A Tribute to Tyler

A Tribute to Tyler

It is an honour today to be here to talk about Tyler on behalf of the teachers of MBCI.  Tyler was a special student to us all.

Saint Francis of Assisi once wrote, “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle”.

Today, I want to talk about Tyler’s light. I thought Tyler had star quality, and the light from his star was evident to us all.

Not too long ago, I was talking with Mr. Warkentine.  He said that on at least one occasion, he told Tyler that he thought he had a gift for the sciences, that perhaps he should pursue science.  I was taken a back a little, because, from my perspective, Tyler had a gift for French and that perhaps he should pursue becoming bilingual.  Then, I realized that Tyler is a just a bright kid, a star student.

I loved having Tyler as a student in French class.  I first taught him in Grade 6, then again in Grade 8, Grade 9 and Grade 10.  In Grade 6, I saw his potential right away.  I was in fact, slightly intimidated.  I thought that he must have had a really good French teacher and that I had to at least be as good as him or her.  I recall Tyler being a narrator for our many plays that we did back then.  La lune est tombe dans l’eau.  Who can forget that line!  Now, in Grade 6 French, we learn to say how old we are and what activities we enjoy, but back then, the moon falling in the water was a thing and Tyler did that thing very well.  He had excellent ease and pronunciation, he was a natural!

It was not just his success with the subject matter that stood out, it was also the way he treated others, his fellow students and his teachers.  He was kind, gentle and respectful.  He was someone we all enjoyed being around.  In Grade 8, he brought a sense of maturity, that is not an easy thing to do in Grade 8.  In Grade 9, he learned quickly how to talk about what he did yesterday, what he is doing today and what he is going to do tomorrow, all in French.  This included of course playing video games, doing homework, eating and sleeping in!

Tyler had a way about him that made others feel comfortable.

Simon sent me a message the other day that said, “Tyler was a good student but an even better friend. Last year, I was new to French.  When I did not understand something, I simply looked over at Tyler. He also helped me a lot with Math.”

Emily said, “Tyler came to MBCI in Grade 6 and I remember thinking he was the most funny and smart kid in the class. This year I've heard many students say how smart, athletic/fast, kind, funny, and "amazing at video games" Tyler was.”

Johann said, “Tyler was an amazing guy. He especially loved talking on an app called discord.  Every night you could find him there ready to have a conversation. He always put a smile on my face.”

Sarah commented, “Tyler made me smile. He was one of things that I looked forward to every time I had French class, no doubt about it.  All the memories I have of Tyler are full of such happiness and laughter.”

Sarah’s comment makes me think about a day, only about three short weeks ago when Tyler, Derrick, Sarah and Renee all touched their noses.  They did this to not be picked for something.  I don’t know exactly what they did not want to be chosen for.  I did not ask, I thought I would wait it out and see what they were up to.  Their fingers stayed on their noses for a solid 20 minutes.  It was not distracting at all. I never did figure it out.

Wes Koslowsky was Tyler’s English teacher.  Mr. Koslowsky has a lot to say about Tyler.  He deeply appreciated Tyler’s wit and creativity.  He described his mind as rich and fertile.  Mr. Koslowsky sees each one of us as creators, and he also saw Tyler as an extraordinary creator.

Mr. Plett was also touched by Tyler’s insight in Bible class.  In his Bible journal, he recently wrote, “Life is best lived and happiest in the company of others and not alone.”

Ms. Melendez appreciated how helpful he was in Nutrition class.  He always made the class easier to manage.

I guess what stands out for me is that Tyler knew how to treat others well, he was a calm spirit that inspired a high standard of regard for others and he also had a personal standard for academic achievement.

This past year, our French class had the opportunity to make a couple of videos for Manitoba Education.  I was eager for Tyler to show off, to be a star.  For our first filming, at the last minute, he decided not to participate.  I respected his wishes and did not push him.  He said he felt anxious and was concerned about what he would look like on the video.  I knew he would just look like a star, an awesome French student.  So, for the second filming, I really encouraged him, I pushed him.  In the end, he did it and Tyler shone.  His talent and his character came through.

Next Monday morning at school is going to be vey difficult.  Tyler’s presence will be missed.  It is my prayer that Tyler’s star light will continue to shine in our hearts and inspire us to work hard, to make others laugh and to love one another well.

To Jake, Lisa and Angeline.  May you find comfort in knowing that Tyler was a special student to us teachers and a special friend to his peers.  We will think of you often and truly wish you comfort.

I want to end by sharing a special message from Aden, one of Tyler’s dear friends.  I saved this for last because I know I will cry, so please bear with me.

“After meeting in Grade 6 we became friends, as you accepted me for being me. You were always there when I needed someone to talk to. I had a lot of fun playing video games with you, cycling to your home, watching movies with you and laughing together. However, my favourite time spent with you was just talking, simply talking and we talked a lot. It is not fair to sum up my thoughts in a few descriptive words, but I can only say this... your kindness, your honesty and your compassion were real. Tyler, you will always hold a very special place in the hearts of everyone who knew you. You will be missed so much. True friendship was your gift to me and for that I am truly grateful...Thank you.”

Sincerely,

Jodi Daly (Madame Daly, Tyler’s French Teacher)