Tyler Eric Lindsey

Tyler was welcomed into the home of Eric and Meridene Lindsey on July 8, 1978. Raised in Logan, Utah with his four sisters: Melissa, Jennifer, Karen, Shauna, and finally, a brother: Ryan. He set an example of industry and diligent work habits— delivering the Herald Journal newspaper, mowing and aerating lawns, and working as a sous chef at the Bluebird restaurant. During his Logan High School years, he participated on the Cross Country and Swim teams, played cello in the orchestra, and became a skilled debater.

He married Geneva Stair on October 3, 1999. They shared a love of the outdoors and of their son, Kaydan. He has continued to be the light of their lives.

In February 2001 on a weekend snowboarding trip to Brian Head Ski Resort, Tyler had a tragic accident resulting in a severed spinal cord. Left as a quadriplegic at 23 and fiercely independent, he learned to manage life on his own without physical assistance, while also raising his son Kaydan. Very few people knew the daily challenges he faced. Stoically optimistic, he never spoke of his life’s hardships.

One year after his accident, Tyler was honored when he was chosen to be one of the Official Torchbearers of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

Tyler attended Utah State University, graduating magnum cum laude with a double major in Philosophy and Political Science in 2006. One of eight students invited to participate in President Kermit Hall’s Constitutional History class, he was also a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Phi Kappa Phi, and Golden Key International Honor Society. He attended law school at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, where he was given an Excellence for the Future Award for his Civil Rights Practicum.

Tyler didn’t give lectures or write books—he didn’t seek to be inspiring, but watching him navigate life from a wheelchair inspired us all. All who knew him found strength in his courage and optimism.

His mantra “Life is Good”, was evidenced over his life in the things he loved: including his early life adventures of hiking the Denali Alaska Wilderness, snowboarding in fresh powder at “The Beav”, and preparing and serving delicious gourmet dishes at the restaurants where he cooked. Later, Tyler found life to be good by enjoying his morning coffee at Revolution Roasters, exploring Carlsbad restaurants and sushi bars with family and friends, engaging in political discussions with fair-minded people, caring for his two Golden Retrievers, Max and Dax, and listening to music of all kinds, especially Bob Marley, Jim Croce & Bob Dylan,

Tyler never missed an opportunity to watch the sun rise or set and would recruit anyone interested to join him as he snapped pictures when the color was at its most brilliant. Christmas, his favorite holiday, would find Ty carefully setting up his abundant collection of beautifully crafted German nutcrackers. Most importantly to Tyler, he lived a good life by working hard to be the best dad he could to his son, Kaydan, whom he loved dearly.

Tyler is survived by: his son, Kaydan Lindsey; parents, Eric & Meridene Lindsey; and siblings: Melissa (Ryan) Marchant, Jennifer (Thayne) Wilson, Karen (John) Parry, Shauna (Jeff) Wallace, and Ryan (Tawnie) Lindsey.

A Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday, September 23rd at 4:00pm at Eight Settlers Restaurant, 7321 Canyon Centre Pkwy, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121.

In Tyler’s memory, please do something kind for someone.