Tyler John Brown McKinstry

29 Years Old

With immense heartache, we announce the sudden passing of our son Tyler McKinstry.

Tyler was an “off the cuff” funny guy who was also a very kind, loving soul who wanted to help anyone in need and protect the ones that needed protecting.

That’s just who Tyler was.

Tyler leaves behind, his Mom and Dad, John and Jan McKinstry; sister Kristy and husband, Anomi Desrosiers; niece Zoe Desrosiers; Uncle Greg and Aunty Nancy McKinstry; Uncle Bill McKinstry; Cousin Brian Lewis; Cousins Robert and Katie McKinstry; Aunty Nikki and Uncle Jay Hollar, cousins Sophia and Boden Hollar; Grandy and Bert Norlie; Also, so many long time, cherished friends, who Ty shared so many wonderful memories with and they ALL meant so much to Tyler.

Most importantly, Tyler leaves behind his girlfriend, Sarena, who was truly the Love of his Life.

Tyler also leaves behind his beloved cat, Charlie and his amazing dog, Zeo.

Tyler had been struggling with drug addictions for countless years although the last 3 months, Tyler had been Clean from drugs and had been Happy, Positive and IN Love ♥️ We so wish he was able to experience the positive effects of BEING Loved and being IN Love, much sooner in his life ❣️

This past Christmas, was the absolute BEST Christmas that we’ve had together in many years❣️ We will ALWAYS cherish the memory of the Tyler that was with us for the past 3 months.

We are so proud of Tyler, for trying so hard to stay clean and turn his life around. We actually had our son back and It was incredible ‼️ We were so full of hope.

Sadly, after suffering excruciating pain for weeks with a cracked molar and no immediate professional help being offered to him (he’s an addict you know!), at a weak moment, he relapsed one final time.

Tyler’s passion for MANY years was BMX biking. More recently his passion has been all of his fish in three aquariums that he had in his apartment and two more that he kept at dad’s home.

Tyler was also a very prolific artist. He had countless sketch books with his art plus many graffiti murals he had painted in and around Nanaimo.

A lot of really well known and respected artists get their start with graffiti and Tyler WAS an artist !!

A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer when we can get together for a BBQ and celebrate Tyler.

Please consider a donation in Tyler’s name to the Salvation Army Homeless Fund