In Memorium – For Those Therapists Who Work with Rifton Equipment
- July 27, 2025
Unbeknowst to me 35 years ago when I bought a summer home in Rifton NY, I also became neighbors with the Brudehoft Community and Rifton Equipment. For those therapists who may have been touched by Tim Keiderling who worked with so many therapy clients across the country – here is a message from the President of the company and brother of Tim, written on June 28 2025.
Message from Rifton President Joe Keiderling:
Because it’s impossible to respond to each one who posted comments concerning the tragic deaths of my brother Tim and niece Esther I want to send out a word of thanks through our available channels.
Life goes on, as it should, but I will forever hold my brother and his family very close in my heart. Tim was my only surviving brother (we lost a younger brother to cancer in 1977). Though younger than me, he was the wiser one, more thoughtful. I say this with no false humility; it’s a simple fact. Tim was always the one I and my sisters turned to for advice – on parenting, books, politics, current events, theology, humor. I love to read, but Tim read circles around me, and he retained everything he read.
Tim was always impulsive – in the best sense of that word. He lived by the moment. If something unexpected came up, he met it with the full force of his interest. I have so many stories, so many memories. Well-meaning people tell me that his time had come, he was needed in heaven, he had run the race. I protest. He went too early. There was so much he still wanted to do and so much that only he could do.
I was fortunate to also work with Tim and Esther as colleagues. Technically speaking, as president of Rifton, I was their boss. But the reality was very different; I always considered Tim my mentor and guide and inspiration. I think I only fully appreciate that now that he’s gone. It’s hard.
Many of you will have been visited by Tim on one of his many equipment training trips that took him all over the country during the last three years. Many of you have told me how memorable these were, not just for his knowledge but for his passion for the work and his engaging style. He truly cared deeply for the children who depended on Rifton for the right equipment. (One of these photos show him presenting to the OT department at the University of New Hampshire the week before he died.) Some of you also knew and loved Esther who focused on a smaller region than her dad but shared his passion.
Tim’s wife Annemarie shared a wish with me just yesterday: “If you get a chance to reach out to the clinicians who met Tim and who have written to us in sympathy and support, tell them how deeply they inspired my husband; tell them to honor Tim by going forward with a renewed sense of purpose in their work with the children who depend on them.”
Life goes on, as it should, but I need to tell you that when we meet next I will probably still be talking about my brother, his daughter, and their amazing family. Those among you who had the good fortune to meet them will understand why. I’m sorry more of you couldn’t have met them.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your prayers and concern.
Joe Keiderling