Remembering Tyler “MYLAR” Keenan
He was a man with a big heart and even bigger dreams, and he pursued them with an unwavering determination. A few years ago Tyler moved to Venice Beach with an effort of changing his life and pursuing his career dreams of working in the music and entertainment industry. Since he has proudly worked with with EDC, Adam Levine, Demi Lavato, Steve-O (yes jackass Steve-o), Seth McFarlane, Solija Boy, Kenny Arnoff, Crazy Town, Justin Bieber, the NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson, Seth McFarlane, Steve-O, Adam Levine, Demi Lavato, Disney, Netflix more than once, Oxygen, Complex Network, LA Kings, The Harder They Fall red carpet premiere, Beartooth, Wage War and so many more.
Last year Tyler completed an educational program at Rock Lititz with the career aim of becoming a Tour or Production Manager. He was a dedicated and hardworking individual who was determined to achieve his dreams. His eyes shone with excitement whenever he talked about the opportunities he was going to explore in the music industry. A few weeks ago he attended Live Production Summit in Palm Springs with Poconos Park & From The Roots CEO, John Oakes, to grow his music industry network, learn and pursue his goals of getting on the road in the music industry to work towards becoming a Tour Manager or Production Manager.
But tragedy struck suddenly, and Tyler was taken from us too soon. The news of his passing has us all left in shock and disbelief. It is hard to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer with us.
He was a vibrant and enthusiastic young man who was loved by everyone at Poconos Park.
Tyler was a major creative and operational part of the execution of the Poconos Park’s Haunted Poconos Park event. His passion for creative production solutions mixed with his technical ability and having fun with Halloween made him an integral part of the team. He was specifically responsible for the event’s Chainsaw Cha Cha Slide, Mylar Laser Hallway and more. Tyler’s creativity and attention to detail helped bring the spooky atmosphere to life, and he was always eager to pitch in and make sure everything was operational.
Tyler’s passing reminds us of stories he shared and memories of him. His laughter, welcoming personality, and positive energy were some of the things we will miss the most.
It was evident that Tyler had touched the lives of everyone he had come into contact with, and we are all better for having known him.
Tyler’s infectious personality and welcoming nature made him a valuable member of the team at Poconos Park. He was always ready with a smile, a kind word, or a joke to brighten up his coworkers’ day. His energy was contagious, and his enthusiasm was infectious.
His passion for drums and particular fondness for Avenged Sevenfold was something that we all knew about, and not just from the tattoo of the band’s logo on his arm.
It was not uncommon to hear him working along to their music, telling stories about the band at break times or asking for stories about the band from John Oakes’ experiences working and touring with them. Tyler was also an aspiring photographer and videographer. He loved to capture the world around him through his lens, and he had an eye for finding the beauty of musicians on stage and in other subjects in interesting settings.
Tyler’s dream of becoming a tour or production manager was something that we knew he would have achieved had he been given the chance. We all feel a deep sense of loss, knowing that he had so much potential and so much more to offer. In honor of Tyler’s memory, Poconos Park has renamed the touring production office after him. The Tyler Keenan Tour Production Office is a fitting tribute to a young man who had a passion for music, making others smile and the ambitions to be on tour as a Tour Manager or Production Manager.
Tyler may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.
Here is a great quote from Tyler, “You never know what lies ahead, but you will only get to find out if you keep moving forward and trying to reach your next goal.”
We, with all of his family and friends will miss him dearly, but we will carry on, knowing that Tyler would have wanted us to pursue our dreams with the same passion and determination that he had shown.
Rest in peace, Mylar. You will forREVer be remembered.
