Tyler wasn’t my best friend, he was my brother. I met him almost 13 years ago in the winter of 2014. I remember, I was outside playing in the snow with my dad and we had built a snow hill to sled on and that’s when Tyler came over for the first time and wanted to play. That was the first real time I had actually met Tyler. We ended up playing this game where I was in a snow fort and when he passed by I chased him. It was that moment forward that I knew we were going to be friends. We would hang out most days and do things. I remember we both had similar video game interests and we would bring them to life. We would always go up to the playground and hang out, we’d often do parkour. We’d have sleepovers where we’d stay up until 5 am playing Monopoly. Later in our friendship, I had started playing the piano and he started playing the guitar. We would play together and have so much fun coming up with new things. This eventually led to the creation of our own social media page called Fretted Keys. He was so passionate about so many things. Music was his life, he loved everything to do with it. He has thought me so many things and showed me so many things. He was an amazing person to be around, every time we hung out, it was a blast. There was never a dull moment when he was in the room. He was such an outgoing person and always filled the room with joy. Tyler was always there for me if I ever needed anything, that’s the kind of person he was. He was passionate, caring, loving, talented, amazing, outgoing, funny, kind, and so many more things. That is why I say that he wasn’t just my best friend, Tyler was my brother. Tyler will be greatly missed. I love you man, I hope you rest in peace.

Tyler, 

You were one of my best friends in the entire world. You got me through the worst time of my life, and you were there during some of the best. I will never forget the countless nights we spent staying up super late just singing together and watching Gravity Falls.

The last time we got to see each other was just over the summer, and we did the exact same things like no time had passed. We caught up and talked about all of the new things going on in life, and we even took a nap together. 

Our last conversations were over text, and we had planned for my visit on the 26th of October. I was in town, waiting for you to reply, when my friend told me what happened.

I miss you every single day. I wish I could have been there to help you sooner. I will cherish every memory I have with you. I can't wait to sing with you and watch you perform again. I love you so much, man. I'll see you again one day.

Rod, I am so sorry for your loss! I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child. Praying for you and the girls for strength during this difficult time!

The first time I met Tyler. He was so sweet and inviting. I always usually feel awkward meeting new people, but he was so friendly and inviting.

I didn't know Tyler for very long, but he was always so kind and so encouraging to everyone. We first really met at the end of last semester when he let me borrow his acoustic guitar at a jam session. He sat right up front in our Audio for Video class, and he was the most talkative, always asking questions, cracking jokes, just all around the most cheerful person I knew. Sometimes after class we would both walk together to the student center because we both had jobs there, mine in the game room and his at the pizza place. He played drums for me for one of my projects this semester and he did so insanely good and then afterwards he played us some music videos on the tv of this band he loved called The Beths. Such a wonderful kind soul, and so so talented, he touched so many and my deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. Sending so so much love your way.

I only have fond memories of Tyler smiling, helping out, and being a joy. My prayers go out to Tyler’s mother, sisters, and my brother Kain.

Tyler is a wonderful friend and was one of the first people I met at WMU, he was amazing and always included everyone around him. 
We had just started to reconnect this year, and we had so many memories from freshman year. I know myself and others loved him so much. I only wish I had something more to remember him by, but what is more human than memories you've shared with them. 

Im thankful I got to know him and experience him as a person. We had plans for him to introduce me to friends i havent met yet and we had hangouts that never happened. 
I am going to miss him forever and wish we could still talk and hang out. I will never forget the amazing times.

I’m still trying to process the thought of losing one of my own very best friends, Tyler was an amazing friend to me and always will be. I remember meeting him in Choir around 2017-2018, me and him used to always talk about our favorite music together as we had the same music taste. He was always so happy to hear from me, he was the only friend who cheered me up and had stayed with me throughout the years even after I graduated before him. I’ll always remember Tyler as someone who I can rant to without getting judged, he always was so willing to listen to me and even went out of his way to hangout with me a couple of times outside of school. I love you Tyler, I’ll always remember you until the day I die. ❤️

Tyler and I met when I was in 9th grade and he was in 8th we would hang out at the library every day after school. He had all the pictures of us on his phone I don’t have them anymore. But I remember us just sitting and talking and the Christmas gifts we gave each other. We loved each other so much but it was just wrong timing. I was in denial when I found out. I’m so sorry to his family. This shouldn’t have happened.

Rest in peace Tyler, i wish I could've gotten to know you more, you
were so nice every time I interacted with you and you were and ARE such a talented musician. Your name will not be forgotten and neither will your music. Tyler, you were such a kind soul who lit up any room you walked into. You were genuinely such an amazing guy, and anyone who knew you was incredibly lucky. You will forever be in all of our hearts. This is such a devastating loss for everyone. Not only were you a phenomenal musician, but you were an even better person. You were genuine in a way that most people aren't, and I will always appreciate you for that.

i’m still so sad the blind pig gig had to be rescheduled and i never got to see tyler perform, but it was an amazing day with him regardless 🧡

i only got to spend one day in person with tyler, but he turned what could’ve been a miserable power outage into one of my favorite memories. he was one of my favorite people and i am honored to have known him and been able to call him my friend. i love you so much, rest easy kid named tyler

I was so lucky to know and love Tyler and to get to hear his talent. The world is dimmer without his smile, my condolences to his family and friends 🧡

Ever since freshman year, Tyler was such a source of joy for me and all of our friends. I remember freshman year a bunch of us were hanging out and he was playing a bunch of music on his guitar. We were all just singing along and laughing so much. His music will never be forgotten ❤️

What a great kid! He always is was making me laugh.  My condolences to the family. Jack Miller

I remember anytime I would come over after school to hang out with Taylor, Tyler would always be toddling around with us playing make believe in the backyard or throwing snow balls in the front in the winter. My heart is with you all through this. All my love and prayers will be with you through this difficult time. Rest easy Tyler.

OBITUARY

Tyler McDonald

May 25, 2006 – October 24, 2026

A.H. Peters Funeral Home

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