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Tyler Kirchhof Obituary
A Life Celebrated
Tyler Kirchhof passed away on November 8, 2010. Born June 25, 1988 and raised in Santa Maria, he was in his third year of study at the University of Colorado, at Boulder. In college, Tyler was a member of SAE, a philanthropic fraternity that culminated their annual activities with a football competition between fraternities, recently capturing wins 3 years in a row, reclaiming honor for his SAE Brothers after 9 years of losses.
Tyler attended local schools and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 2007 where he established himself as a stand out football linebacker. He was a team captain, led his team in tackles and made All Conference as a senior. In the same year, Tyler was instrumental in leading his team to the Los Padres League Championship. Tyler was selected to play in the Santa Barbara County All-Star football game, where he was voted the North County defensive player of the game. Though he excelled as an athlete, his friends remember him as a rare breed of friend who was funny, charming and always there for them; someone they were privileged to know. Tyler had many close friends, whom cherished their relationship with Tyler for life. He had a lifelong bond with the "Sunrise Kids" who remember growing up together with the carefree play of childhood and neighborhood family events. Tyler spent countless hours at the beach and the lake with friends and family creating the many memories that comfort them now.
Tyler is survived by his loving family, parents, Kim and Linda Kirchhof, sister, Kelli Kirchhof, grandmother Patricia Kirchhof, uncles, Kyle (Joan) Kirchhof, David (Eve) Fouratt, Dan (Palma) Fouratt and his cousins Hayley, Allison, Sarah, Nathan and Danielle.
Tyler was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents George and Elsa Fouratt, paternal grandfather Alan Kirchhof, uncle, Jan Kirchhof and aunt, Cindy Kirchhof.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church on Monday, November 15, 2010 at 1:00 PM, Fr. Ed Jalbert officiating. Burial, at the Santa Maria Cemetery, will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Tyler Kirchhof Memorial Fund, c/o St. Joseph High School, 4120 S. Bradley Rd, Santa Maria, Cal 93455
A friend on Facebook posted a quote by Thomas Campbell. "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die". Tyler will live on in the hearts of all he so lovingly touched.
Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory and Memory Gardens.
Dudley-Hoffman
Mortuary & Crematory
(805) 922-8463
www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tyler Kirchhof
Jamie Williams
November 21, 2010
Linda, Kim and Kelli: our hearts go out to you..."When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." ~Kahlil Gibran
Jamie, Jeff, Indiana, and Atticus
Ken Crabtree
November 19, 2010
Dear Kirchoff Family,
We were saddened to hear of Tyler's passing. This guest book is a testament of the love for him and your family in our community.May GOD give you strength in your hour of need.
November 18, 2010
To the Kirchhof family,
Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow and help ease the loss you bear. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Tyler was such a fine young man.. With love, Tom, Diane, Mandy, Bryan and Karly Beyers
Abdon & Eva Bonilla
November 16, 2010
Kim, Linda and Kelli, Our hearts go out to you. Sad to hear about Tyler, please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We can't imagine how painful this must be for you. May you find peace. Abdon & Eva Bonilla
Doug and Jeannie Hinchliff
November 16, 2010
To the Kirchhof family,
We were so sad to hear of the passing of Tyler, we will keep your family in our prayers.
November 16, 2010
To the Kirchhof family
We are so sad to hear about Tyler. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Love Mike and Marilyn Jacques
November 16, 2010
Dear Kim, Linda and Kelli,
Tyler's memorial service was beautiful and a testament to how many lives he had touched. Caroline, the boys are happy we had the chance to meet him at the family reunion. He made a powerful impression on the boys. ("Dad, do I have to be that big to play football too?")
They say the true test of a man's wealth is the number of people he can call his friends. By that account, Tyler was a king.
God bless you all!
Love,
James McGowan and Family
Mark and Kari Papendorf
November 16, 2010
Kim, Linda, and Kelli ~ our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort you through this difficult time. With Love from Mark and Kari Papendorf
Kristin Marsalek
November 15, 2010
Dear Kirchhof family,
I am so sad to hear of Tyler's passing. He was such a nice person; full of potential and promise. He was definitely a presence on the SJHS campus. My deepest sympathy for your loss. You will continue to be in my prayers. May God comfort you during this time, and always, Kristin Marsalek
Jeff and Michele Newberry
November 15, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to all of your family. You all are in our prayers.
Always, Jeff, Michele, Hailey, and Tawny Newberry
Kendra Scott
November 15, 2010
I met Tyler in Colorado in his first semester there. I dated one of his childhood friends and spent a good amount of time with Tyler. Tyler always struck me as such a charming, genuine person. He seemed to love his family and friends more than anything. The last day I saw Tyler was on his birthday. He had all of his friends and family together in his backyard. I have never seen Tyler happier than when he was with his family. He had so much love for his mom, dad, and sister. You guys are such a beautiful family, and I have no idea why such a tragedy would happen to such nice people. I dont talk to god often, but this last week I have had so many questions. Why would he take such a bright, loving, amazing young person?? Tyler was just at the beginning of his life and there is no way to get that back now. I am also 22, so what I am taking away from this is to live everyday to the fullest, to love my family more than I thought possible, and to appreciate all my friends. I will not take one day for granted, because I am sure thousands of people would give anything just to see Tyler one more day. Rest in peace, you will be missed more than you ever knew.
John & Dianne Widle
November 15, 2010
We are praying for God's Mercy and Grace for you all. With all our love.
