Tyler Slaughter

For those who knew and loved Tyler Slaughter, they came to know a man full of promise and hope who gave his all, and then some. Known for his quick wit and great sense of humor, Tyler could light up a room with his smile and mere presence. Yet since his earliest years, Tyler easily took others under his wing with a warmth and compassion all his own. Born on August 31, 1983 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Tyler Patrick Slaughter was the son of Michael Alan and Deborah Kay (Smits) Slaughter. His father worked in sales for business employee benefits, while his mother remained at home with Tyler and his older brother, Brad, and younger sister, Mackenzie.

Tyler attended Grandville Public Schools all while enjoying the typical adventures of childhood and youth. In grade school he played basketball, and in junior high played the saxophone, and was also on the tennis team. Tyler graduated from Grandville High School in 2001. Easy to love, fun loving and quite social are just a few of the many ways Tyler touched the lives of others. Always the life of the party, he was larger than life and naturally drew others to his side. Tyler had a passion for fishing, and always loved music, especially rock. Through the years he attended many concerts with friends. An avid sports fan, he was a huge Michigan State University fan, and rallied for Chicago Bears football, and Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers baseball.

Earning his masters degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University in 2013, Tyler worked at BioLife as a phlebotomist for a few years before landing a position in his field. For the last year he worked for Newaygo County Mental Health as an adult care case manager. His true calling, in the short time he was there, Tyler impacted the lives of many. A champion for the underdog, Tyler offered unconditional acceptance and was a dedicated advocate to those he served. Because of Tyler, lives were made richer, simply because he cared. A steadfast torch carrier, his warmth and light was a benefit to all as he saw the need in his chosen profession, as well as to anyone who came to know him.

Tyler loved his family. His parents were always accepting and encouraging, and he often got together with his brother and sister. He knew his way around a kitchen, and loved cooking unusual dishes, such as eel and Asian cuisine. When relaxing at home, Tyler was a big movie buff, and liked his craft beers. Reading was another one of his favorite pastimes, including books on sociology and human dynamics.

With a vitality for life, Tyler loved unconditionally, and his wonderful sense of humor and charm made him a treasure. Although his time to share was all too brief, those who called Tyler Slaughter son, brother, grandson, and friend will remember his beaming smile, lighthearted ways and the way he enriched the lives of all he touched with ways all his own. Even in death, Tyler lives on in his own special way as a Gift of Life donor. Deeply missed, he will be lovingly remembered by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

We all lost an incandescent life and light when Tyler Patrick Slaughter, age 31, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2015. He leaves behind his father and mother, Mike and Deb Slaughter; his brother, Brad; sister, Mackenzie; grandparents, Chuck and Pat Smits; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tyler's memory to TrueNorth Community Services, PO Box 149, Fremont, MI 49412, Love, Inc., 11 W. 96th Street, Grant, MI 49327, and/or to Newaygo County Mental Health, PO Box 867, White Cloud, MI 49349. Visitation will be on Thursday from 2–4 and 7–9 PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan NW. A celebration of life memorial service will be held Friday, 11:00 AM at the funeral home with a period of visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of his service. To read more about Tyler’s life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of him, please visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.