The Bay City community is mourning the loss of Tim Marciniak, the beloved former principal of Bay City Central High School, who passed away early Friday morning, October 10, 2025, surrounded by his family. He had been courageously battling cancer and a severe infection in recent months.

Known for his compassion, warmth, and steadfast commitment to education, Marciniak left an indelible mark on generations of students, educators, and community members. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from former colleagues, students, and friends who remember him as a true leader — not only in his profession but in how he lived his life.

Marciniak’s career in education spanned decades, defined by his ability to connect with students and staff on a deeply personal level. At Bay City Central High School, he became known for his calm presence, encouraging leadership style, and unwavering belief in every student’s potential. He made it his mission to ensure that every young person who walked through the school’s doors felt valued and capable of achieving great things.

“I had the privilege of spending a day with Tim years ago through the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce’s Principal for a Day program at Bay City Central,” one colleague shared. “That experience gave me a firsthand look at the kind of person he was — patient, compassionate, and deeply committed to his students. You could see the respect and admiration his students and staff had for him everywhere he went.”

Those who knew him describe Marciniak as a rare blend of professionalism and genuine kindness — a man who led with both his heart and his head. He believed that education was not just about academics, but about helping students grow into kind, thoughtful, and resilient adults.

Fellow educators fondly recall his sense of humor and his unwavering positivity, even in challenging times. One former coworker remembered celebrating World Kindness Day with him, saying, “Tim was as good as they come. He was magical with students, a great friend, and always talked about his amazing family. We were attempting to look like Mr. Rogers that day — and truly, you wouldn’t find anyone kinder than him.”

Marciniak’s influence extended beyond the walls of Bay City Central. He was actively involved in local education initiatives and community outreach programs, always striving to strengthen the bond between schools and the broader Bay City community. His colleagues describe him as a “servant leader” — someone who led by example, putting others first and inspiring those around him to do the same.

To his family, he was more than an educator — he was the heart of their world. His daughter shared an emotional tribute following his passing, writing, “My father passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones early this morning after fighting so hard against cancer and an infection. Daddy, I love you forever. Our world without you will never ever make sense. Please watch over us.”

Marciniak’s loss is deeply felt across Bay City, where former students and staff continue to share memories of his kindness, mentorship, and optimism. His legacy will live on not only in the lives of the students he guided but also in the community he helped shape through his example of integrity, compassion, and dedication.

As the Bay City Central High School community grieves, they also celebrate the life of a man who gave so much of himself to others. Plans for memorial services will be shared in the coming days, allowing friends, family, and former students to gather in remembrance of a man whose light will continue to shine brightly through the countless lives he touched.