I am Tyler’s Mom’s, Cheri, friend. I met Cheri when my equine vet volunteered both of us to take care of one of his client’s horses who had a terrible hoof infliction (laminitis). I was the nurse and Cheri provided the technical support.

I heard many wonderful things about Tyler from Cheri, long before I met him. I later found out it all was true. I first met Tyler in a Chicago January winter when we just had an ice storm. Like Tyler, Cheri is an animal lover and volunteered to take care of someone’s horses and chickens while the owners were gone during the holidays.

Unfortunately, Cheri ended up slipping on the ice and damaging her leg. I offered to help her with the barn and since Tyler was visiting, he came along to help Cheri. Tyler was so concerned and caring for his Mom I was actually taken aback. I am not used to seeing that type of compassion. He did not want his Mom to go outside on the ice again and walked with her while she went out to get the horses inside. He cleaned the stalls for her so she did not have to walk on her injured leg.

Tyler was so kind and so soft spoken, I remembered him for this and thought of him often. Now, I will never forget him and the goodness he brought into the world. My brother is a cinematographer who has been awarded several Emmy’s. I believe I know talent and Tyler’s photos are so inspirational and clearly show his immense talent. What a awful loss for the world that he was taken so early for so many reasons. He had so much left to give. There was nothing rushed about him. He listened and observed which is one reason he was able to be such a great photographer and loving human being.

I shall never forget him.