Timothy James Rishton

The world lost a beautiful gentle soul on March 9, 2021. Timothy James Rishton (Timmy), 27, passed away unexpectedly. He was the loving son of Tim and Jo-Anne Rishton, and loving brother of Katherine O. Rishton. He was a life-long resident of South Kingstown. Timmy was born ten weeks early and his first seven weeks of life were spent in intensive care at Women & Infants Hospital. His nurses immediately grew fond of this spirited little warrior who they affectionately referred to as the “Wildman”. At 3 lbs. 2 oz, he worked hard every day to get better and join his family at home. He attended South Kingstown schools, played football, hockey, lacrosse and his most favorite sport, soccer, which he continued playing until his recent passing. He was also an avid snowboarder. Whether Timmy met you in the classroom, on the bus, or on the field, he considered you a friend. He had the most caring heart and was always a supporter of the underdog. He accepted everyone and didn’t care what you looked like, what you wore or where you lived. He saw the best in everyone and showed consistent, loyal support for those he knew. His open heart, loyal nature, deep thoughts, and conversations were shared with his family. Timmy loved tradition and being together with family. He looked forward to annual birthday celebrations, the Thanksgiving meal – or any meal, annual trips to the Christmas tree farm, and the family Christmas celebrations. The highlight of the year for him was the summer trip to Block Island. Spending time body surfing with his cousins and Papa, helping his Nana out of the rough surf, and eating lobsta rolls on Ballards’, and especially kite flying and frisbee with his Uncle Gil. His connections with family members were among the most important things to him. He and his sister Katherine had an easy loving relationship. He was always proud of his sister and would go to bat for her in an instant when she needed him. The first and only grandson to Louise and Gil (Papa) Rishton, he was deeply affected by their recent passing. His Nana Louise helped shape his love for nature and guided his eye to the beauty around him at an early age. His Papa, who often referred to him as a “hot rock” or Tim-babe, was, among other things, responsible for his love of ice cream. He was a devoted grandson, always greeting Nana Kate B when she came to the house, happy to bend down and give her a hug. He especially loved stories of Nana Kate’s and jokingly said if he were to capture them on video, they’d go viral on you-tube. He had a special relationship with his Dad, and they spent lots of time by the fire, watching favorite shows or sports together. They solved the world’s problems during their hot tub talks. His Mom and him shared many deep conversations about life and their spiritual connection to it. They shared a love of nature and the outdoors. He would often take pictures of the flowers in her garden, share sunsets on the deck, or a star filled night sky. His parents were blessed to have such a loving son. Timmy graduated from South Kingstown High School (Class of 2011), and recently earned a Bachelor of Science degree with high honors in digital media production from the New England Institute of Technology (Class of 2019). After graduating he accepted a position as a videographer and editor at WPRI 12 where he had worked while attending college. Timmy was a natural artist and always pushing to perfect his craft. He had an ability to see beauty in the landscape and to capture it with his lens. He was an infra-red photographer who enjoyed many hours taking thousands of photos in nature. He would drive to and hike with friends at different locations in pursuit of the perfect shot. His true passion was music, beginning at an early age with drums, then guitar, and later self-taught on piano. Often the music on the piano just flowed through him to the amazement of his parents, family and friends. His feelings and moods were present in his music. He hoped to touch people through his music and spent countless hours over the years making “beats” and digital music with his friends incorporating piano and guitar melodies they had created. He posted his music on-line to Spotify under his label “Embrace the Spirits”. He was pre-deceased by Nana Louise, Papa Gil and his Aunt Emma. He is survived by his parents, Jo-Anne and Timothy M. Rishton, his sister Katherine Rishton, his grandmother (Kate) Kathleen Bardeen and several aunts, uncles, cousins and great-cousins. A wake will be held at Avery-Storti Funeral Home in Wakefield, RI on Monday, March 15, 2020 from 5 to 8 p.m.