Tyrone Kinnear

When Tyrone walked into the room, those in his company felt his energy, an enthusiastic spontaneity. This was just one example of who Tyrone was and how he impacted those around him. Tyrone was a clever and gregarious person who always sought out the finest attributes in other people. It was as if Tyrone wanted to share all of their experiences, revel in their lives and celebrate their discoveries. Tyrone was tireless and had boundless enthusiasm that would serve him well throughout his life.

      Tyrone was born on July 10, 1972 at Red Cross Childrens' Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. The son of Clive and Ursula, Tyrone was raised in Cape Town. Always at the ready with a good joke, he grew up to be quite a humorous person. While some who knew Tyrone might describe him as an idealist, his friends and family understood well that Tyrone was always in pursuit of life’s endless possibilities and opportunities available to him.

      Tyrone grew up with 3 brothers and 1 sister. The eldest, Leonard then Michael followed by Clive and Samantha, and Tyrone being the youngest. Tyrone was very accepting and supportive of his family. He was perceived as the central person in his family in terms of keeping communication open between the family members. Tyrone even took it upon himself to support his sister financially after her divorce and paid for Jade's (his nephew) university degree.

Whenever discord or tension arose within the home, Tyrone was typically the member who brought about resolution and harmony. These traits served Tyrone well in his adult life and, along with his wit, outgoing personality, and understanding of others, drew the admiration of many who knew him.

      As a young boy, Tyrone was able to empathize and identify with a vast array of people and personality types. This quality drew him into a diverse group of friends and acquaintances. Tyrone was intelligent and had little trouble getting along with his peers. He was almost always the first to jump in when it came to playing games or participating in other childhood activities. Tyrone took part in rugby, cricket, basketball and long distance running. He was the captain of both the rugby and cricket first teams. He was also a boy scout for a short while. Tyrone's memorable achievements included making the provincial basketball team and winning a cricket bowling award. Tyrone had the ability to find amusement with almost any activity he and the many childhood friends he shared might discover.

      During his school years, Tyrone responded enthusiastically to any new project and was regularly in search of one adventure after another. He graduated from Rhodes high school in 1989. For Tyrone, school often became just an extension of playtime, thanks to his ability to turn just about anything into a game. Classmates considered Tyrone a good listener, knowing that when necessary, they could go to him to discuss just about anything. He didn't have a favourite class in high school, preferring to play sports. His classmates remember him for being naughty but showing leadership and always standing up to bullies.

Tyrone did not pursue university or college after school, instead he started his own business selling wood and later a 2nd hand gold shop. Later, he finally got his commercial diving ticket, class 2 and also the diver medic ticket DMT.

      With a talent for making acquaintances easily, which in turn brought him an endless stream of friends, Tyrone was very sociable and could blend without effort into any social group. Assertive and outgoing, Tyrone was easy to know and demonstrated a deep concern for others. He always seemed aware of what was going on with people around him, and throughout his life he was always helping the less fortunate wherever possible.

      After having been together since 2002, Tyrone married Annemarie Deas on August 1, 2009 at a wine farm outside Durbanville. They then later had a daughter, Willow on December 2, 2013

      Tyrone was a natural and creative parent who was willing to provide his family with all sorts of new and interesting experiences. For Tyrone, parenting was a particularly enjoyable and pleasurable part of his life. Every activity, from chores to bedtime routines, became a game in the Kinnear home. Tyrone's skill at understanding his daughter's feelings, his sensitivity to her needs, and his gift for gentle persuasion enabled him to find novel solutions to any problem or situation that might arise.

      Tyrone was uplifted by new ideas and was excited by life’s possibilities, traits that made him an exceptional worker. His primary occupation was a commercial diver. He was employed for almost 20 years as a freelance commercial diver. This work took him to many countries all over the world. Tyrone was enterprising, inventive and working against deadlines seemed to energize him. Tyrone had the uncanny ability to identify a win/win solution to just about any problem. Tyrone's fellow workers saw him as a supporter and a mentor.

            Tyrone's love of improvising in his daily life was a perfect fit for his enjoyment of traveling. His favorite vacations were ones that were not planned. Traveling in a casual manor fit his personality well. Excited about seeing changing scenery and constantly looking for the enjoyment life could offer. Favourite vacations included his honeymoon to Mnarani, Kenya and a trip to Mauritius.

      Tyrone was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, he grew up with many dogs. Later, with Annemarie and Willow, he had Angus, a white bull terrier, as his animal best friend for 7 years.

Some traits that Tyrone will always be remembered for are for being an enthusiastic "superfan" when it came to sports, know for shouting loudly and even punching a hole in the wall when his team lost.

He was also a staunch supporter against the white genocide happening in South Africa and the over politically-correct atmosphere growing everywhere.

      Tyrone Kinnear passed away on June 12, 2019 while hiking in Johnston canyon, Banff national park, with is family present. Tyrone died very suddenly and unexpectedly. He is survived by his wife, Annemarie and his 5 year old daughter, Willow. Services were held at Parkland church, Cape Town South Africa and also in Halifax, Canada. Tyrone was cremated and some of his ashes have been put into lockets for each of his family members.

He will always be remembered by those who knew him and loved him.

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Tyrone brought braveness, excitement and laughter to Willow and I. He is the calm one when I am flustered or angry. He made many sacrifices for his family - both Willow and I, and also his parents and sister in Cape Town. Always thinking of others first.

Tyrone had an adventurous life, doing and seeing things that many only dream of.

His main goal was the happiness and safety of Willow and myself, and to provide Willow with a safe and good future filled with opportunities.

I know he is already watching over us. A Golden Eagle flew above our car all the way from Banff to Calgary.

He will send me signs on what to do and how to do it, especially when it comes to what is best for Willow.

As a family we had certain dreams and goals and I will ensure that they are fulfilled.

“Trust in your higher self. Your connection to spirit is very strong right now."

- Eagle