Tyler Ashton Heckendorn

Tyler Ashton Heckendorn

CARLISLE – Tyler Ashton Heckendorn, 34, of Carlisle, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, surrounded by his loving family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Carlisle, Pa., Tyler faced life's greatest challenges with grace, humor, and determination. Tyler graduated from Carlisle High School and went on to graduate from Dickinson College with degrees in Political Science and Computer Science. He worked in various fields, from IT to media, and loved time with family and friends as well as moments at home with his partner, Izzy, and his cat, Enza curled up nearby.

He enjoyed hosting weekly game nights and wing nights with his friends. He liked all kinds of TV and movies, and especially loved watching sports, with F1, basketball, and football among his favorites. He was always up for an adventure and found them everywhere he went. He took cross-country trips in his Hellcat (picking up a few speeding tickets along the way), frequently traveled abroad, and hit every theme park he could, the bigger the roller coaster, the better.

After his first battle with cancer at age 7, friends at North Dickinson Elementary School started a Relay for Life team in his name, and Tyler stayed actively involved in the cause. He would later go on to do non-profit work empowering people with disabilities.

Tyler is survived by his father, Randy Joe Heckendorn; his mother, Deborah A. (Flagle) Heckendorn; his brother, Trevor Q. Heckendorn; his grandmother, Janet (Graham) Singer; his partner, Elizabeth "Izzy" Berryman; and many loving relatives. For 34 years, he filled our lives with positivity, wit, and an endless curiosity.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 29th, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Heckendorn residence, 228 Richland Road, Carlisle, PA 17015. Tyler requested that guests wear festive colors, and keep chasing your joy, wherever it leads. www.Since1853.com.