Pawcatuck - Timothy Wendell Stearns, 55, of Mechanic Street, died suddenly as a result of a motorcycle accident on Sunday, May 31, 2009, in Willington, Conn.He was born in Cambridge, Mass., and raised in Lenox, Mass., by Betty and Wendell Stearns. At a young age he began a life of adventure and idealism that spanned across the globe. He was a tireless learner who taught himself the trades that were his livelihood and the pastimes that animated his unconventional life. With friends across the world, many know him locally as Captain Tim, who built his first boat in Mystic in the '70s, and later went on to sail his second, the schooner Hippo, to Central America and eventually Europe. Many of his friends and family sailed with him, and the ongoing account of his travels was followed by even more. To enumerate all his exploits would be impossible; he was an inspired man, seizing the moment while looking ever forward.He is survived by his parents; his three children, Noah, Clemens, and Araminta; his partner, Susan Mazrolle of Ludlow, Mass.; five siblings and a large extended family.An open gathering to remember his life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at Saltwater Farms Vineyard, 347 Elm St., in Stonington. All are welcome.