With a heart heavy filled with grief, we share the tragic passing of our beloved son, Tyler Jacob Ben, who left us far too soon on September 3rd, 2024, two days before his 30th birthday. Born on September 6th, 1994, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Tyler was a light in our lives, a beacon of creativity, joy, and love that shone brightly in everything he did.

Tyler was placed in our arms January 5th, 1997, and from that moment on, we knew Tyler was special. He had a gift for understanding the world in a way that most of us could only dream of. His mechanical aptitude was nothing short of magical—if it was broken, Tyler could fix it. But his talents didn’t stop there. Tyler was also incredibly artistic and creative, with a mind that could see beauty and possibility in the most ordinary things. Whether he was sketching a design, crafting something with his hands, or working on one of his many projects, Tyler’s creativity knew no bounds. He poured his heart and soul into everything he touched, leaving behind a trail of beauty and wonder.

But what we will miss most about our sweet Tyler is not just his talents, but his heart. He had a charisma that could light up a room and a sense of humor that could make even the darkest days seem brighter. His laughter was contagious, and his smile—oh, that smile—could melt away all your worries in an instant. Tyler had a way of making everyone feel special, of making you believe that you were the most important person in the world when he was with you. He was a loving son, a devoted brother, a father, uncle, and a loyal friend, always ready with a helping hand or a kind word.

Tyler’s spirit was as vibrant as his creativity, and his love for life was infectious. He approached every challenge with a mix of determination and joy, never losing sight of what truly mattered. He was the kind of person who made life better just by being in it, and the world feels a little less bright without him. Those who knew Tyler, even for just a short time, lost a shining light in their lives.

Tyler was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Pat and Bob Ben, and his maternal grandparents, Lois and Glenn Smith. Grandma Lois was Tyler’s North Star, guiding him with her love and wisdom. Tyler was the blonde-haired, blue-eyed Norwegian grandson she always wished for, and their bond was something truly special. They were two souls connected by a deep, unbreakable love, and we take comfort in knowing they are together again.

Tyler is survived by his parents Manny and Marcie, and siblings Angela Fleury (Rob), Madi, Emma, Anna, Kennedy, nephew Luca, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins, and those who loved him beyond words. We will carry his memory in our hearts for the rest of our days. He leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and joy that will continue to inspire us all.

A service to celebrate Tyler’s beautiful life will be held on September 24th, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Springs Community Church. All who knew and loved Tyler are invited to join us as we honor the incredible person he was. A reception will follow the service.

Our dearest Tyler, we miss you more than words can say. You were our sunshine, our joy, our everything. Rest in peace, our precious boy. Your light will forever shine in our hearts.