Celebration of life held for beloved Southwest Florida restaurant owner

The death of Tim Mankin was sudden and unexpected. His friends never truly got to celebrate his life. So, on Sunday they held a celebration to do just that.

Tim Mankin was the owner of BurgerQuE. He died in a terrible crash in Texas last year that also claimed the lives of two women.

So, on Sunday, loved ones and the community came to Millennial Brewing Company to celebrate his life.

Mankin was a devoted leader and a helpful caring friend. He was so much more than the owner of BurgerQuE and for Krista Tarasyuk Watkins, he was more than just her boss.

“There were times wherever my car would blow a tire on the way to work and he would just say where are you and he would be right on his way,” she said.

Kyle Cebull is the owner of Millennial Brewing Company. “He always wanted to help, and he always wanted to do what he could do,” Cebull said.

He was known as the guy who wanted to help in any way possible. But now, Southwest Florida’s helping hand is gone.

Tim Mankin died at the scene of a crash in Texas back in December. Two others died later in a hospital.

“Everyday matters, you know? You never know when something like that might happen,” he said.

On Sunday night, the community came together at Millennial Brewing in his honor. They swapped memories and shared stories of the man that was always willing to extend a helping hand.

“It’s important to honor people like that. To honor them. And celebrate them,” he said.

“He didn’t care what your problem was he just wanted to help so here I am just trying to help celebrate him a little bit,” she said, through tears.

Tonight was a way for friends, family and the community to say one last thank you to and have one last beer with Tim.

“That’s all he really focused on was taking care of his team and feeding his community,” Tarasyuk Watkins said.

As for BurgerQuE, it has been closed for a few months now. Employees aren’t sure if the doors will reopen. But, his legacy will live on forever.