Timothy Earl Milanya Ligawa

Timothy Earl Milanya Ligawa passed away Thursday, August 10, 2023.

Visitation:  6-8PM, Friday, August 25, 2023 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel

Funeral Service: 2PM, Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel. CLICK HERE to view the Live Stream of the service.

Timothy Ligawa was the eldest son of Helen and Larry Ligawa; the second born of a sibling set of six. Tim had an incredible mixture of his father’s image, laughter and wit, and the deep waters of his mother’s compassion, gentleness, and artistry with words.

When you first met Tim, you might have mistaken him for just being quiet, however; Tim was just selective. He was particular with whom he chose to spend his time and energy with. If you had the privilege to be allowed close to him, then you know you were in for a real treat. A barrel of laughs, jokes, and if he really cared about you…many pokes at you, too! Tim knew how to let the light in.

One of Tim’s first loves was music. Our childhood home was always filled with melody. This love developed in Tim as he grew his love for the work of artists like Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, New Edition…all the way to his matured tastes like Biggie. Tim found joy in the art of music, the art of words. His life was filled with its own lyrics. Each stage rendered its own cadence, structure, and tone; each one completing verses, then numbers, then albums. With Tim, he brought his artistry to our lives.

Tim’s next love was that of sports. For those who don’t know, Tim remained an Indianapolis Colts fan his whole life. If he was nothing else, he was loyal. Our Dad loved the Indianapolis Colts, and Tim, forever loyal, maintained that love. Those of us close to him would lovingly listen to his enthusiastic replays (ESPN worthy) during football season. Go Colts!

His love of sports would end up creating a bond of brotherhood for Tim that has lasted decades. Out of Tim’s football teammates from the Waco High Class of ’96, grew a band of brothers unmatched in brotherhood. This bond was so strong, that Tim still identified himself by his identity within this group- #96! We are grateful for this brotherly love, Damion, Corey, and Ray.

Finally, Tim’s greatest love was his daughter Tatayana. Tatayana was the apple of his eye, and reason for his labor. Twins in so many ways, Tim loved being her Dad. His love and dedication for Tatayana was unmatched to anything else in his life. He always wanted to make sure his baby girl had everything she needed. And it’s this love that in many ways helped Tim keep going. This love will continue forever.

Now, his light, in documenting a life, there are moments that draw tears, moments that remind you of heartbreak, moments that shine in the dark; Tim’s light could shine in the dark. He had a gift that brought light and laughter to the toughest situations. A gift of laughter that could lighten any burden. Our brother’s light and laughter were his gifts to the world and lives around him; he helped illuminate the good.

However you knew him…Tim, Uncle Tim, Brother, Cousin, ‘96, Blue, Dad…know that he’s with us laughing! Still spreading his light, sharing his joy, and bringing the best out of all of us. We honor and celebrate his life today…with a good, unreasonable, unconventional laugh.

Timothy Ligawa was preceded in death by his dear parents; and grandparents.

He is survived by daughter, Tatayana Sorrels; sisters, Michelle Akinyi Ligawa, Elizabeth Amondi Ligawa, Leslie Adhiambo Ligawa, and Alexandra Achieng Ligawa; brother Anthony Ochieng Ligawa; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Daphanie Latchison, Tomeka Flowers Casanova, and Waco High Class of ‘96.

When you ask people to give up hate, you have to be there for them when they do.

-Rev. C.T. Vivian