Tyler Smith Obituary

TJ ...watch out buddy...mom is comming to see you.... hope youve been behaving yourself up there....cause now ya have both mom and dad with ya. WE MISS YOU... love Derek

Hey T I miss you my friend!!!

Hey what's going on Big T.... Man oh man I miss you a lot at work. I was thinking back on some things about my life today when it came to my attention that I never thanked you for the last time I saw you. We left work that night and you took me out to take my mind off all my problems, you listened and gave me advice I listened and my life is back together. I WANTED TO SAY THANK-YOU I never got the chance. I really miss you buddy. til our path's cross again!!!!!!

hey uncle tj

i kno i haven't been writing on here as much as i should and im really sorry i feel really bad but i was just thinking of u and grandpa and i had a little free time because im in school right now and i thought i would write you a little message i misss u soooo much and i hope u and grandpa are taking care of eachother up there i miss both of u soooo much its crazy! well i have been doing okay i started up baseball a little bit ago and we aren't doing to good but hey its still fun and we are trying very hard soo that is wat counts right? and oh my gosh we played this girl like last saterday and she pitched soooo fast! i mean its was like unbalievable lol she pitched like 65 miles an hour! thats fast huh? it hit me and i was soo mad i bleed but the mean reff didn't let me go to first (what a rip off ) let me tell u lol well my 2nd game i got hit in the eye and i got a huge black and puple and red eye it was horrible i cried on that one but its gone now finally lol i wanted to hit the girl because she walked away laughing i was sooo mad well oh well i will get her next time lol well i love u and i miss u sooo much

always amanda

TJ, I HOPE YOU AND DAD ARE BEHAVING!!! I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW YOU ARE MISSED TAKE CARE OF DAD WE WILL HANDLE EVERYTHING DOWN HERE JUST GIVE A GOOD WORD FOR US WHEN WE NEED IT!!!WE LOVE YOU MARNIE

Hey TJ,

Even though your not here, I sitll wanted to say Happy Birthday. We are usually in Frankenmuth for your birthday or around your birthday at least. I guess we need to go up and eat some fudge for you eh? Well, just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about you (and dad too). Take care of each other.



Love ya,

Aaron

Hey TJ, I know that you and dad are up there doing who knows what. I am sure you were shocked feel him tap you on the shoulder. We were all shocked too. Both of you will be missed very much. Just do me one favor and stay out of trouble. That's all we need is a bad progress report from you know who. I love you very much and miss you too. Take care of each other up there.



Love ya,

Aaron

Hey TJ, it's Ron, as i'm sure you know Dad passed away on August 10th. We miss both of you dearly, and wish you were here with us. I know you two are reunited and i hope you're having a riot. Let Dad know that his four sons will make sure that everything runs smoothly down here, and Carol will always be taken care of, and always be a close part of our family. I miss both of you.

Love, Ron

hey uncle tj

i miss u soo much i hope u are okay up there and i bet u are bc u are there wit god! well i was just wondering if u have seen my friend nick and if u have could u tell him i miss him and hi well i kno u are watching over me and i am always wishing that i could jsut see u one more time!! im sry i haven't wrote in here for a while its jsut i still can't believe ur gone and i don't want to believe it but i have learned to face the truth so i hope u understand but still if i ever want to talk to u i just look up at the sky and i kno u can hear me but i am gunna go bc me and my friend are gunnna go have a water balloon fight fun huh? lol well she says hi too!! (lyndsay) best friend!

well i love u soo much and i miss u so much u will be forever in my heart!

love always ur niece amanda!

Hi Uncle TJ, i was just sitting here on line and i started thinking about you so i just wanted to let you know again how much i love you, and miss you! I love you so much!

Love Always, Ashley.

**Missing you**

HEY TJ..my last entry didnt work, so lets try another. Last Sunday, the day after your birthday they opened up the water spray park. You wouldnt beleive that there is a huge and i mean HUGE stone with your name on it, and a park bench with your name on it too. Your name and the family/s name was also mentioned since you and another donated the most money other than the corp sponsors. Kid Rock was there...and it was a great accomplishment. YOU would be proud of all the love and support in your name. Hope you didnt get too wet. I know you were there.. BEARHUGS Derek and Jay

Tiny,

I have thought about you a lot lately. You will never guess what happened at work. I was elected Team leader..... I know you are crakin up right now. Kim and I were talkin about you today how you used to dance and how you were actually good at it. I miss you a lot buddy.

