The Knox community has lost a long-time friend and coach, as Tim Heimann, a 1970 graduate of the institution and men's basketball coach for 24 years, died Friday, March 13, at home.

"Tim and his wife Cathy have meant so much to generations of students here at Knox and in Galesburg," said Roger Taylor, Knox's president. "Tim was more than a coach. He was a good friend to so many. Our hearts go out to all of his family, Cathy, and their children Kerry, Cammi, Kevin, and Chris."

Tim Heimann's career at Knox spans four decades. He earned a bachelor's degree in English in 1970 and lettered all four years in both men's basketball and baseball. After graduating from Knox, he taught in Galesburg, Ill., completed a master's degree in guidance and counseling at Bradley and worked in Knox's admissions office, while also serving as an assistant men's basketball coach. In 1976 he was named assistant dean of students, where his service included four years when he and his wife Cathy, also a 1970 graduate, were head residents in one of Knox's student residence halls. Three of their children also attended Knox: Cammi '95, Kevin '02, and Chris '04.

During his Knox career, Heimann taught sports studies, served as an assistant director of athletics, and coached four sports -- basketball, baseball, football and tennis. After a decade as an assistant coach under Harley Knosher, Heimann was named head men's basketball coach in 1985.

In men's basketball, Heimann coached 46 all-conference players, including 17 first team selections. His teams won three Midwest Conference South Division Championships, and he was honored as Midwest Conference South Division Coach of the Year in 1997. Heimann was head baseball coach from 1978 to 1988, and his team won the conference title in 1986. He also served as an assistant football coach and head women's tennis coach.

Since his retirement from coaching in 2008, he has been a major gift officer for Knox's Office of Advancement. In 2008, the basketball court in Memorial Gymnasium was named Tim Heimann Court in his honor.

At the family's request, gifts made in Heimann's memory will support the college. A memorial service will be held at the school later in March.