Timothy James Patrick McGarity

Timothy James Patrick McGarity, Born: May 19, 1947, Chicago, IL

Tim McGarity affectionately known as "5-0" to his closest buds, was one of a kind. Born and raised in “Sweet Home Chicago,” he carried his Irish pride like a badge and lived life with that same spirit. Tim hit the road (literally) at 14 as a trucker and never looked back, earning the "2 Million Miler Award" for his endless miles behind the wheel. His beloved Peterbilt wasn’t just a truck; it was his trusty sidekick on many wild adventures.

At just 13, fate introduced him to “The Nance”, the love of his life. Their story was as enduring as it was sweet, a bond that carried them all the way until Nancy’s passing in 2020. The other half of Tim’s heart belonged to his four daughters Dawn, Shelly, Kelly, and Brigette—whom he lovingly referred to as “the orphans.” Never shy about being a “girl dad,” he delighted in every moment of their attention and those times when they’d spoil him silly (yes, even if that meant letting him get away with a little too much indulgence). He had a knack for turning ordinary days into fun—doing little things like painting his daughters' nails with various leftover motorcycle paint (ha-ha). He also had 4 son-in-laws Kevin, Todd, Dave and Sean whom he considered his own.

Their home was legendary, a revolving door where friends weren’t just guests, they were family. Tim’s friends celebrated with him at parties that stretched until dawn, proving that good food, plenty of laughter, and a "cold one” never go out of style.

An unapologetic sports fan, Tim’s loyalty was unmatched. Whether it was cheering on the Chicago Bears (even through their brutal seasons) or backing Notre Dame football, he was a die-hard fan who never let disappointment stop him from watching. When he wasn’t hauling down the highways, you could catch him in his neon-lit garage tinkering with his hot rods. Friends and neighbors would drop by, eager to see what new project he was working on next—because if there was one thing Tim loved, it was proving that there wasn’t a thing he couldn’t fix or a “BS-er” he couldn’t out-joke.

Family was always at the heart of his life. He showered love on his 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, who added even more joy (and mischief) to his already lively life. For Tim, every friend was family, every gathering a celebration, and every shared story a memory to treasure.

Dad, you left us with laughter echoing in our hearts and a legacy of love, loyalty, and boundless humor. We love you, —you made life a heck of a lot more fun, and we’ll see you on the other side. Keep those engines running and the jokes coming. You’ll forever be our hero on the highways of life.

A memorial service be held Friday, April 4th, 11am at Daniels Family Funeral Service, 4310 Sara Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.