Nathan Tyler was known for his signature move at the ferry landing: he’d lower the dock, grab his radio, and sprint – not walk – back up the hill.

Tyler, who had worked at the Orcas terminal since June 2004, died on Sunday, March 8 when his car went off a cliff on Channel Road.

His body was discovered two days later when police responded to a call of a submerged vehicle in the water.

Tyler was found in the car, which was upside down, Sheriff Bill Cumming said. Evidence at the scene indicates that he was attempting a sharp right turn while traveling westbound. The vehicle went over a steep cliff, flipped end over end several times, and landed in the water. Both airbags were deployed and the seat belt was in use. Cumming said that speed and icy road conditions are believed to be factors.

Tyler was last heard from the evening of Sunday, March 8, when he spoke with his girlfriend Samantha Bennett. After not hearing from him, Bennett spent all day Monday searching the island before notifying the police on Tuesday that he was missing. His submerged car was found that night.

“I drove by that spot again and again and I had no idea he was there,” Bennett said.

All who knew Tyler say he was a sweet, upbeat man who was always willing to lend a hand. He would help the women working at Orcas Village Store to their cars at night, and Bennett’s daughter could often be seen playing cards with him in the ferry booth.

“He was everything to me. We had so many plans,” said Bennett. “We had a very special bond that I will hold deep in my heart for the rest of my life.”

Margaret Russell, who has the ferry contract, said Tyler was a wonderful employee.

“He was very kind to the public. I never had a complaint from anyone,” she said. “He always came to work and said ‘hi big boss.’ He had a great sense of humor. And he always helped me with extra things that he didn’t have to do. He helped Ron a lot at the grocery store, putting up Christmas lights and hauling things around. We always looked to him for a strong back. He was always willing and happy to help.”

Memorials will be held in Silvana at Peace Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 21 from 1 to 4 p.m., and on Orcas Island on Sunday, March 22 at the Yacht Club from 1:30 to 4 p.m.