April 15 1981 – October 12 2013
It is with profound sadness that we announce that Tyler is no longer with us. He will be greatly missed, as he is no longer here to hit the trails with his friends or share a good joke with those he loved. Tall, strong and handsome, Tyler was a young man with a “heart of gold” who showed his grit in both life and play. At home he could be seen cruising though the trails out near Comox Lake or putting in the miles on his custom high-end bikes, which were his pride and joy. Tyler demonstrated incredible courage and determination to live his life on his own terms, setting an example for us all of how to persevere and savour the sweet moments of life. Tyler never let his Diabetes slow him down. He earned the respect of those around him by never giving up. When he set his sights on heading up to the northern Alberta oil fields he did, taking great pride in driving one of the largest trucks in the world. Next up were the mammoth excavators up north and again he excelled. With wisdom Tyler, during the last few years of his life, felt he should pursue a trade that was more to his talents of precision and tidiness. He transitioned to the rigors of pursuing his journeyman’s electrical ticket with his trademark determination. Throughout his life, his strength, passion, and self-motivation were signature traits of Tyler’s, setting an example of how life can be lived fully despite opposition and challenge. Enjoying life, Tyler always had a huge grin on his face as he was loving every moment. This is how he will be remembered.
Predeceased by his mother, Catherine (Crofton) Maltby, Tyler will be greatly missed by his sisters Erin Cowan and Larissa Maltby, his brother Graiden Maltby, and long time ‘step dad’ Rod Maltby. Tyler also leaves behind his father, Chris Cowan, grandfather, Dr. Desmond J Cowan as well as his loving aunts, uncles and cousins. It would be nice to believe that Tyler is now at peace and is with his mom whom he loved dearly. While he may no longer be with us, his determined spirit will live on in our hearts.
A gathering to remember Tyler will take place at The Little Red Church at 2182 Comox Ave, Comox on Saturday, November 2, 2013. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tyler’s name can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Vancouver Children’s Hospital, and the Canadian Diabetes Foundation.