Tyler Leigh Brinkerhoff

Tyler always told the funniest stories, and always knew how to make someone laugh. If I ever saw his name come up on my phone, I knew I was about to spend the next hour on the phone laughing with him. I will always look back at my memories with him and be so grateful for the friendship I had with him.

Where do I begin with Tyler. I met Tyler walking into the mission home in Bismarck North Dakota . He stood out like a sore thumb mainly because of that beautiful shiny bald head of his. We got to serve together in multiple areas through out the mission and became very close friends . I returned home from my mission after Tyler and as I got off the plane and embraced my family , there Tyler was to support me and congratulate me on my return. I moved to Utah for about three years and in that time We golfed together, hunted together . We spent many days laughing and creating memory’s that I will forever hold. I love you Tyler. I’ll see you again soon and I’ll give you a big kiss on that beautiful bald head one day!

My deepest love and prayers to all of you in the loss of Tyler. May your faith sustain you, your memories bring warmth to your heart, and knowing that many grieve his passing along with you. Special love to Steve; always like a second son across the miles and years and “ brother” to our son.

Thoughts and prayers to the family.

Tyler had an incredible smile. He was always silly and fun loving. He would always be playing with his younger brother Alex and teasing his mother. Rest easy and know how much you’re loved and missed!

Tyler took me on what I think was my very first date in high school. I still think about the silly jokes we made that night and laugh about them to this day. We had so much fun, and I’ll always be grateful for that sweet memory. I’m so sorry for your loss and am thinking of your family. ❤️

This one hit me real hard. Instant brotherhood friendship when we first met. You always manage to call when Bonnie and I were eating dinner, and we would put you on speaker phone and catch up on everything. Even though it could have been weeks between calls…it always felt liked we picked up our conversation from yesterday. You know we (my family) loved you so much and we felt your love (from miles away).

A true kinship that you overflowed with love, humor, and a brotherly bond that I will forever cherish…I love you, Tyler.

I’m so sad to see this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dearest Paula, Emily and Alex,
My heart is breaking for each of you and your family.
You’re in my thoughts and deepest sympathies.
love
Torina McMullin

Sending my deepest sympathy as you grieve the loss of your firstborn son, Tyler. May your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ bring you comfort and peace knowing that Tyler is in His hands and presence.

I knew Tyler from Sammie. I’m her little sisters BFF and was fortunate enough to have met Tyler. I helped with watching their dogs and spent many hours playing games, having dinners, and going for adventures with them. I have a great memory of Tyler when we went to a lake. Tyler was fishing and he just kept catching them back to back. For me nothing haha. We had a nice banter and he of course just had to show his skills. Tyler is an amazing human and I will miss him very much 💕

Tyler was a kind, funny, and friendly person who always had a warm smile for everyone. My heart goes out to you, Paula. May your cherished memories bring you comfort and strength now and always. Love Gina

Although we never met in person, you are my brother and I will meet you someday in the heavenly place that God has for us. My heart goes out, prayers for your family and friends. Sending love ❤️ hugs and prayers for all who knew you, my brother in God’s love.

Tyler made scout camp fun. He was always quick with a joke or a funny story to entertain the group. But when it was time to be serious and show leadership, he stepped up every time. He has a maturity above his peers.

Out deepest sympathies.

Spencer & Ann Cannon

Nothing we can say will comfort you at this time. Our prayers and love are with you. Love you.

Living in the same neighborhood and going to the same high school as your cousin can have its advantages. Tyler was a little more adventurous and wild than me. One night he invited me and a couple other friends out to go exploring through some homes under construction. Tyler would inspect the basement, and of course scare the crap out of us by making some loud noise. Every time a car would drive by we would hide and hope it wasn’t a cop. Thankfully there never was. After our adrenaline filled exploring, we ended the night by going to Texas Road House. That night ended up being one of the most memorable nights of my high school years and a fond memory I had with my big cousin Tyler. 💙

Oh Tyler, where to start. He was always up for an adventure. Tyler gave me my first introduction to golf. I may have not been holding a club, but he sure did let me drive the golf cart around like it was a get away car. If you know Ty, you already know we were loaded up with sunflower seeds and pop. Thankful for my memories and adventures. Golf and sunflower seeds will forever remind me of my cousin Ty 💙

Dear Paula, I am holding you in my heart during this challenging time. Tyler was deeply loved. May his memory be a blessing. Fondly, Andrea

Being your aunt and watching you grow up and navigate oftentimes impossible situations always made me feel a little sad. But, you made the best of it and the thing that stands out most to me is how much time and attention you gave to all of your siblings. You always made them a top priority and supported them in everything. Tyler, you are going to be so missed. I hope you know how loved you always were. That we were always cheering you on and wanted you to be happy.

I will miss you showing up to Grandma and Grandpas and instantly filling up the room, we were always so happy when you came because then the room felt like everyone was home. It never did when you weren't there and you were often the topic of conversation, wondering how you were and how things were going. Now we will be with an empty space in our hearts for awhile but we are so certain you are at peace. I also have a clear picture in my head of Grandpa Dawes embracing you and I know he didn't even roll his eyes he was just so happy to be with you again. Thanks for calling me just last week and ending with I love you, because I'm so thankful that's the last thing I got to say to you!

