Obituary – Tyler Stranaghan, 26

June 25th, 1985 – May 17th, 2012

Tyler was born June 25th, 1985 in Peace River, the youngest and tallest of Barry and Lesly Stranaghan’s children. Always referred to as the Gentle Giant, during his childhood Tyler had a love for his dad’s passion – driving trucks. His dad would take him along on truck rides and they would enjoy their time together. On a family trip to Montana, they noticed “fireworks for sale” at every roadside. All of the kids just had to have the fireworks, so at the last roadside before the border, their dad decided to buy some. Unaware of the regulations, he insisted the kids hide the fireworks to ensure they would be able to smuggle them across the border. They were successful in their smuggling, and now Tyler was hooked and fireworks became his thing. From there on in, he ensured that there were fireworks at every family reunion. One reunion in particular, at the Old MacDonald Resort, Tyler tried to be discreet and surprise the family with a huge array of fireworks. He succeeded with the surprise, but not so much with being discreet. As the fireworks lit up the sky, so would his beautiful silhouette. The entire family knew that silhouette, but yet laughed with amazement. Tyler’s mother was always there to drive him to all of his sports activities and provide him with recipes for his cooking competitions with friends. He had a love for baseball in the beginning, however once he was introduced to gold, his passion was hitting the Mighty Peace golf course, putting Mom back on the road again. Tyler had a great love for his three older sisters. They always had something to say to one another, whether it was nice or just as “Tyler Comment”. He was always thinking of ways to make money, from selling Grandma’s hard picked Saskatoons to shovelling snow. Soon he learnt his sisters were where the real money was. He made a simple agreement with his sisters for personal loans. The girls would agree to pay interest on $5 loans, while Tyler walked away with a profit and a smile on his face. As the girls got smarter, Tyler found real employment and made long term friendships as he realised it was not about the money. He started his career at Marshall Automotive as the lot guy, but ultimately found his way through branch manager positions with Formula Powell and sales representative at Northern Mat and Bridge, where most would say “he could sell golf tips to a golf pro”. Tyler and his only brother had a special bond. Tyler followed his footsteps almost to a “T”. They always made sure to text, call, or visit. As children, Tyler had a little yellow tractor. Together, they rode this tractor until the tires were bare and started to collect gravel. Tyler and Steven may not have looked alike, but they thought alike. They were always there for each other no matter what the circumstance. As a young man, Tyler had a way with the women, soft and sweet and the famous Gentle Giant hugs. He always had to ensure that he was groomed for the ladies. The included the Dipitty-Do hair gel, cologne, and whenever possible, ironed shirts only Mom knew how to do. Tyler and his buddies always made time to do the things they loved – camping, quadding, boating, and fishing. Tyler made an impact on everyone who was blessed to have met him. He always had a compassionate ear for those who needed it. Tyler always had the ability to tell you exactly what he was thinking with no repercussions. Tyler was tongue-tied when he was born and his Gramma always said “We should never have had it clipped”. But in all honesty, this particular trait was what everyone loved about Tyler. Tyler had four beautiful nieces. Uncle Tyler’s time spent with the girls was always full of laughter and silliness. He was afraid to hold them when they were infants, but as they grew he became more confident and would hold the girls. No matter what, they will always have everyone around them feeding them memories that they will need to carry him in their hearts. In closing, there are several memories that each and every one of us have and will always cherish. There will always be a part of Tyler with us no matter where we go or what we do. Tyler was, and always will be, remembered as the Gentle Giant that everyone knew and loved. Tyler passed away on May 17th, 2012 in High Prairie, Alberta. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Tyler to the Kids with Cancer Society or the MS Society of Alberta. We love you, big guy!

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