Michael, an active supporter of the local arts community, died on December 20, 2019. He was 92 years old. Born the 10th day of February 1927 in London, England, Michael attended Oundle School until he was 18. Whilst he was based in London as a young man, he became very active in amateur Dramatics, starting his lifelong interest in the arts. From 1945-1948, Michael served in the British Army as a Royal Signals Officer in England, India and Singapore. He then joined Tyler Brothers, a firm started by his father and two uncles in 1920, which acted as agents for UK Textile manufacturers to sell their products to wholesalers and retailers. In 1951, Michael moved to Hong Kong as the firm’s Far Eastern representative from where he travelled in each year to Ceylon, Singapore, Malaya and Japan on business. Michael met Anne Schmitt and they were married in January 1968, later moving to Victoria in 1981. Anne predeceased Michael on June 8, 2012.
Michael and Anne devoted their talents, energy and resources in the Arts Community to great benefit. Michael was involved with the Langham Court Theatre and served as a director of the Victoria Foundation where he also chaired the Arts and Heritage Committee for a number of years, during which time his insight from an artistic and business point of view was put to great use in reviewing and approving many grant requests. Michael and Anne have left a permanent legacy through the Victoria Foundation to benefit the Arts Community for many years to come.
Michael is survived by his brother Alan Tyler, his niece Mary Tyler, his nephews David Tyler, Jonathan Tyler and Simon Tyler and a number of great-nieces and great-nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on January 3, 2020 at 3.00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable contributions be made in memory of Michael to the arts organization of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Anne-Marie Waters
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Anne-Marie Waters I remember Michael and Anne with much love and affection. Anne and my mother Maryla were good friends, and shared a common love of the Bastion Theatre and the Arts in general. My husband and I stayed with the Tylers once on a visit to Victoria. We had a great time. I remember sitting with Michael at the breakfast table in our pyjamas, laughing our heads off. My mother is now gone, but my father, my sister and I will always remember them both. They were great. Anne-Marie Waters
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Victoria Hospice Victoria Hospice would like to express our sincere appreciation for the incredible vision and foresight of Michael in planning for a legacy gift. His generous spirit will touch the lives of thousands of patients facing life limiting illnesses and their loved ones in the years to come. Our condolences to both family and friends. With our gratitude,
Victoria Hospice
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Tina Zannieri Michael was such a lovely guy. I knew him through Anne, who was my cousin and my godmother. My mother and Anne’s mother, though cousins, were raised like sisters. Anne and Michael were quite the team. I attribute my personal taste for travel and adventure to the effect of interacting with them throughout my growing up years. I regret that I cannot get out there for the service and will be thinking of him with fondness and a smile.
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Doreen and Ross Husdon Michael and Anne Tyler were our neighbours on Piermont Place. We dined with them, skied with Michael, went to plays and operas with them. They were such good neighbours, and we miss them both very much. Our condolences go out to Michael’s family.
Doreen and Ross Husdon
And my brother Alastair too. How could I forget?? He was hugely find of them both.