Jacquie

Tyler was the older cousin that everybody looked up too. He knew how to make the entire room happy, and we enjoyed every second with him. He will forever be missed and loved. Love you forever Tyler! ❤️❤️

Tecia, Steve, and fam-

We were so sad to hear about the loss of Tyler. How incredibly hard. We've been praying for your family and want you to know how much we love and appreciate you guys!

Tyler is one of the nicest people I've ever met. I think that's something almost everyone noticed.
I remember him and my boys growing up and supporting each other. Even though he was the older cousin, he was always inclusive with all of them and they had a great time together.
I also loved watching him with his little brother Alex. He was so much older and could have been like some of those mean teenage big brothers out there that find their little siblings annoying. But instead, he always looked out for him and they were best friends and loved doing thigs together.
Tyler, glad you've got some grandpas to welcome you home on the other side. We miss you!

I’ll always remember spending time with Tyler whenever the family would get together. He was always so funny and a good time to have around. I’ll miss watching him tease the cousins and spending the holidays together. Tyler was always so kind and loyal to me and I knew he would always have my back if I needed him. I’ll miss you so much, things won’t be the same without you.

Tyler was one of a kind. He had the biggest heart. I remember back in middle school he would pick Emily and I up with his loud rap music playing, at the time it was embarrassing but looking back, it was awesome. Back when we lived in West Jordan, my sisters, Tyler, emily and some of Tyler’s friends decided to have a spit ball fight in the basement. So fun but we got in big trouble after that. Sorry Paula. All in all, Tyler was the best. I’ll miss him very much.

You were such a fun person to have around growing up especially when we got together at grandmas. I remember a lot of times we’d get together in grandmas basement to play monopoly, cards, sneak away to play some call of duty, or talk about our elementary school crushes. There’s a missing piece of us all without you here and I pray you are at peace. I’ll love you forever.

My absolute favorite thing about Tyler was that he always always ALWAYS told me that he loved me. After every text, call, and when I saw him in person, even without me saying it first. It’s the most special feeling being loved by someone who treated me like a cousin by blood, instead of by marriage. I love you Ty, I can’t wait to hear/say that you to again:)💕🪽

One time I was hanging with grandma and we went into the phone store where Tyler worked. He was really nice to me. Just as we were about to leave, he picked me up and lifted me high into the air, since he’s tall, I went really high, he said, “bye Savannah” I will miss him.

I’ve been Tyler’s aunt for 11 years, when I married his uncle Andrew. I remember Tyler as a shy kid, who didn’t like to be in the spotlight. He had a relaxed demeanor and a quiet smile. He was always nice to me. He was an avid golfer and I gave him some of my father’s collection of golf balls. I wish we had more time with him. I wish I had gotten to know more about him. There is a “tall” hole in our hearts. We miss you Tyler!

A funny memory I have with tyler is when he always would pick me up and put me upside down and spin me. I will miss him a lot.

Matthew

When I think of Tyler, one memory comes to mind. I remember when I was riding with him in his car and he had a pack of firecrackers. I asked him why he had them. He then proceeded to push in the cigarette lighter and then lit a firecracker and threw it out the window. I thought it was awesome, so I lit and threw some out myself. That also explained the burn mark on the passenger seat. Tyler was always down for a good time. I'm going miss him.

I've known Tyler from the very beginning. Paula, you & I met in Logan when I had just had my second baby and you had just had Tyler. We were new mothers together and connected immediately and have stayed lifelong friends. Your family is so special to me! Our time together in Logan was short but it bonded us with love that overrules distance and time. I know you are the best mother and that you love your children fiercely and I know each of them knows and feels that. I have always loved Tyler's amazing smile that lights up his whole face. Can't wait for the day that you will see that smile again and embrace your special boy and there will be no more tears. I love you eternally.

One of the blessings of my old age is having Tyler living close by. I knew with every hug, every “I love you” and every conversation that he loved me. I loved him too in a unique and special way. Tyler was so kind hearted and wanted so badly for his life to get better. I loved seeing Tyler take over my couch and watching tv together. One series I will never watch again. A couple weeks ago Tyler asked me if there was anything he hadn’t been through. Not much! What a blessing to be relieved of this worlds burdens. He adored his brothers and his sweet sister. I expect we’ll feel his spirit around us. I will miss Tyler

Tyler was always my best friend’s older brother that wanted to annoy us, but he was so funny I sometimes had to really hold myself back from laughing when he would tease Emily. When I went to high school, he was always so sweet to me when I would see him in the halls or cafeteria and would let me sit with him at the football games. My favorite memory is getting to see him on his mission in South Dakota when we went out there for a family trip one summer. He had such a light to him and he was a spiritual (and physical) giant. I am so heartbroken to hear of his passing but I know that he will be at peace with His Savior, his grandpa Frank, and all his ancestors. I love you all so much and will keep you continually in my heart and prayers!

I met Tyler when he was probably 11. I had never met someone that age with the cutest little bald head and the biggest smile. Ohhhh did he like to tease all the little cousins…and I was all for it because I did too(not sure how I stayed the favorite Aunt).

