A Life of Love, Passions & Heroism

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Tyler carried a playful spirit throughout his life. His humor, energy, and joy brought light to his family and to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Tyler loved his family deeply and took special care in looking out for his sister. His steady love and protective heart remain a cherished part of his legacy.

To fulfil his wish, the family proposed to his fiancée just hours before his passing.  The love he shared with his fiancée remains one of the most tender and enduring parts of his story.

Tyler entered the water at just six months old, beginning a lifelong connection to the ocean. From the start, the water became part of who he was.

Mom and Dad kept towels and a wet suit in the car at all times. Whether ocean, river, lake, or fountain, he was always drawn to the water. 

Tyler moved across the waves with confidence and joy. Moments like riding an outrigger in Waikiki captured his natural ease on the ocean.

Competitive canoeing opened the world to Tyler, taking him to races in Hawaii, Hong Kong, Australia, and beyond. Through the sport, he built strength and honed his competitive spirit.

Tyler pushed himself through demanding 35-mile interisland prone races across Hawaiian waters. Those long miles reflected his endurance, courage, and deep respect for the sea.

Tyler started standup paddle when he was a teenager. His medals and awards reflected not only talent, but discipline, focus, and drive.

Tyler loved sharing the water with others. He offered his knowledge, patience, and enthusiasm to anyone willing to learn and share in his passions.

The Waterman's Waterman, Tyler mastered and competed in open-water surf ski, always seeking new ways to challenge himself in extreme ways.

During his time in Hawaii, Tyler’s spirit could be seen in full—bold, alive, and ready for the moment. This memory reflects his perpetual 10-year spirt and humor.

Tyler earned a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management from the University of Hawaii. His studies reflected his lifelong love for the natural world.

Tyler dreamed of visiting every U.S. National Park. He found beauty and peace in outdoor places, open spaces, and nature.

Tyler had a deep compassion for animals and wildlife. His kindness extended to all living things and reflected the tenderness at the center of who he was.

Tyler never met a mountain he did not want to climb, hike, run, or ski. His time on Mount St. Helens was one of many reflections of his adventurous soul.

A day with Tyler was rarely ordinary. From dawn workouts to long mountain runs, island paddles, and quiet moments fly fishing, he filled life adventure - and yours if you were with him.

Tyler tested his mind and body through multiple Ironman competitions. His endurance reflected a life lived with determination and discipline.

Tyler’s passion for the water became a calling to protect others there too. He became a certified EMT and California lifeguard before continuing that same calling in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Tyler joined the U.S. Coast Guard to save lives in the most difficult conditions imaginable. His goal was to become an elite Rescue Swimmer, applying the same physical and mental toughness in the extreme conditions needed by his Country.

While serving aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Legare in the Caribbean, Tyler helped save lives at sea. His courage and skill earned him a Valor Award from the Homeland Security Secretary.

Shown here in his "serious" bad-ass pose, Tyler graduated from elite Rescue Swimmer training, earning his place among those willing to face danger to save lives.

Tyler applied his life-brand of water, endurance, and lifesaving to the U.S. Coast Guard serving as Aviation Survival Technician (AST) aboard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters at Air Station Astoria Oregon. 

During a joint U.S.-Canadian Coast Guard rescue operation, Tyler was critically injured while helping rescue a stroke victim from a commercial ship. The victim survived, and Tyler was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his selfless courage and bravery.