It is with broken hearts and tremendous sadness that we announce the loss of Tyler Leavitt. Left behind to mourn Tyler are his loving wife and best friend, Kristal (Tees) and their three amazing children, Ruby, Emmett and Lennox. Tyler was loved by, and loved very deeply, Kristal and the kids. Tyler and Kristal shared a special love, a love that many search their entire lives for. With that love, commitment, support and happiness together they created three beautiful children.
They enjoyed every day together and always put the needs of their children first. Tyler enjoyed every moment he spent with Kristal and the kids. He had a huge love and passion for cooking and he instilled that same passion in Ruby, often preparing and cooking nightly family dinners together. His love for hockey evolved on a new level as he enjoyed being Emmett's hockey coach the previous year. When Ty wasn't cooking, playing activities with the kids, or helping out around the house he enjoyed relaxing in the hot tub. This became a favourite past time of his and his youngest son, Lennox, who equally loved to sit and relax in the hot tub chatting about the simple things in life.
Tyler enjoyed spending time and making memories with the kids in every day experiences, but what he loved the most was his wife Kristal. He loved her with all of his heart and he reminded her every day. He would come home from work, be greeted by three happy kids, then hug and kiss his wife, ask her how her day had been and then ask how he could help. Tyler and Kristal were a partnership in every aspect, but what he loved the most was the time he and Kristal spent together. It didn't matter what they were doing, but they were together enjoying every moment.
Also left behind, with huge holes in their hearts, are Tyler's parents Barb and Leo Leavitt, his brothers Josh and Evan Leavitt, his parents-in-law Charlyne and Lawrie Tees, his sister-in-law Tracy Tees and her partner Jeff, his Uncle Danny and Auntie Lynda Friess, his Auntie Donna Costanzo, his Auntie Cindy and Uncle Randy Grayson, his close friends Justin and Holly McRann; in addition to the many relatives and cherished friendships that he had. Tyler was a wonderful son who made his parents very proud, he loved his family very much. Growing up he began playing hockey at the age of 10 and his parents were his biggest cheerleaders. He was an older brother who always helped out around the house and with his younger brothers. He was a dedicated and hard working person always striving to do his best. His hard work and dedication is what led to his years playing Junior B Hockey with the Beaver Valley Nitehawks. Although he had a large physical presence on the ice, it was his heart and sensitive soul that stood out.
Tyler made many friends throughout his life and one of his more significant impacts was his role as a Respiratory Therapist. He began working as a RT in 2005 at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, and enjoyed every challenge that it brought. In 2011, Tyler and his family moved back to the Kootenays and Tyler began his position at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital. Tyler had many strengths which included making connections to co-workers and patients, taking the time to listen to others and share life experiences, teaching others his knowledge, and demonstrating an exceptional ability to maintain calmness and composure even in the most stressful situations at work. His coworkers were a second family to Tyler and have been a tremendous support for the family. An exciting addition to his job at KBRH, was being able to be a part of the HART team. This position allowed him to be on numerous transports of patients, throughout the years making an impact in the lives of many. Tyler loved his career and the people he worked with. He loved helping others and he always displayed strong compassion and dedication to his patients.
We will all remember Tyler. He was compassionate, caring, loving, sensitive, supportive, and an exceptional example of what kindness and empathy towards others should look like. He has been taken away far too soon from his family and friends who love him deeply. But our memories and experiences with him will live on forever in our hearts.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks for the out-pouring of love and support that the community has provided at this time. Tyler was overwhelmed by the amount of support we received at the beginning of his diagnosis and we know he's smiling now seeing how much love and support Kristal, the kids and extended families are receiving.
The Celebration of Life for Tyler Leavitt on April 5 has been postponed due to COVID-19 mandates from the BC Government.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca
I'd like to share with you what Ty often said to me when he arrived home from work, "we've got to enjoy every moment because you never know when it's your last." Hopefully you take his thoughtful advice and enjoy every day with your loved ones as we did every day in our 19 years together.
There will be a commemoration for Tyler Leavitt on Saturday, June 11 at 1pm at the Colombo Hall.
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services