Tyler Douglass Bishop

Tyler Douglass Bishop, 23, of Long Valley, New Jersey, passed away on June 29, 2025, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, after a long and courageous battle with mental illness. His passing leaves an immeasurable void, but his life will be remembered with profound love, admiration, and gratitude.

Born on August 9, 2001, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Tyler was a bright, compassionate, and intuitive young man whose ability to connect with others - especially children - was a gift. He was working as a Registered Behavior Tech (RBT) at Caravel Autism Health in Coeur d'Alene, where he supported children with autism through patience, play, and a deep sense of inclusion. Tyler's passion for this work wasn't just professional - it was personal. He believed deeply in meeting children where they are and helping them thrive as their full, authentic selves.

Tyler was exceptionally creative and loved writing, film-making, and music. He also completed a hybrid hike of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to New Jersey - an experience that brought him some of his favorite memories and deepened his love for nature and solitude. He cherished late-night philosophical conversations and had a quick wit, a gentle soul, and an ability to make people feel seen and safe. Though his internal battles were heavy, he carried them with quiet strength and never stopped caring for others.

Tyler is survived by his loving parents, Kevin and Melony Bishop of Long Valley, NJ; and his sisters, Haley and Lexi, who adored him. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandparents: Ron and Nancy Kersh of Elizabethtown, KY; Connie Grashorn of St. Joseph, MI; Dave and Wilma Bishop of Bentonville, AR; and his honorary grandmother, Gayle DeYoung of Kalamazoo, MI.

Tyler leaves behind a large and loving extended family, including many aunts, uncles, and cousins across Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Texas - as well as countless friends, colleagues, and children whose lives were touched by his compassion, insight, and open heart.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 PM at the Long Valley Presbyterian Pavilion, 39 Bartley Rd, Long Valley, NJ, on the eve of what would have been Tyler's 24th birthday. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend and share in remembering his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tyler's memory to:

   •   Caravel Autism Health – Coeur d'Alene, ID

Amazon Wishlist: https://a.co/dOZl8Hl

Or donate directly to the center by check using this form: https://bit.ly/BishopMemorialDonationAgreement

Mail to: Caravel Autism Health, 7905 N Meadowlark Way, Suite C & D, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815

   •   Center for Evaluation and Counseling (CEC) – NJ

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/center-for-evaluation-and-counseling-inc/2025-cec-annual-giving/melony-bishop

Tyler's life was a testament to creativity, compassion, resilience, and quiet courage. His legacy lives on through the children he cared for, the family who loves him endlessly, and the lives he touched. May his memory be a guiding light for generations to come.

If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide or overwhelming mental health challenges, please know you're not alone. Help is available - and it's okay to ask for it.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text anytime, 24/7 - free and confidential

New Jersey Mental Health Support

• Mental Health Cares

HELP (4357)

www.njmentalhealthcares.org

• NAMI NJ (National Alliance on Mental Illness – New Jersey Chapter)

NAMI (6264)

www.naminj.org/help

These services offer free, confidential support for mental health, substance use, and intellectual/developmental disabilities.

We share these resources in Tyler's memory - and with love for anyone who may be hurting. You are not alone. You matter.