One time when he was 16 he picked Kylie up and told her he was going to put her in the oven. She about lost her 6 year old mind and still talks about how it scared the crap out of her. I knew he wouldn’t actually do it…she did not!

Or the time I was staying at Paula’s house and slept in Tyler’s room….did I wake up covered in chocolate? Sure did, because there was chocolate in his bed haha. Guess I should have checked before crawling in.

Another good one was when we were doing white elephant gifts and we had just found Jordan’s wisdom teeth in a box a few weeks before. Well Tyler ended up with that present and they fell out into his lap when he opened it…we laughed and laughed.

I ran into him about a year and a half ago at the Post Malone concert. He gave me a big hug and we took a picture together. He had the biggest heart and the world is a little dimmer today without his light.

Paula, Emily, Alex, Jason, and the entire Dawes family, my heart is broken for all of you. We love you all!

Paula, words cannot express my feelings so I won't even try. Just know that I love you.

Once when we were young it was Easter, and our Grandpa Frank was in charge of hiding the eggs in the backyard. We were all looking around and were able to find our eggs so easily except for Tyler. He kept looking around long after we were all done, and we were all thinking that grandpa had forgotten to hide his eggs. After a long while of this we looked up and saw that Frank had hid them on top of the shed. Tyler was always a good sport and was always great to laugh with. He was the oldest of us cousins and I always looked up to him and thought he was the coolest.

When I was little, I remember wrestling Tyler once at grandmas house. He was a lot bigger, stronger, and taller than me. Even though I was lost, we had a great laugh and a good time. I will always remember Tyler being a good sport and making everyone laugh.

When I think about Tyler lots of great memories come to mind. I was privileged to not only be his aunt but to also grow up living by him. I loved going and watching him play little league. He loved baseball! Watching and cheering him on playing Jr. Jazz. He was the cutest and tallest kid out there. One memory I’ll always remember was the Pinewood Derby. It was down to the wire and he didn’t have a car to race. He came over and Shane and Tyler worked hard making his derby car. He was so excited he had a car and then to take first place was icing on the cake. There wasn’t a more deserving kid than him to win. He loved anything peanut butter. He loved making his specialty homemade caramel popcorn. (He even hid his sweetened condensed milk in the bathroom.) I knew what he was up to if he called and asked if I had any sweetened condensed milk and I’d be getting some yummy popcorn in return.

One last memory. You always knew when Tyler was heading home or leaving the neighborhood because you could not only hear his rap (crap) music but you could also feel it vibrating the whole house. He loved that rap music which drove his mother crazy! I love this kid so much. He always had a big smile on his face and had a good laugh to share. I will miss you but know you’re in a much better place. Love you Tyler!❤️

We love Tyler and your dear family.
My favorite memory is definitely taking him to lunch on his mission.
I will miss his warm laugh, his quick smile and his larger-than-life presence in any room.
Tyler, we will miss you.
Paula, Jason, Emmy, Tyler and Alex- we are here for you. We are praying for you in your grief.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Tyler, but from what I’ve seen and know of your family, there’s no doubt that he was enormously loved. I’m continually amazed by how accepting you are of everyone you meet. You’re able to see through people’s imperfections and find the good. The loyalty you have for the people in your circle is almost tangible. I believe you were just what Tyler needed in his earth experience and I’m so excited for your joyful reunion.

One of my favorite memories I have with Tyler was serving our mission and being the lone sister in the transfer van and getting convinced that there were no bathrooms in site on our drive from the mission home to Rapid City, so I went to the bathroom on the side of the road and to come back into the van to everyone laughing that there was a gas station 1 mile ahead.
I also remember Tyler taking me on my first-and last- bunny hunting experience.
Loved how Tyler always lit up the room and loved everyone. I’m so sorry for your loss.

So sorry for your loss. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.

Watching Tyler from the time he was a baby coming home from the hospital, to a cheeky toddler, then towering teen, to moving into his first college apartment then onto adult life…the thing that stands out to me the most is his big heart! He loved and looked out for everyone. He had a gift for compassion and such a friendly, fun nature. Within the first few minutes of talking with him he had you laughing and smiling. He loved his family fiercely, he made friends easily, and his smile was the first thing you saw on his face and in his eyes. I loved watching him with his siblings and hearing the love in his voice as he talked to his mom. Oh how we will miss you and your big heart Tyler!

Loved the photos. I remember him most when he was a kid and lived with Linda and Frank. Always fun to talk to. Looks like quite a Hunter and outdoorsman. I’m sure he will be missed.

This news has absolutely broken my heart. Tyler was an absolute stud, I’m very grateful to have been able to call him a brother. The crazy, stupid, reckless, and dangerous stuff Tyler, Tristin, and I got into will always have such a special place in my heart. He always had a way of keeping us all safe and smart, while not comprising the fun and excitement of our adventures. You don’t realize how great the times were until they’re gone, and those were some great times.

He will definitely be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Tyler and I were great friends in middle school. Seeing him in forever strong was always fun to see as well. Sad to know he passed away.