Tyler Brandon King

Albany - Tyler Brandon King, age 36, cherished son and brother, passed away on Sunday, July 2 2017 from an accidental overdose after many years battling addiction. Tyler is one of many young people who succumbed to this fight and his family hopes that his story gives courage to others struggling with addiction and strength to the loved ones’ supporting them.

Tyler will be best remembered for his quick wit, irresistible charm, empathy, and acceptance of others. He had so much love and joy to give, and he gave it generously to those around him.  He paid it forward. We wish he had held onto more for himself.

A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Tyler lived a life full of adventure – he enjoyed traveling the world, most recently he and his mom spent time with his brother Griffin and his family in Australia. Tyler had recently adopted his father’s love of golf and Eric will always remember their many one on one matches with a smile on his face. His family has many wonderful memories of times spent at Lake George, skiing, and traveling, as well as heartfelt holiday traditions. Tyler loved music, especially going to see his favorite band Phish, a passion he shared with his brother Griffin. Tyler was a resident of California for ten years leaving behind many special friends from there as well as throughout the Northeast.

Tyler was fortunate to have lived such a wonderful life full of rich experiences – though his journey ended too soon. He had so much more to give the world. Tyler would want this story to be told so that others can speak out and join the fight against this horrible epidemic. Tyler was pre-deceased in 2013 by his stepsister Kara Kelleher, with who he had a special bond and who also suffered from, and lost the battle to, drug addiction. People battling addiction need the love and open hearts of those around them, rather than be stereotyped, marginalized, or considered one more addition to a statistic. We hope others honor his memory by being generous with their love and joy the same way Tyler was. 

Tyler is survived by loving parents, Leslie Van Arnam (John) and Eric King (Kathlene Thiel) brother Griffin King (Jane), stepsister Shelby Kelleher, stepbrother John R. VanArnam (Barbie), former wife and beloved friend Kristin Fiato, cousin/brother Mark Chiarello (Debra), nephews Lincoln King and Alan Keefner, nieces Saga King and Johanna Kelleher-Stark, aunt Sue Silhanek (Fred), cousin Alexandra Silhanek, his dog Georgia, among many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished friends.

There will be a public reception for friends of Tyler and his family at the Marriott Courtyard Excelsior Springs Banquet House in Saratoga on Friday July 7th from 12-2PM.

Burial will be private at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Guilderland.  Donations in Tyler’s memory can be made to Equinox Youth Outreach Center, 95 Central Avenue, Albany NY 12206. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com

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