A memorial service will be held for Marshall resident
Tim Corder, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, at the Marshall Boatworks. Mr.
Corder drowned in Tomales Bay on Sept. 17, two days after his 60th birthday.
His death remains under investigation by the Marin County Coroner's
Office.
Local tugboat operator Shawn Keltner, who spotted
him floating facedown near the Boatworks and pulled him to shore, told
The Light Mr. Corder had complained of dizziness the day of his
death.
A local resident since the early 90s, he typically
lived on boats or in a car. While his bond with alcohol cemented his
character and life circumstances, Mr. Corder had plenty of friends in
town. "He was a big part of Marshall," said Keltner.
A memorial sign posted outside the postoffice reads,
"'Bye Tim, our boatyard guy. Bon voyage. We love you."
Big and thick with a scruffy gray beard and piercing
blue eyes, Mr. Corder was conversant with many subjects including politics,
mechanics and weather patterns. Friends recalled him spending countless
hours reading books whose subject matter ranged from economic theory
to pulp fiction.
Survived shooting
Years ago Mr. Corder defied death after accidentally
shooting himself in the forehead while cleaning a gun. The mishap required
the implantation of a plastic plate followed by plastic surgery. Other
medical problems this year resulted in a stent being installed in his
leg.
Born in Santa Rosa on September 15, 1945, he graduated
from Santa Rosa High School and then joined the Navy, serving aboard
the USS Ute in combat during the Vietnam War.
After his discharge he returned to California, working
as a logger in the north woods, a television repairman in Oroville,
and a mushroom farmer in Geyserville. In Marshall he supported himself
as a fisherman and tugboat hand.
Mr. Corder will be buried at sea.