Timothy Malaney

Timothy Robert Malaney of Cotter, Arkansas, passed away November 30, 2023, in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 74. He was born June 9, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Robert and Florence Kuhn Malaney. As a small child he was once asked for his name and birthday, and he responded, “Timmy Dober Laney, Giant the Noonth.” His family and closest friends have called him Doberlaney since, and June 9 will forever be known as Giant the Noonth.

As a young veterinarian, Tim opened Olde Towne Fenton Veterinary Hospital in Fenton, Missouri, which grew and thrived until he retired and moved to Cotter in 2009. He had a magical way with animals, could speak cat language, and had many fabulous dogs over the years, his last and favorite being Jimmy, a crippled beagle known by many in Cotter. Encountering Jimmy on a walk, people would say, “What a cute little dog! What’s wrong with him?”

After Jimmy, Tim’s pets have all been cats, including several outdoor, semi-feral cats who followed him around the yard, in and out of the garage and basement, and sat on his lap on the swing.

Tim missed a calling as an artist, but his family treasures two portraits: Albert Einstein and Abraham Lincoln, that Tim drew when he was a teen. He expressed his creativity and artful sensitivity in the many homes, buildings, and trucks he rehabbed or built, in landscaping, and in the art and colors he surrounded himself with.

He loved old things, particularly old trucks, and especially the ones with patinas. Using leathers, woods, and jewelry, he decorated the interiors in spectacular fashion. He decorated several motorcycles as well and loved riding the back roads for hours, especially out West, where he would go in search of the Native American rock art and beautiful Navajo jewelry that fascinated him.

He was just as creative in the kitchen as a fabulous cook. He loved making special meals and treats for people he loved, even if it was a swirl of chocolate and a pile of Redi Whip on a cookie.

His favorite music was the blues because he said it comes from the soul. He wanted so badly to be able to play the guitar himself, but his hands were worn from decades of surgeries, and he didn’t seem to have an ounce of natural musical talent. (His words.) So he listened to it every day as he walked, worked, or relaxed.

He loved a nap, and took one almost every day. He loved standing up for the underdog and was often in trouble as a kid for fighting on their behalf. He would not be bullied. Try it, and you would experience his Irish temper. He was super smart and sassy, something his family attributes to the sass gland. He could surprise people with the funniest, most outrageous responses, and could get away with saying the most shocking things. You knew from the twinkle in his eye and the slight tilt of his head that he was teasing. You also knew when he wasn’t.

He was kind, generous, and thoughtful, and encouraged people to dream big. He was also a notoriously poor gift recipient. He would always say he would rather cook together and share an intimate meal than receive a present. And he hated having his photo taken. Most photos of Tim are of his back or his hand in front of his face. If you have a nice photo of Tim, treasure it. It is rare.

Tim is survived by his partner, Debra Peterson of Cotter, AR; son, Spencer (Lindsay) Malaney of Wildwood, MO; grandchildren, Brooks and Ava Malaney; sister, Kim Boyts of Springfield, MO; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, John Malaney; the mother of his children, Nancy Malaney; and sister, Sharon (George) Peters.

Burial will be private at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Cotter, AR. The community is invited to a celebration of life on December 16, 3 - 5 p.m., at the Cotter Downtown Church, 201 Combs Avenue in Cotter.

Tim supported the work of those trying to save our planet. Memorials may be made to The Nature Conservancy.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Bull Shoals, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com < http://www.kirbyandfamily.com >.