Serial inventor Timothy Rob Moodie, also known as Tim – or ‘Moots’ – has died. He was 71

Described variously as “spirited”, “warm”, “creative”and “An American original”, inventor Tim Moodie was a toy industry veteran. Born on October 24, 1954, in Superior, Wisconsin, Tim graduated university with a degree in Communications, Radio & Television Broadcasting. He started his career as a voice artist for radio and TV commercials but also worked for advertising agencies as a copywriter.

It wasn’t long, however, before he found his vocation and began a career in the toy industry that lasted more than 40 years. As a designer and inventor, Tim brought joy to consumers and humour, generosity and warmth to those that knew him.

Tim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara; his son, Griffin; his daughter, Colleen; son-in-law, James. To them and to his friends and wider family, we extend our sincere condolences. Meanwhile, Tim’s friend Richard Levy penned this tribute:

Tim Moodie A Tribute by Richard C. Levy
They say friends are the family we choose. Being chosen by Tim Moodie, who passed away last week, was a gift of my life – and though he is gone, the footprints he has left in my heart will never diminish.

Tim, a 40+ year industry veteran, and I co-invented and licensed twenty games, among them: The Wayne’s World VCR Board Game for Mattel, Chicken Soup for the Soul for Cardinal, Mental Floss for Pressman, Magnetic Poetry: The Game for Magnetic Poetry, and The Top 10 Game for USAopoly. While we had many more scars than medals, it was always “the joy of doing” for us.

Tim was a multi-hyphenated artist who excelled across myriad disciplines. He had golden hands for prototyping, a golden voice for dubbing our demo videos and a brilliant mind for gameplay. His soul and heart shone through every one of our projects. He was a kind and beautiful spirit.

Service Details
On February 27th, a service is to be held at: Cook-Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 N. Interstate Hwy, 35 Pflugerville, Texas.

● Visitation with the family: 1:00–2:00 p.m.

● Funeral Service: 2:00–3:00 p.m.

● Reception: Immediately following the service

For friends and family unable to travel to Texas, a separate Celebration of Life service is to be held in Minnesota in Spring/Early Summer 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tim’s honor to:

Austin Pets Alive!: A nonprofit dedicated to saving homeless animals… In honour of Tim’s beloved grand-dog, Moose. https://www.austinpetsalive.org/

TankProof: An Austin-based nonprofit dedicated to making swimming and water safety accessible. How? Through free swimming lessons and community education programs. Tim’s children, Griffin and Colleen, and son-in-law James volunteer with the organisation. https://www.tankproof.org/

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