Michael Dickson Tyler, 49

Michael “Mike” Dickson Tyler, 49, passed away at his home in Kalispell on Jan. 29, 2021.

Mike was born June 12, 1971, in Sarasota County, Florida, and graduated from Ridgewood High School in New Port Richey, Florida. In 1989, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as an airman with Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-305, NAS Point Mugu, California, and completing a tour on the USS Abraham Lincoln. Mike studied aviation electronics and continued to serve with the U.S. Naval Reserve through 1996.

Following his passion for aviation, Mike went on to work for UK-USA Helicopters in Atlanta. He relocated to Kalispell in 2012, working at Glacier Jet Center and, later, at numerous Flathead Valley restaurants where he honed his culinary skills. Mike found joy and creativity through cooking, both professionally and at home. He was also an avid hiker, logging many miles in the mountains and woods of Northwest Montana. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of all things aviation, history, and loved to collect military memorabilia.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Peter Tyler.

He is survived by mother, Marcia G. Flannery, of Flatwoods, Kentucky; stepmother, Doreen “Dee” Tyler, of Lakeside, Montana; brother, Andrew Tyler, of Tampa, Florida; and sister, Ashlee Tyler Langford DVM, of Duvall, Washington.

Interment of ashes and a brief military ceremony will take place at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. A memorial gathering will immediately follow. Contact the family for details and location.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.