Hey Uncle TJ, How are you?? I'm alright! Guess what, today i turned 16! I'm so excited because soon i'll be able to drive! My parents had a big surprise bithday party for me, it was so much fun, a lot of people were there and i actually got a car... i couldn't believe it.. i cried.. hehe... I really wish you could have been there!! I miss you so much and love you even more! But i'll write later i just wanted to say hi and that i love and miss you! Bye bye!



Love Always and Forever.. Ashley!

I love you!

Hey TJ....just sitting here thinking about you as I have been everyday since you've been gone. I still think that at any minute you will come through the door. We spent Saturday at Tony and Tracey's for a fourth of July barbeque. You would have loved it, fishing off the dock, or going out into the lake with their paddle boat or fishing boat. I felt your absence because you were always at gatherings. There is not one person that doesn't miss you more than anything, me included. We are invited to the grand opening of the Spary Park at Clintonwood Park, when they set the day. Mom gets letters from Rene's family, actually from Michelle(her mom)keeping us posted on the park and it's progress. Everytime I hear Train, not just Calling all Angels, but any Train song, you come to mind. Their music is so spirtual. Oh yeah...another thing really quick. I finally received my AABA. I know that is something you wanted to know my progress in, and now I can say it's complete. I can't believe that I didn't mention that Nicole's graduation was great, to see her walk across that stage on graduation day was so awesome. She is very talented and you would be so proud of her. She made me an awsome remberance of you. Her party we thought was going to be a wash out because of the rain that morning, but it turned out to be a beautiful day. She's all grown up....Hard to believe. Well....I miss you and love you, I'll stop up and see you next time I go up to moms. I guess Barb, Mom and Dad have been taking care of the flowers at your resting place. Love ya man.



Oh yeah...lets talk about "Farkus".....long story but you would have laughed your butt off. Right Jay...????....Dad....?



Love ya,

Aaron

Hey uncle TJ

Im finally ready to write on this it took me a while but i know you'd understand so how are you i miss you so much and even though i know your not coming back I still wish that a miracal would happen and you'd just come walking right through our front door again but I know as much as I wish and pray and cry and beg god for one more chance or one more day I remind myself that that will never happen. Well I just needed to talk oh and uncle TJ I just needed to tell you that you were the best uncle a niece could have ever had. well I'm getting tired so I love you so much and I'll always miss you.



p.s. Plus I don't think any other uncles threw there nieces as high as the trees.

Hey Uncle T.J.! How are you? I'm alright. My parents are at the casino right now and my sister is at a friends house so i'm all alone at my house so i thought i'd write to you, but i guess i'll go now, so i'll talk to you later.. I love you so much, and i miss you just as much. I'm going to bed now. Goodnight.



Love Always, Ashley!

xoxoxoxoxoxo hugs and kisses!

Hey T.J.thoughts of you today so i came to visit and let you know you are soarly missed.Family get togethers will never quite be the same without you there.Our love to you. Uncle Phil, Aunt Pat, Chris, and DEREK

Hey Uncle T.J.! How are you? I'm doing alright. I stayed home sick yesturday and today from school... that isn't very fun, but oh well.. I was listening to some music and a few songs came on that reminded me of you, so i am going to put one of the lyrics on here.. It is called One More Day, by Diamond Rio.



Last night I had a crazy dream

A wish was granted just for me

It could be for anything

I didn't ask for money

Or a mansion in Malibu

I simply wished, for one more day with you

One more day

One more time

One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied

But then again

I know what it would do

Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you

First thing I'd do, is pray for time to cry

Then I'd unplug the telephone

And keep the TV off

I'd hold you every second

Say a million I love you's

That's what I'd do, with one more day with you

Leave me wishing still, for one more day

Leave me wishing still, for one more day



The other songs were Tears In Heaven, by Eric Clapton.. and, Not a Day Goes by, by Lonstar! But anyways, i just wanted to get on here and write you, let you know i was thinking about you... oh yeah.. i almost forgot to tell you something.. Last night, our whole family was watching "Friends" and out of nowhere my dad goes.. Oh my gosh, Joey's eyes look exactly like T.J.'s, So i looked closer and they really do, but anyways, i just thought that was weird.. but i am going to get going now.. I love you and miss you more than you could ever imagin.. talk to you later.. bye bye..



