Ted Tyler Obituary

TYLER-Ted Tyler's great and generous heart stopped beating on Saturday, June 9, 2007. Ted was born in his family's South Grand Avenue home in Pasadena on September 15, 1916. As the third generation of Tyler's on that block his roots were deep and he followed his parent's model of giving back to the community, his friends and, most of all, to his family. After attending Pasadena schools from Kindergarten through Pasadena Junior College he en rolled at the University of Southern California graduating in 1940 with a degree in Physical Education. An accomplished athlete, he won a golden rugby ball as part of the USC Rugby Team's championship season. As a supportive alumnus, he rarely missed a football game and stayed involved with the University as an Associate. The Kappa Alpha fraternity was his home at USC and he continued to meet regularly with his brothers in a group they called "the last of the best of the good guys," and they were. As a long standing member of the Tournament of Roses, he always managed to find Rose Bowl tickets for his friends. While his degree was in education, his career was not. However, his efforts on behalf of education in Pasadena began in the 1950's and continued through his grandchildren's school years. He was active in the NAACP and very proud of his work in the efforts to integrate the Pasadena schools. He was a loyal supporter of the YMCA in "body, mind and spirit" since his days as a young camper on Catalina Island. He served on their Metropolitan Board, the Palm Street Board and Foothill Board and was honored as Man of the Years by the Y's Men's Club. Never one to ignore women, Ted gave countless hours of assistance to the YWCA as a greatly appreciated advisor. His career as a noted building contractor earned him several honors from the local AIA with projects like the former Abacus/Konditori and the Smith & Williams architectural offices in South Pasadena. He was recently honored again for his volume of work in the area. Drawing on his experience, he further contributed to the community by serving many years on the Planning Commission and was instrumental in creating the original sign ordinance and the Design Commission in Pasadena. He leaves behind his long time love, his wife, Rosemary, after 67 years of marriage, as well as his children, Tim Tyler, and Wendy Cobleigh (Don); grandchildren, Matt Cobleigh (Nicole), Ted Cobleigh (Julie), Molly Cobleigh Gildea (Dan), Tim Tyler, Jr. and Aron Tyler. He adored his great grandchildren, Tim's sons Robert and Jonathan Tyler, Ted's daughter Abbey Rose Cobleigh, and Tuolumne Faye Gildea, Molly's daughter. He inspired his family by example and they all loved him dearly. He also leaves many friends who have been his cheerleaders and supporters as he has been for them. He greatly appreciated the friendship and support in his last years from Rebeca Tobar Aragon and her family. A memorial service and celebration of a wonderful 90 years is planned for June 5th at the Cal Tech Athen eum at 5:30 pm. 551 So. Hill Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106 Donations may be made to the Tyler Memorial Fund with checks made payable to the Pasadena Community Foundation. Please note the Tyler Memorial Fund on the check. PCF, 260 South Los Robles Ave, Suite 119, Pasadena, CA 91101 and Tel: 626-796-2097