Nathan James Tyler

Nate Tyler left us too soon when he passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2009 following a vehicle accident on Orcas Island.

Nate was born on February 8, 1974 in Seattle and raised in Edmonds, Washington. He was always a very active kid, involved in everything from basketball, baseball and football to showing animals at the local fairs in Snohomish County. He graduated from Edmonds-Woodway High School in 1992. Nate attended Walla Walla Community College and also served briefly in the United States Navy.

This terrible loss, as described by a friend on Orcas Island, has left “an island in mourning.”

Nate lived on Orcas Island for eight years and absolutely loved the people and his life there. Nate was at his happiest in the outdoors. Sailing, kayaking, golfing, and hiking were all great passions of his. But what he was best at was making friends and touching the lives of everyone he encountered. He worked at the ferry landing on Orcas since June 2004 and made instant and lasting friendships with hundreds and hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds. He had a smile for everyone, he had tons of funny stories and experiences to share, and he filled our lives with so much laughter, joy and special memories. Those who knew Nate knew what life and love were meant to be, in their best and purest form.

Nate is preceded in death by his father Bill Tyler. He is survived and loved by many, including his mother Char Tyler of Everett, his son Marius and his mother Vaila Hubred of Norway, his brother and sister-in-law Jason and Linda Tyler of Burlington, his sisters Jordana and Jacki Tyler, both of Everett, three adoring nieces Cayden, Brooke and Reese, grand-parents Jack and Elsie Pryor of Stanwood, his aunt Cathy Pryor and her husband Dick of Virginia, his girlfriend Samantha Bennett and her daughter Claudia, numerous extended family members and countless devoted friends from near and far.

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