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We, at CU Geography, are terribly saddened by this immense loss. Tyler was an exemplary student and a caring, bright star of a human being. He was a real community builder while he was at CU. Our collective heart goes out to his family, friends, and loved ones. You will be sorely missed, Tyler. Below is his obituary, reprinted from the Seattle Times.

Published on April 2, 2023 in :

Our beautiful boy, Tyler Roberts, came into this world on July 27, 1981 bringing with him an endless stream of love and joy to all he knew, a boundless passion to create paintings, a never-ending enthusiasm for traveling the world and a life-long desire to enjoy the outdoors. On March 3, 2023, Tyler passed after an unexpected and sudden illness.  

Tyler was raised in Brier, Washington and during the twenty years he lived there, he was active in Boy Scouts, reaching the rank of Eagle Scout. He spent his summer weekends boating in the San Juan Islands and winter weekends skiing in the mountains. He played football and wrestled at Mountlake Terrace High School where he graduated in 1999. 

Tylers academic career began at the University of Washington where earned a Bachelors degree in 2003, followed by a Masters degree at Arizona State University in 2006 and then a Doctorate degree at the University of Colorado in 2014. All three degrees were in geography. During college summer breaks, he worked as a Merchant Mariner on the MV Coho, the ferry that sails between Port Angeles and Victoria B.C. 

Immediately after attaining his Ph.D., he began his professional career at the Washington Department of Ecology, Central Regional Office in Yakima where he worked in water resources. Soon after, he was the Columbia River Watermaster. Tyler enjoyed the challenges of water-law, complex water projects and especially the camaraderie with fellow staff- whom he liked to humor. 

Pastimes included growing roses, buying and reading books, selling T-shirts depicting surreal art and was a prolific painter of art. Tyler was a world traveler, having journeyed to five continents. Tyler touched many people- his reach was vast and formed life-long friendships around the country. 

Tyler is survived by his parents, Susie and Dale Roberts, aunts and uncles, Robert and Pam Michajla, Tom and Patty Michajla, Steve Burkett, Hugh and Lynne Bennett, and Larry and Dana Heller. He is also survived by numerous cousins and grand cousins. Tyler was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Robert and Peggy Michajla, Earle and Patricia Roberts, and his aunt, Roberta Burkett. Tyler is now in heaven with his grandparents, his aunt and his beloved dog, Astro.  

Our beautiful boy is now gone but his too-short life of 41 years was jam-packed with love, adventure, scholarship, artistic endeavors and devoted friendships. Most of all, Tyler was the best son his parents could have hoped for. Tyler, you will be painfully missed, but never forgotten.  

In honor of Tyler, please spend a day with a loved one skiing, hiking or biking or donations can be made to Boy Scouts of America, Mt. Baker Council, Everett, WA. 

A Celebration of Life was held on April 15th at Queen City Yacht Club, Seattle.

To plant a tree in memory of Tyler Douglas Roberts, PhD, please visit .