A wellness check by Lexington, Ky. police found Tim deceased May 21, 2025.

Timothy Kuryla, Jr. 82, passed away on May 21, 2025 at his home in Lexington, KY. Tim was born in 1942 in Erie, PA to parents Timothy Kuryla, Sr. and Mildred (MacKenzie) Kuryla. He attended Jefferson Elementary School, Academy High School and Wittenberg University ོ, where he majored in political science and was a member of the Phi Mu Delta fraternity, which would be a lifelong source of friendships.

In 1966, Tim was drafted into the Army and, after Basic Training, was sent to Bamberg, West Germany where superiors quickly identified him as having the skills needed to be a Company Clerk. He excelled in the role and received a certificate of achievement for the outstanding improvement he brought to his company. With his German language skills, Tim was able to venture off base to explore the town and further afield. Tim's Army experience left a deep impression on him and was a topic of conversation for the rest of his life.

After discharge, Tim moved to Lexington, completed his master's degree in political science at the University of Kentucky, and began his career working for the Commonwealth of Kentucky in Frankfort. His longest role was with the Kentucky Division of Water, from 1980 until his retirement in 2003, coordinating the Division’s reviews of the potential water-related environmental impact of applications and proposals.

Tim was known for diligently seeking all information needed for an evaluation and for writing thorough reviews. Upon his retirement, the Secretary of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection commissioned him as an Admiral in the Great Fleet of the Commonwealth, a high honor given to those who have demonstrated great stewardship of Kentucky’s natural resources.

Tim was deeply connected to the Lexington community. For many years, he served on the Historic Woodward Heights Neighborhood Association, working to support and improve the area where he lived for more than 30 years. Tim also loved the Kentucky Theatre and the Farmers' Market. Tim perpetually chatted, struck up new acquaintances, reached out to potential new connections, and visited folks across the country and thus he leaves behind a wide network of people who will miss his friendly conversations, emails and holiday cards.

Tim is survived by his sister, Mary Winter, as well as by his niece, grand-nephew, grand-niece, many first cousins and other relatives.

Here is a brief biography Tim penned several years ago:

Retired from Kentucky State Government since Beginning of Business 01 August 2003.

Environmental Program Coordinator for the Division of Water. That meant I coordinated and wrote the Division's responses to environmental documents and to applications for federal assistance. Started Beginning of Business 16 January 1980 with the Division of Water. 30 year 7 months in the state government retirement system when I retired.

U.S. Army, 02 August 1966 to 27 July 1968. Private E1 at entry; Specialist Five E5 at discharge. Awarded the 4th Armored Division Certificate of Merit for my work as a Company Clerk. Stationed at Warner Barracks, Bamberg Germany, February 1967 to July 1968, in Company A, 2nd Battalion, 54th Infantry (Mechanized), 4th Armored Division.

Wittenberg University (Springfield, Ohio [not the one in Germany]), June 1964 B. A. Maj: Political Science. Min: Speech (Debate). University of Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky), December 1970, M. A. Political Science.

No children that I know of. (Women tend to want to tell you if you are the father).