Robert Tyson Bilyue

Known simply as “Ty” by those who knew him well and by the many who became his friend for the night as he dined. He was born June 2, 1952 to Robert “Bob” and Marguerite Bilyue in San Diego and split his childhood between there, Alameda, CA and Japan. It was at Kinnick High School in Japan where he met Christy Mitchell whom he would marry on May 5, 1973 in San Diego before eventually moving to Richmond, VA. They would go on to welcome two daughters, Carter and Brandy, and a son Matthew. He later married Lyndi Paul on October 3, 1981 with whom he had a son, Neal.

Throughout his life he was a lover of music, dining and baseball and the pursuit of those passions always included his family. He knew no boundaries when it came to family and always insisted on including his children’s friends when they were younger and their extended families as they grew older. He would often, without asking, get the extra tickets or order the extra meals for those he hoped you would invite. At Christmastime, you knew how special you were if you got one of Ty’s famous golden ornaments. Once he became a grandfather his dedication to his family continued to grow and he would spend as much of his free time with his grandkids as possible, may it be at home as ”Gran,” pretending to be a monster, asking for moochies, or sitting in the stands as their biggest fan. However, his family always knew that his presence at any gathering could be cut short when he inevitably received a call from the “Courier Gods.” He was the owner of Tyson Courier for over 30 years and took great pride in his business and the fact that the thing that kept him so busy was the quality of his reputation.

He is preceded in death by his father Robert Franklin Bilyue and his mother Marguerite Mary Duncan.

He is survived by his daughter Carter Frantz, her husband Stephen and their children Madeline and Crosby; his daughter Brandy Vinson, her husband Ned and their children Ann Carter and Nelson; his son Matthew Bilyue; his former wife Christy Bilyue; his son Neal Bilyue, his wife Elisa and their children Bera and Edie; his former wife Lyndi Bilyue; his brother Russ Giguere; his sisters Judy Toledo and Nancy LeAlcala; along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held in early October, details pending. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ty’s memory to National Public Radio.