonstrated it through his actions and his unwavering commitment to the Mass. Those who had the privilege of sitting in front of him during Mass were treated to his resonant and enthusiastic singing voice. Despite his significant achievements and the profound impact he made on the lives of many, Tim remained humble, deflecting attention with a gruff wave of his hands and a witty, sarcastic comment.
Tim Sheaff is survived by his wife, Christy, their children Spencer (Elisabeth), Bridget, Simon (Jenna), Colette, Elliot, and Oliver, his parents James and Marcella, his sister Pam, and his four grandchildren, Timothy, David, Joseph, and Joicelyn. His passing is mourned not only by his family but also by the entire community. To quote a line from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “No man is a failure who has friends… to my brother George, the richest man in town.” Tim’s legacy will live on through the love, memories, and impact he left on the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
The exact cause of Tim Sheaff’s passing has not been mentioned in the information provided. The announcement of his death was made by Dowling Catholic High School and the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) through their respective Facebook pages.
The NSDA confirmed that Sheaff, an educator and prominent figure within the organization, passed away earlier in the week. No specific details regarding the circumstances or cause of his death have been disclosed in the available information. The focus has been on honoring and remembering his significant contributions to the speech and debate community, his impact as an educator, and his dedication to his family.
Tim Sheaff was a well-known figure in the speech and debate industry in Iowa. He was an alumnus of Dowling Catholic High School and went on to become an educator and the Director of Drama and Debate at the same school. Throughout his career, Sheaff made significant contributions to the field of speech and debate, both within Dowling Catholic High School and at a national level.
Sheaff’s involvement with the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) was extensive. He served as an emcee for the NSDA’s national tournament and played a crucial role in mentoring and guiding students. Sheaff’s dedication to education and his passion for ensuring students’ success was highly regarded by his colleagues and the speech and debate community. His impact was recognized when he was inducted into the NSDA Hall of Fame in 2019 and the Iowa High School Speech Association Hall of Fame in the following year.
Outside of his professional achievements, Tim Sheaff held the most important titles within his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who deeply loved his family, and they reciprocated that love. Sheaff’s passing is mourned by the Dowling Catholic High School community and people across the nation who were influenced by his dedication to education and his contributions to the speech and debate field.
Tim Sheaff, an esteemed member of the speech and debate community in Iowa, has passed away. The specific details regarding the circumstances of his passing have not been disclosed in the provided information. However, his death was announced by Dowling Catholic High School and the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) on their respective Facebook pages. The NSDA confirmed that Sheaff, a renowned educator and a prominent voice within the NSDA, passed away earlier in the week.
Tim Sheaff was an alumnus of Dowling Catholic High School and made significant contributions to the field of speech and debate throughout his career. He served as the Director of Drama and Debate at Dowling Catholic, where he mentored and inspired countless students. Sheaff’s dedication to education and his passion for the success of his students earned him great respect within the speech and debate community.
Beyond his work at Dowling Catholic, Sheaff had a profound impact on the NSDA. He played multiple roles within the organization, notably serving as an emcee for their national tournament. Sheaff’s commitment to his students and the activity of speech and debate was evident in his induction into the NSDA Hall of Fame in 2019 and the Iowa High School Speech Association Hall of Fame in the following year.
While the exact cause of Tim Sheaff’s passing has not been revealed, his death has left a void in the speech and debate community. He will be remembered for his dedication to education, his mentoring of students, and his significant contributions to the field of speech and debate both within Dowling Catholic High School and nationally through the NSDA.
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