Our precious boy, “practically perfect in every way,” Tyler James Williamsen, drew his final breath on Sunday evening, October 9th, 2022. Tyler was the first born son of Travis James and Brooke Jean Hirschi
Williamsen, and entered this world on March 2nd, 2005.
He captivated us with his big brown eyes and charmed us with his charismatic smile. Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at three years old, Tyler enlarged greater in spirit with every inch that his
body declined. He taught us more about life and love, living every moment with relish, even while enduring difficulty and pain. He smiled at his family and friends, “Mimi” (Mom) and “Diddy” (Dad), but mainly smiled at life, even making us laugh and/or shrink with embarrassment when he swore in church (Tyler, you knew what you were doing, as you flashed that cheeky grin!). We watched him walk, then wither… slowly… a wheelchair, then a bed… but always a winsome smile. Tyler talked in 3rd person, almost as if a larger soul was inside him, taking care of his fragile mortal self (“He is hungry,” “He wants out”…) and he communicated so much through those big brown eyes, drawing in many friends, lighting our hearts with laughter and love.
Taylor Hekking (“Tay Tay”) was one of those friends, who even became family. Much more than a caretaker and teacher to Tyler (who she called “Tot”), she was his soul mate. The whole Hekking family became a second family to Tyler, taking him with them on 4 trips to Disneyland, where his favorite ride was Guardians of the Galaxy and his favorite character was Mickey Mouse. Taylor was Tyler’s teacher at East High School. She and her mother, Lisa (“Yeesa”), organized fantastical birthday and other parties for him where her sister, Morgan Hekking (“Broadway”), sang supercalifragilistic songs with her beautiful Broadway voice, usually dressed up as Mary Poppins or some other Disney princess. Oh how he loved those songs, these ladies, and we loved those magical times with Tyler.
Tyler loved musicals and going to broadway plays. He enjoyed going out with his family to his favorite restaurant, Olive Garden, where he could be seated with others and served a Diet Coke. But mostly… He loved being around people, a good party, and doing the simple things in life— taking a walk around the neighborhood, soaking in the sunset, riding in the car while listening to his favorite Disney songs. Simplicity was Tyler.
Tyler is survived by his loving parents, Travis and Brooke Williamsen, brother Ryan Williamsen, sister Olivia Williamsen, and twin brother and sister, Camden and Mila Williamsen. He is also survived by grandparents, Thom and Gail Williamsen and Nancy Hirschi. He has many loving aunts and uncles who survive him, including; Natalie Williamsen, Brianna (Stephen) Sonkens, Vanessa Williamsen, Madeline Williamsen (husband, Jared Hopkins), Emma Williamsen, Lauren Williamsen, Brandon (Jessica) Hirschi, Ashley (Miles) Reynolds, and Allie (Danny) Theurer. Many fun-loving cousins will also cherish the times they have had with Tyler. He is also survived by his caretaker and soulmate, Taylor Hekking and her parents, Ken and Lisa Hekking and family. Tyler is preceded in death by his sweet cousin, Preston Williamsen, and his dear grandpa Lyman Marc Hirschi, who has welcomed this precious grandson with a warm embrace into the arms of heaven. Tyler, you served us in many more ways than we could ever serve you. Run free baby Jamsey!
Viewings will be held Thursday evening, October 13th in the church from 6:00-8:00 pm and one hour prior to services on Friday morning, October 14th, from 10:00-10:45 am at the Sandy Cottonwood Creek Stake Center, 1535 Creek Road, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Funeral services and a Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 14th, at 11:00 am, in the outdoor pavilion next to the church.
The Celebration of Life will immediately follow the funeral program, so that we can enjoy life the way Tyler would have it, practically perfect in every way, with a festival of food, open mic for memories, songs and laughter. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.
