Tyler John Hodes

Tyler John Hodes passed away at the age of 30 on Thursday, July 1st. He was a loving and compassionate son who leaves behind his devoted mother Denise who cared for him every single day and loves him more than words can express. He also leaves behind his loving father Henry (Hank), siblings Jeremy (Elizabeth), Timothy, Hunter and Amanda, his nephew Thomas Hodes, his grandparents Edward (Noma) Talbott, Alma Hodes and Gary Sprau, many loving aunts, uncles and cousins, predeceased by his grandfather Col. John T Hodes and his grandmother Sandra A Sprau.

Tyler was known for his enormous heart and generous love for others, especially those in need. He loved his precious kittens, gardening, being an artist and his special coin collection. Tyler fought mental illness and schizophrenia since he was a young child. While the mental illness was not the direct cause of Tyler's death, it contributed indirectly.

In the case of schizophrenia, there is so much fear, ignorance and hurtful attitudes that the people who suffer from mental illness needlessly suffer further. Our society does not provide the resources that are needed to adequately understand and treat schizophrenia. Someday a cure will be found, but until then, we need to support and be compassionate to those with mental illness, every bit as much as we support those who suffer from cancer, heart disease or any other illness. Please know that Tyler was a sweet, wonderful person that had a heart of gold.

In honor of Tyler's memory please consider making a donation to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.