Love Always and Forever.. Ashley!

XOXOXOXOXOXO hugs and kisses!

Hey TJ

Just sitting here surfing the web when the song Calling All Angels came on and made me think of you,

I am going to miss doing all the things we talked about doing with your bike, and that weekend of fishing that we could never seem to get together for. I wish you could be here now watching your little cousin jump on the bed while I am typing this. Although I think you are.

Miss you lots

Fred

Tiny,

What a hard first day back at work for the first time in almost seven years you wern't buy my side I missed you a lot today. I thought about all the conversations we had and kinda just sat there and laughed But then I thought man how much are you loving not being there and watching me have to work instead of vice versa. Gotta go hopefully things will get easier eventually with you gone but i doubt it. I miss you man

Hey TJ,

Just siting here, listening to the music played the service for you. I miss you. Things aren't the same without you. The music is so fitting for you. My memories of you have been filtering through my mind since you left. I'll never forget you or the memories I have. I'll post later too.



Love ya,

Aaron

Hey Uncle T.J.! How are you? I'm alright. I just got back from my friends Danielle's house. It was pretty fun. I sure have been missing you a lot lately, everyone has. You were the best uncle a girl could have and i will always miss you. But i am going to go now, i just wanted to let you know how much i miss you and love you. Talk to you later Uncle T.J. I love you so much!



Love Always and Forever..Ashley!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO hugs and kisses!

HEY TJ....2nd try at this..just had to tell you.You finally went thru all the red lights without getting caught and no one chasing after you....in fact you stopped traffic for miles ( as if you did not allready know that).. Jay did an awsome job reading for you the other day, you'd be proud of him..although im not sure my mom appreciated the story of us going to Gaylord and to big bucks...we dont even remember why we ended up there..i think we were going to look at some property on the lake you were wanting to build that log cabin on..your mom got the flag that your Navy buds wrapped, folded and presented to her.. taps was playing... would you believe that someone stepped on a mouse, and and one of your brothers ( im not telling who) zipper popped while we were carrying you to the limo. You must have been laughing at us all standing there in the cold..snow was falling ..it was a TJ day. I miss ya man, and we still have that wine making kit you gave us, and im sure we will stomp on some grapes, and make wine and toast you.......cheers to you TJ im sure you're still telling tall tales, and great stories..WITH LOVE Derek

Dear T.J., hey bud I hope grandma's got you by the ear by now. I wanted to thank you for accepting me in your family when I first got together with your sister. You were about the only one who really made an effort to make me feel as if I was welcome in the family. (aside from Ron and Carol) I will admit you were a touch intimidating, your size, your voice, but all you wanted to do was to get to know me, and share tales of your childhood years. (all the trouble your brothers and sister got into) You will be greatly missed by friends and family alike. I have recently realized just how many lives you touched when you were around. You left us before we were ready, thats how life happens sometimes. I reaaly wish I had got to know you better, I have learned so much about you that I was'nt aware of before. The wolves that you sponsored, the fact that you were a trained gunsmith, (the very path i'm embarking on now) and so much more I won't list here. This year Barb and I are going to mary and I would have been very proud to call you "My Brother". I will do as you asked me when we met, I will take very good care of your sister and neice, for as long as I am able. Don't worry were looking out for mom and pop and will continue for as long as we need to. You'd be really proud of the way the family has come together as a unit, for love, support, and friendship. We will do everything possible to keep the family as close as possible. Soar with the angels and I'll be talkin to ya. Peace Brother.

TJ, I will miss you alot. If we could have one more time I would make it like the time we were at Jackies down at the water hiding from grandma drinking all the beer. I wish you were here with me now telling me the stories of all the things we did together, you seemed to have a better memory of them than anyone. I love you alot and will always think of you.

Thanks for all the great times and memories.

