By: Dr. Ian Walker, Principal Curator, BAMZ
It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Tim Hasselbring, who captained the Bermuda Zoological Society’s Endurance. Captain Tim joined the BZS/BAMZ family in 2008 when he was hired to develop programs for our new conservation, education and research vessel.
For BZS, the boat is a vital link between conservation research and education, and from the beginning, Tim threw himself into his job with devotion, intelligence and a passion for educating people, especially children, about Bermuda’s natural history and environment. As a result, students and adults got an unprecedented and dynamic understanding of our marine environment as Tim brought science alive for so many people each year. Captain Tim was a very enthusiastic, cheerful person with an infectious positivity—it was impossible not to get excited and involved in something when Tim was around! Whether it was trips to North Rock with a class of schoolchildren or building a giant lighted octopus for the Christmas Boat Parade, Tim gave it his all and brought a crowd of happy people along with him.
During his time at BZS, Tim married Nadia and together they had their beautiful daughter, Havilland. I have never seen a happier or more proud father.
Tim achieved great joy from being captain of the Endurance. In our all too brief time working together, I enjoyed getting to know a great man who embraced life, cherished what he did and, most of all, loved his family. He is already truly missed by the BZS/BAMZ family. I am certain he is urging us to continue with the mission he wholeheartedly believed in: to inspire appreciation and care of island environments.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tim’s memory to Havilland’s education fund. Please send checks to Nadia Hasselbring at P.O. Box FL145, Flatts FLBX.
Rest in peace, Tim. We love you!
