Timothy Totten, a longtime Lake County community leader known for organizing TEDxEustis, spearheading charitable projects and championing local causes like The Amazing Race for Charity, died Monday night following complications related to cancer and congestive heart failure. He was 50.

According to family members, Tim passed away peacefully at 9:25pm surrounded by loved ones at AdventHealth Orlando — the same hospital where he was born Aug. 22, 1975, when it was still known as Florida Hospital Orlando.

Throughout Lake County, Tim became known as a connector, storyteller and tireless advocate for his community. Whether organizing charity events, mentoring TEDx speakers, promoting local veterans or launching large-scale community projects, friends say he rarely stopped looking for ways to help others.

For eight years, Tim led TEDxEustis, helping bring nationally recognized speakers and locally inspired ideas to the TEDx stage while coaching countless presenters behind the scenes.

He was also widely recognized for his passion for architecture and the work of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Through his company, Tim hosted tours, talks and storytelling events focused on Wright’s life and designs across the country.

“As a child, I was mesmerized by the gentle geometric rhythms of Wright’s work,” Tim wrote on his website. “Now as an adult, it is my great joy to share my lifelong love of this master artist’s work with others.”

Locally, Tim may have been best known for turning ideas into action.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Tim organized one of the county’s most ambitious community recognition projects by creating and donating banners honoring every public high school senior in Lake County after graduations and milestone events were canceled.

At the time, Tim estimated the project would include more than 3,000 banners valued at approximately $75,000.

“We are donating them because it shouldn’t just be for seniors who can afford them,” Tim says in a 2020 interview. “We wanted to honor every senior regardless because they have lost every other major milestone event for their senior year.”

He also launched the “Lake County Mask Creators” Facebook group during the pandemic to help organize mask donations for frontline workers.

Tim additionally spearheaded community banner programs honoring veterans and seniors throughout Eustis and helped organize the Amazing Race for Charity, which raised funds and awareness for local causes.

Friends and community members flooded social media sharing memories and tributes.

“Tim was one of a kind,” Summer B posted online. “A sweetheart and a powerhouse, never a dull moment with him around. He touched so many lives in a positive way, connected so many people and made a lasting impact in his 50 years. Lost too soon is an understatement.”

Christine Cruz also reflected on Tim’s impact across the community.

“Sometimes, the world isn’t fair,” Christine wrote. “Timothy Brian Totten was loved deeply by many. His positive impact was literally felt around the world.”

In recent weeks, updates detailed Tim’s declining health following robotic heart bypass surgery as doctors attempted to stabilize his heart so cancer treatment could continue.

“There is nothing that prepares you for seeing your loved one like this,” his partner, Matthew Bradley says. “Please reach out to your loved ones now, while you can. Anything can happen at anytime to change your life.”

As news of Tim’s passing spread, many described him as someone who constantly poured his energy into making Lake County better through creativity, encouragement and service to others.