To the Editor:
There is a group of people, wildly varying in age, background and numerous other qualities, who play tennis a couple of nights a week at Marathon Community Park. We consider ourselves a “tennis family.” And last month, we lost a young and very special family member.
Tyler Wright died in Michigan on May 5. He was 29 years old. His dad, Al Wright, told us that Tyler went fishing on Lake Michigan’s Little Bay de Noc, and must have had an accident. His body was found two days later in 14 feet of water about half a mile from shore. Al, Tyler’s mom Pam, and the rest of Tyler’s family are of course devastated, as are all of us in his tennis family.
Al and Pam Wright are residents of Marathon and Garden, Michigan. Tyler grew up in Port Huron, Michigan and earned his bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University. He then began his career at Marathon High School as an English teacher, and coached golf and middle-school basketball for two years. He then relocated to Michigan for some new opportunities, but was in Marathon for an extended visit this spring.
Tyler brought so much joy to our tennis gatherings. He was super fast and would risk life and limb chasing down a shot, but accepted losses with good cheer. He was complimentary of partners – even old ladies like me – and gracious to opponents, but also happy to talk a little good-natured smack. He brought an equal spark to our post-play socializing and beer-drinking. We all adored him; it was impossible not to. We are guessing he had the same positive impact on his students, friends and co-workers in the Marathon community.
Tyler’s tennis friends have started a scholarship fund in Tyler’s name for graduates of Marathon High School. Over $10,000 has been pledged so far, and we’re hoping to reach $25,000 to ensure the continuation of the fund in perpetuity. We invite others to join us in keeping Tyler’s memory alive by donating to the fund.
The funds for the Tyler Wright Spirit Award are held and administered by the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. These funds will provide an annual scholarship to a graduating Marathon High School student in honor of Tyler. Donations can be made online through the foundation at https://cffk.org/tylerwrightscholarship/ or by mailing a check to CFFK at 300 Southard St., Suite 201, Key West, FL 33040 with a note in the memo line that it is for the Tyler Wright scholarship fund.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Royse
Marathon, FL
