LIHUE — One of Charley Bynum’s favorite things about his uncle Tim Bynum was his heart. “He had compassion for those less fortunate and felt led to help those who needed it most,” Charley Bynum said. “His love did not
LIHUE — One of Charley Bynum’s favorite things about his uncle Tim Bynum was his heart.
“He had compassion for those less fortunate and felt led to help those who needed it most,” Charley Bynum said. “His love did not discriminate.”
When Charley was younger “with crazy thoughts and aspirations,” he said Tim supported him.
“He affirmed my goals and my dreams, while asking me though questions — the ones that made me think about things I never thought about before,” Charlie Bynum said.
Tim Bynum, a former Kauai County Councilmember, died Nov. 18 at the age of 62. On Friday, hundreds gathered at Lydgate Park to celebrate his life and share fond memories.
“My favorite memory of Tim was when he pulled a huge fish net out of the water at Lydgate Beach,” said Helene Sheehan.
Sheehan met Bynum through the Friends of Kamalani, and they worked together on projects,including beach cleanup days.
“He was such a giver,” she said. “It’s amazing so many people came out to give back to him.”
During his time on the council, Bynum was known for his dedication to improving the quality of life on Kauai. His accomplishments include establishing the Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park, working to build the Ke Ala Hele Makalae bike path, authoring the Plastic Bag Reduction and Prohibition Law and fighting to protect the health of Kauai’s people.
Nancy Goldman said Bynum was a unique person, in the most positive way.
“No matter what he did, he did it well,” Goldman said. “The second you met Tim Bynum, he was your friend.”
Goldman met Bynum 24 years ago when she was looking for a job.
“He gave me my first job on the island,” he said.
Bynum, who also worked in Child and Family Services, put Goldman in charge of Nana’s House, a family center in Waimea that focuses on parenting classes, counseling and case management.
“I am Nana,” Goldman said.
If it weren’t for Bynum, Kamalani Playground would not have been possible, she added.
“He had a vision, and he wouldn’t let it go,” she said.
Bynum was a blend of talent and humility, Charlie Bynum said.
“He poured himself out for his family, his friends and for strangers. And never asked or wanted recognition or repayment,” he said. “Uncle Tim had a greater love. In honor of my dear uncle, let us come together. Let us love one another and let us be kind and generous to each other. Like he was kind and generous toward us.”
