Tyson "Ty" Fandrick

On July 20, 2024 our dear son, brother, and uncle, Ty, left us. He was beyond loved and cherished by everyone who crossed his path.

Born March 31, 1974 the fourth child and third boy to Bill and Gloria in Salmon Arm, BC. With adventure in their sights, the family moved to Hay River, NWT when he was six months old, traveling in a caravan with family friends, the Forsblooms. He spent his childhood on Vale Island “old town,” initially with his brothers Greg and Geoff, and sister Nicole, soon after welcoming Amber. He lovingly welcomed his sisters Courtney and Chelsea, and finally Cassidy, totalling a whopping eight kids.

He stayed in the North for over 20 years, spending most of his childhood fishing the banks of the Hay River and at our neighbours the Carter’s fishing camp, Nonacho Lake, before relocating to the West Coast of British Columbia. He loved the “West Coast lifestyle" with its mild winters and remained there until his passing in Vancouver, BC.

Ty was a poet in his own way, with a deep love for words, books, and music, often communicating through the beauty of lyrics and quotes. He was a deeply sensitive soul who saw life in a most beautiful way, often picking out memories or sunrises and sunsets that we should imprint forever in our minds.

He adored animals, especially dogs (most importantly our family dog, Higgins, and his beloved Rupert and Sagan); he was kind to both strangers and those he knew. Although Ty struggled in the last decade of his life, it does not diminish the light he brought during his 50 years with us. Known for his humour, he was often described as one of the funniest people anyone had ever met. He could find the humour in the mundane and make light (and crack us up) about the daily annoyances of life.

Ty had a great love for comedy, with favourite movies including “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” and “Anchorman.” He evoked his sense of nostalgia through movies such as “Shawshank Redemption,” “The Natural,” and “A River Runs Through It,” showcasing the beauty and strength of the human spirit.

He adored hockey and spent many hours playing shinny, pursuing his passion for the sport. Always his own man, knowing his own mind, he could challenge anyone to a great debate - where the opponent would most likely lose or retreat from exhaustion. He had a penchant for retaining facts and thinking of the universe beyond the planet on which we reside.

Our family will hold a small, private gathering in memorial of our boy, but would very much welcome all thoughts, memories, and stories about the person who touched so many. As we move through this period of immense grief, it will bring our family comfort.

Ty is survived by his dad and mom (Bill and Gloria), siblings Greg, Geoff, Nicole, Amber, Courtney, Chelsea and Cassidy, sisters and brothers in law, Jacki, Robyn, Scott, Axel, Nik and Ryan, along with his nieces and nephews, Amanda, Katrina, Emmett, Logan, Eden, Mac, Harper, Carter, Cassius, Anja and great-niece Illidan.

It does not need to be said, but he will be so deeply missed and forever remembered by his family and friends. #tywashere