Steve & Sharon Van Dyke
November 15, 2010
Dear Kirchhof Family-It was our distinct pleasure to get to know Tyler through our daughter Faryn. Tyler touched many peoples' lives and his spirit will live on through them. Examples of this are Tyler and Sean helping our son Parker to train for school sports and Tyler's friendship with our other daughter Hollie. Our sincerest condolences go our to you and your family and our prayers are with you. Christ has assured us that all who know him and have invited him into their hearts will have eternal life. May God Bless you family.
Blanca Sanchez
November 15, 2010
Linda & Family, My heart goes out to you and your family. In times like this, it is so difficult to find words of comfort, but I hope you know that the Lord is with you now and he will be there always to help you get thru this difficult time.
Much Love, Blanca Sanchez
Kriste Hennick
November 15, 2010
To all the Kirchhoff family, my deepest sympathy goes out to your family. we don't know why God has to take our children before us,but he must have a very special plan for Tyler..with all my deepest heartfelt love.. kriste
Virginia M. Luis ~
November 14, 2010
Kim, Linda and Kelli~ My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and the Family. Tyler was an great son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, and a Friend to many. I am so sorry Tyler sure will be missed by many Friends and Family. God Bless your Family!
Jeff, Sally, & Penelope Toogood
November 14, 2010
Kim, Linda and Kelli -
Stay strong in your faith and continue to turn to God for answers to your heart cries and answers. Words can not express our concern and the hurt in our hearts to lose a child so young. It is encouraging to see how many people love him and who offer support and love to all of you. We pray peace and never ending Love from the Father.
November 14, 2010
my love goes out to all the friends and family who's hearts are hurt. Tyler was an amazing person and will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
November 14, 2010
Kim, Linda and Kelli ~ We are so sorry to hear the news about Tyler, he is a wondeful son, brother, grandson and friend. Kyle remembers so many good times with Tyler and you and your mom at the beach. Kyle and Tyler did not go to high school together but they played on many teams together in youth sports. We know the pain you are going through because we have lost our son Chris 11/30/08 also. There are no words to make anything any better but I did drop off a book to your house for you to read "Beyond Tears" it helped me to read to get me though the madness. Alway here for you Chris, Nancy, Kyle and Katie Leon
George & Nicole Nordquist
November 13, 2010
Linda and Family,
Our ghoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time
Barbara A. Ramirez
November 13, 2010
Kim, Linda and family… My heart filled with such sadness when I heard the news of Tyler’s passing. I cannot imagine the pain you feel right now and I know that there are no words of comfort adequate for such a loss, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May your family and friends bring you strength during this difficult time. With much love..
tracy hughes
November 13, 2010
Joe & I hearts go out to you Kim & Linda and your family.
Anonymous
November 12, 2010
My prayers are with your family during this difficult time. I didn't know Tyler personally, but I did go to SJHS with him. He seemed like a genuine person with a humble heart. God Bless your family and may Tyler rest in peace.
Gina Domingues Luna
November 12, 2010
Kim, Linda, Kelli & entire family, my deepest sympathy to all of you. We ask why & may never know. But do know, if you ask for strength "He" will answer you. God blesses you all & is with you during this time of sorrow.
Mark McNutt
November 12, 2010
Kim, Linda, and Kelli too ~-~ My heart aches for you. No words written, or spoken can possible express or console at a time like this. Just know that you have friends and family that are surrounding you with love and prayers. I only pray that you can find some peace and understanding in this time of need. My family and I will keep you in our prayers.
Mark, Theresa, Chris, and Melissa
Janet & Charlie Castillo
November 12, 2010
Kim, Linda & families-
We are sorry for your loss of your son at such a young age. All of you are in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. We hope fond memories will soon replace the sorrow you now have.
November 12, 2010
Kimmie, Linda,and Kelli~ We don't yet know why it was time for Tyler to leave us...we do know that we have all been blessed by sharing our lives with him. He was kind, caring, and fun. He is one of the "boys" and will always be. We will see him again. You are a loving family and Tyler knew that. We pray that God will comfort you and all your family and friends. Love,
Bill, Suz, Kristen,and Erik Rasmussen
Shana Graf-Smith
November 12, 2010
Pat,Kim and Linda~I am so sorry for the loss of Tyler..I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers..
Jackie Crandall
November 12, 2010
Kim and Linda ~ I was saddened to hear of the loss of your son Tyler. He sounds like a wonderful son and brother. I hope you find some comfort in knowing that even though I did not know Tyler, I am thinking of your family today. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jackie Crandall
November 12, 2010
Kim and Linda ~ I was saddened to hear of the loss of your son Tyler. He sounds like a wonderful son and brother. I hope you find some comfort in knowing that so many people who did not know him are thinking of your family at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Bruce and Jane Best
November 12, 2010
We are so sorry to hear the news.Our prayers go out to your family.
The Best Family, Orcutt
November 12, 2010
Kim and Linda ~ I was saddened to hear of the loss of your son. He sounds like a wonderful son and brother. Please know that there are people that never met Tyler who are grieving with you today. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family at this time. God Bless. Jackie Crandall
November 12, 2010
Tyler's life was a precious gift to everyone who knew him and to know him was to love him and we will love him forever!
Bill and Doni Papendorf
C
November 12, 2010
Sorry to hear of the loss of a child so young. I didn't know him but my heart goes out to the family. Know that you are in my prayers.
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