This afternoon I attended a “Celebration of Life” for Tyler Johnson, a very young man who passed away last month. The multiple purpose room at Tahoma Junior High was standing room only, 500-600 people, as family and friends came to honor his life and share their love with his wife, his daughter who was born a week before his death, his family, and each other.
It was clear from the number of people present and from what those close to him shared with us that did not know him as well, that this was a young man who touched the hearts of many people. In his all too short life he accomplished much and leaves it a better place because of the love and friendship he gave to so many.
Tyler is the son of Craig and Vonnie Johnson, two people who are a part of our Tahoma family. Vonnie teaches at Rock Creek and Craig is the dean of students at the Junior High. What also became clear today in both words and pictures is the love they have for their sons and that the brothers share for each other. Craig and Vonnie are to be commended for the foundation that they built for Tyler that resulted in what we witnessed today, the celebration of a young man that was truly loved and respected by many.
Steve Bodwell challenged us to intentionally share our love with each other, especially the men in attendance who do not often share feelings with other males. He showed us through the words of others that Tyler did that and that today was a testimony to what results from that sharing; hundreds of people reciprocating those feelings and celebrating their relationship with a remarkable young man.
2 comments:
The celebration truly showed what a remarkable man, Tyler was and the full room was a great testament to his life. God Bless his family.
We appreciate your comments, Mike. As Levi Pulkkinen wrote in Tyler's obituary,"...Tyler was the proud product of the Tahoma School District". We know that "It Takes a Village" to care for one another. We are thankful for the support we have received.
Craig and Vonnie Johnson
Post a Comment