| North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene
has been the center of education for the
Panhandle Region, providing many
opportunities for our youth. As a former
student of this community college, I
have experienced the life-altering
changes that come with higher education.
It has been my honor during my time at
North Idaho College to be under the
guidance of Communications Professor,
Tim Christie, a man filled with passion
and love for his life, his career, and
for all of his students.
Tim Christie was born in Dillon Montana on March 27, 1949. He has a
passion for wildlife and the natural
beauty that surrounds our region. Tim
received his Bachelors Degree in Social
Science from Eastern Montana and
furthered his education at the
University of Montana to receive his
Masters in Interpersonal Communications.
After graduating, Tim and his family
relocated to the small town of Coeur
d’Alene on a teaching contract for a
one-year period at North Idaho College.
Tim had always respected teachers and he
always loved showing people the way. His
teaching career just fell into his lap
when he became a full-time employee of
the college following his first two
years there. Now after thirty-four years
of guiding lives and nurturing minds,
Tim will be leaving North Idaho College.
As he states, “I am retiring on a leap
of faith.” For all of the lessons
learned and the students affected by his
powerful guidance, I am sad to hear of
his retirement. Tim is an inspiration to
all those who cross his path, and my
life has been blessed to know him.
As I returned to North Idaho College recently to meet my former professor
after a leave, he welcomed me with open
arms, and a smile of satisfaction. “I’ve
changed students lives,” stated Tim.
“The greatest compliment I could
receive would be to know I have put some
tools in your toolbox.” Teaching over
six thousand students in a thirty-four
year career, Tim has truly touched the
souls of those who filled his classroom.
Today, many students such as myself
thank Tim Christie for opening our minds
and giving us the education to succeed
in life.
Upon leaving North Idaho College, Tim will pursue his other passions,
photography and writing. Now a
well-respected wildlife photographer, he
has established a successful business to
retire into. Tim is a well-known writer
as well. His works have appeared in
multiple publications, and he has been
honored with many awards. With more time
now to explore the outdoors and create
beautiful photography, Tim would like to
write a book.
I would like to say that I am grateful to have met such a man. I will
leave you with a final thought from Tim
Christie, “ A definition of one’s life
is not just the here and now, but that
it also continues to have an impact when
you are gone.” |
