In Memory of Tim Pownall, 1948-2016

Pepperdine University, Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution has announced:

“Our friend and colleague, Tim Pownall, passed away October 9, 2016. Tim was a gifted teacher and a committed peacemaker–known for his dedicated work in reconciliation and thoughtful, constructive dispute resolution through initiatives like the PACIS Project for Interfaith Dialogue. He made extraordinary contributions to the work of the Straus Institute and to the University, spearheading the Institute’s undergraduate dispute resolution certificate program and developing a new course in Dispute Resolution and Religion. Most of all, Tim warmly embraced the opportunity to sit down with students of all ages and backgrounds for a heart-to-heart talk not just about classes and careers, but also life priorities and callings. He was a thoughtful and caring colleague and mentor. His life is cause for joyful reflection and emulation. 

The University is saddened to announce the passing of colleague and friend Tim Pownall, assistant director at the School of Law’s Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution. A gifted teacher and a committed peacemaker, Tim was known for his dedicated work in reconciliation and thoughtful, constructive dispute resolution.

Joining the Straus Institute’s leadership team in 2007, Tim made extraordinary contributions to the work of the Straus Institute and to the University. As assistant director, he spearheaded the Institute’s undergraduate dispute resolution certificate program and, more recently, helped to develop a new course in dispute resolution and religion. He was also the founding director of the PACIS Project in Faith-Based Diplomacy, a unique international effort encouraging conflict management with interfaith dialogue. A beloved educator and mentor, Tim embraced the opportunity to sit down with students of all ages and backgrounds for heart-to-heart conversations not just about classes and careers, but life priorities and callings as well.”

Tim was also the Executive Director of the Center for Conflict Resolution. The Center is a thirty year old enterprise with roots in the Christian Legal Society that provides legal and organizational mediation and facilitation services to the Los Angeles County Superior Court and through CCR’s Community Mediation program  to the San Fernando Valley.

Tim served as Senior ADR Consultant and National Accounts Manager with Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (J.A.M.S.), Inc. In that capacity, Tim provided internal/external training and consultation to the company’s corporate clients in litigation management, cost containment, HR systems design, development and implementation and in-house Dispute Resolution educational programs. Tim served on the mediation panels of the Los Angeles and Ventura County Superior Courts.

From his friend, Nina Meierding:

“My very dear friend, Tim Pownall, has passed away. He made everyone he knew feel special, unique, and loved. A gentle man of peace who went around the world helping people in conflict and modeled compassion every day. He will be missed by so many people in the mediation field, in his community, in his church and by his wonderful family who was, without question, the most important part of his life. I love you, Tim. There is another bright star in the sky tonight.”

****

On a personal note, Tim was my friend. I was so fortunate to sit alongside him for many years at Straus. I listened to him provide counsel, prayers, mentoring, and advice to students. He proudly spoke of the work he was doing with PACIS, bringing peace to the most unpeaceful parts of the world–and he always came back from these trips delighted at the open doors they received. He spoke with such admiration of his children–carving out their own path as artists, students, and parents. His wife came to visit him at the office–and then his office was always full of laughter. Two good friends taking time out of their busy lives to spend a moment with each other. Her paintings hung on his wall, and he discussed them –with pride–as an example of wisdom in unclear decisions. 

Tim worked specifically with the unconventionals–the students without a law degree–who wanted to find their place in this mediation world. I remember him telling one student, “You’re not supposed to fit a mold. You’re not supposed to do the same thing as other students and mediators–they’re already doing it, so why have two people doing the same thing? No, you were created with your unique background, experiences, compassions, instincts, understandings to play the part that only you were created to play, to bring peace to your own piece of the world.”

                       

Mediate.com Staff

Mediate.com In business since 1996, Mediate.com is the world’s leading mediation and dispute resolution website with over 7 million annual site visitors.  Mediate.com serves as a bridge between professionals offering dispute resolution services and individuals and businesses needing those services. Mediate.com was awarded the 2010 American Bar Association Institutional Problem Solver of… MORE >