Tim began his career as a rodeo clown at a young age, working at the Miniature Rodeo Company established by his dad, Vern Oyler. In addition to his clowning and bull fighting, he won the Bulldogging Championship in 1967. Even while the serving in the military, he was able to spend his weekend leave time working shows for the Louisiana Rodeo Association. After returning from the military, with the help of Pro Rodeo Clown, Chuck Henson, and Rodeo Producer Swanny Kerby, Tim earned his RCA Professional Rodeo Card, which led him into an incredible 34-year, “clowning and bull fighting” career. In 1977 he was chosen as the N.H.S.R.A. “Bullfighter of the Decade,” which Tim considered his greatest personal achievement.
During his college days, Tim competed on the Idaho University rodeo team—graduating in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a minor in Speech and Drama. In 1975 he received a master’s degree in Education Administration and thereafter taught speech and drama in the Jerome School District from 1973 – 1980.
Though his clowning career took a toll on his body with several broken bones, he never regretted his decision to be a bullfighter. He lived by the words, “Life is too short, so do what brings you the most joy. Then, you won’t have regrets later about missing the opportunity to do what you love.”