Fred

Hi TJ! I know that you're here with me. Friends have been writing here to let you know how they feel. You can be very proud of your service yesterday. The music was fitting for you, we know your with God and out of pain and I even said nice things about you. Not a bad day, eh? Derek and I decided to sponsor this web-site for the many people that loved you and miss-nobody more than us. I will be putting the Eulogy that I gave at your funeral on here-unfortunately, I have to do it piece by piece I think. Well will make sure that there is a picture of you here too. We are all grieving right now-but feel comforted that the family has pulled together and we will help each other through. God Bless You bud-I will remember you everyday day, for the rest of my life! Jay

When I first saw TJ 5 years ago at Truck and Bus I was intimidated. To see such a big man with tattoos and a stern face. Then as fate had it I was assigned to be TJ's partner on spring compress - given to me as a demotion and punishment. Everybody feared the job and I was leary on whom my partner was. TJ and I immediately became friends as I was drawn to his charasmatic ways. He had almost met his match, as I can talk almost as much as he, having much in common. I then realized how it was God who had sent this angel to me, to comfort me and teach me important lessons in life(lesson #1: not judging one by their outward appearance). His lessons lasted through to and including TJ's tragic departure. When I met TJ I was in desperate need of a friend. I had a heart in much need of mending and God knew TJ was the one for the job. TJ had lent me ears to hear, a shoulder to cry on and words to comfort me. We spent a year as inseperable partners. We would get carried away talking all day. When we heard the break bells ring, we would often look at each-other in amazement how 2.5 hours only felt like minutes. By days end we would be exhausted from all the talking we did! That year of my life had proved to be my most desperate and emotionally draining, and TJ had been the one to carry my cross and burden with me. Had it not been for him I would not be the happy man with my life back I am today. He had been a friend like I never had and that I needed so badly. He loved his family so much and talked of them often. He made me feel as if I was part of his family. He put others first and always looked out for those around him. The last time I saw TJ was before Christmas. He was literally looking out for me. "I got your back." was the last phrase I remember he uttered to me. Had I known it was our last moment, I would have thanked TJ. I would have hugged the big guy. I would have spent the extra moment or two we should share with all our loved ones (in TJs case - an extra hour or two!). There is no doubt on where he is today. In the bosom of the Lord. TJ had the greatest gift of all - Love. He had immeasurable love for his family and those around him. Just as Jesus was sent to love - so was TJ. If we could all love the way TJ did, this place would definately be heaven. Although TJ was only given to us for a short time, he loved enough to last many a lifetime. God moves in ways that we cannot understand, but as I have learned it is always for good reason. And in TJ's departure, I reflect on why such greatness and love must go. And in that I realize Love was the biggest lesson taught. If we could love each other as TJ did we would be in great shape. Spend the extra time to say "hello" to friends and strangers alike. I intend on not letting TJ's death be in vein. I will spend the extra time. I will not pre-judge. I will reach out to those in need. I want the legacy to live on. Through each and everyone of us. TJ taught us how fragile life is and how we must love. I now have a scar on my heart. I will always have a void with TJ gone. I owe him a part of my heart, which years ago he mended. Friends like TJ come once in a lifetime, and thats it. Im just glad I had the time and memories I was blessed to have with TJ. I want Mom and Dad to know how much he meant to others. Im sure I am not the only one whom he touched so deeply. I look forward to the day he greets me in heaven. Next to the "Heavens Dictionary" translation of LOVE I wont be surprised to see a picture of TJ. I will forever remember TJ and think of him often, as well as those whom I met in his life and those I didn't. For it isnt TJ we should greive for, it's the love the world will miss.



Thank you, TJ

pals forever,

George

TINY,

Man we have been threw a lot together, You saved my behind so many times at work. It is 10:24 on Friday and brent and Mike saw I wasn't at your showing and figured I didn't know. Man you can never understand how important you where to me man, you got me threw a lot of tough situations personally, I wish i would have taught you karate and how to use all those knives the right way like you always wanted me too. Hopefully you will look down on me and watch and learn you can be my student from above, it is Ironic your niece Ashley Chamberlain Rights to a old kid I use to work out with on here named nick Blass. What a small world. I don't even want to go back to work it won't be the same. I miss you my friend

MIke Gibbs

I worked with Tyler at GM, Metal Fab. Even though I have only known him for about 2 years, he was so kind to me that I felt that I knew him a lot longer. I was very shocked to hear of his passing and will miss talking with him at work. Everyone at the plant could tell from his stories, that his family was his pride and joy. He spoke of them often, and fondly. Tyler will be missed dearly. May your dream be a good dream T.

I was so shocked to read Tyler's obit in the paper today. What happened to him? I worked with Tyler on the axle line in Pontiac. He and I were good friends. I don't think there is one person that ever worked with Tyler "Tiny" (what we called him) that didn't like him a lot. I sure will miss his friendly face and his helping character. This is such a great loss.

