Tyler Bruinekool

Age 27, of McKinleyville, California and formerly of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away June 17, 2011 in Northern California. Tyler was a vibrant young father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He loved the entire Northern California area and enjoyed hiking and camping with his beautiful three-year-old son, Koa Patrick and his adoring wife, Becky. He was a man of vision, intelligence and had already made a tremendous impact on the lives of many others. He was especially dedicated to children. Tyler graduated from Pennfield High School, attended Western Michigan University and received his bachelor's degree in Religion while on the Dean's List from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. He excelled at National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) where he began to realize his unique gift for working and connecting with children. Tyler and Becky established the Kindersports program in McKinleyville, a positive program specifically for 3-5 year old children. He recently completed his post-baccalaureate elementary school teaching credential, while doing work at both Laurel Tree and Pacific Union Elementary. He was set to join the staff of StarFish Hero - a private company dedicated to improving the lives of autistic children and their families. He was honest, passionate, giving, spiritual, funny, and kind. He treasured the outdoors, time with his family, and had a passion for music. We have lost one of the universe's unique treasures. Now he continues to serve others through the most generous gift of all, organ donation through The Gift of Life. Family and friends in Michigan, Hawaii, and California are consoled that he can live on in others, making people and families whole again. After all, that's what Tyler's short life was dedicated to. Tyler is survived by his wife, Rebecca 'Becky' Bruinekool; son, Koa Patrick Bruinekool; father, Ted Bruinekool; mother and stepfather, Pamela and Rick Foster; brother and sister-in-law, Benjamin and Nicole Bruinekool; sister and her fiance, Brooke Bruinekool and Jared Heck; nephew and niece, Myles and Jillian Bruinekool; grandparents, Donald and Patricia Farrington, Evelyn Bruinekool, Richard Foster; mother and father-in-laws, Griff and Lynnette Browning; brother-in-law, Joey Browning; numerous aunts; uncles; cousins; and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandpa, Elliot Bruinekool. An Open House Memorial will be held at Becky's parents' home in Upland on Saturday, August 27, 2011 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. All are welcome! In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the memorial fund established to assist with college expenses for Tyler's son, Koa. Checks should be made out to the Koa Patrick Bruinekool Education Fund and mailed to PNC Bank 44 West Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017 or given to any family member.