TJ,

Your represent to me what a great person should be, your kindness, large heart and the willingness to do anything for anyone will be close to my heart forever. You have impacted my life in ways that I can't describe. You were the one I looked up to when I was growing up, being my mentor. And through it all you always found time to make me a part of your life. I have many, many memories of our time together, to many to list here. But I will mention the picture that we took together when you graduated from boot camp in the booth at the mall. I love that picture. My memories of you will never vanish, because you are an angel. I dedicate Trains "Calling all Angels" to you. I'm going to miss you very very much. Heres to you. I love you TJ. Rest In Peace.



Love,

Your brother,

Aaron

T.J. TO THE GENTLE GIANT WITH ONE OF THE BIGGEST HEARTS AROUND YOUR SMILE AND LAUGH ALWAYS PUT A SMILE ON OUR FACES!!! WE LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU DEARLY!!! JEFF,MARNIE,ROBBY,VICTORIA,SAVANNAH AND ELIZABETH

Dear Uncle T.J,

I forgot to tell you, that I remember when you picked me up from school in the Corvette. That following day in school everyone was asking me,"Who was that picking you up in the Vet?" And I told them that it was MY UNCLE TJ. Then they asked me if they could go a ride and i told them No. Because that car is my uncle's pride and joy and I was lucky to get a ride in it myself. All my friends were bummed but they got over it. I was happy that you were the talk of school when you didn't even attend there;.)

Well got to go! I love ya!



Love always, Nikki

P.S Thank you for the Christmas gift. I love it!

Dear Uncle T.J.,

How are you? I'm doing ok. I just wanted to tell you how much i miss you.And that I'm happy that your not suffering now and that your in heaven. I miss your smart mouth comments on anything and everything. I also miss the way you picked on me. I love you so much! I just wanted to remind you that my drawing of the garden flower got a silver key in Scholastic. I'm also finishing up my finals this week. Today, i got a snow day and i didn't get to take my finals(darn!). I figure it was your doing, so thank you I needed a break. Today is also Papa's B-Day and my mom and I got him slipper- socks, sunblock, pj bottoms,ballons, and cheese cake. I know if you were here you would help papa eat the cheese cake,too. It's not the same around here without you. You should see tha pictures I took of our Christmas party. I got alot of good pictures of the family. I have one picture of Aaron PULLING A TJ. I also have a GREAT picture of you!! I know how much you hated pictures, but I had to get a few of you. Well I just want to say good bye and to let you know that you will never be forgotten. I wish we could have gotten to know each other better. I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART!! I miss you!



Love always,Nikki!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo xo

P.S. Don't forget the way we use to gain up on Aaron!

Dear Carol & Ron,

We are so sorry to hear of your son's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bob & Vivian Grusnick

Hey Uncle T.J.!

How are you doing? I'm alright. I wrote on here to you yesturday but for some reason it didn't post. So that kinda stinks, but i know that you read it anyway. Well today was a snow day, and that is really good because we have mid-terms all this week and today was one of the mid-terms i was worried about, so now i can study for it until Tuesday. It's been real sad around here lately, we all try and keep our minds occupied, but somehow all of our conversations end up leading to you. Grandma and Grandpa said i could make your posters of pictures for your funeral and showings, so my mom and I are going to get started on that today. But anyways i just wanted to write to you again today since yesturday's letter didn't post. But i will write again later. Once again i just wanted to tell you how much you mean to me, how much i love you, and how much i already miss you. Talk to you later uncle T.J.! I love you!



Love Always and Forever.. Ashley!!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO hugs and kisses!

Hey Uncle T.J.!

How are you doing? I'm alright. My dad told me that you had a Guest Book on legacy so i thought i would write to you since my friend Nick has one and i write to him whenever i'm feeling sad or anything. It's 10 o'clock right now and i'm pretty tired, I really hope that it is a snow day tomorrow, that would be great, plus we are taking our mid-terms right now in school. But anyways I pretty much just wanted to get on here and tell you how much you mean to me, how much i love you, and how much i miss you already! But i am going to try and go to bed now just in case school isn't closed tomorrow. I'll write again soon. I love you.. Bye bye!



Love Always and Forever.. Ashley

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo hugs and kisses!