Tyler James Ross Googoo

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the family announce the sudden passing of Tyler “Tyko” James Ross Googoo of Membertou First Nation at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on May 18, 2024. He was 6 years old.

Born at the IWK on December 2, 2017, Tyko was the son of Aaron and Nicole Googoo. He entered the world almost 14 weeks premature. Doctors and nurses quickly called him “Feisty Tyler” because it was truly his way or no way. He spent 108 days in the NICU. Tyko was a strong, resilient baby who courageously fought Group B. Strep Meningitis and won. His experience brought awareness of Spastic Cerebral Palsy. He is forever our superhero! Tyko was a very happy boy who had a contagious laugh. He had the gift of making others smile and laugh. He brightened any room he entered, and spread his pure light onto others. Tyko enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family, going to the beach, being silly, playing knock-knock jokes, singing with his microphone, and dancing to his favourite TV shows like the Wiggles, Blue’s Clues, and Bubble Guppies. He was very proficient with the iPad and enjoyed filling your camera roll with selfies, pictures and videos. You would always see him in a superhero shirt, most likely Superman. Tyko loved making himself at home anywhere by being barefoot.

Besides his parents, Tyko is survived by his big brother Aaron Ji’j and baby brother Lincoln. He took great pride in being their brother. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents Erica and Kevin Christmas of Eskasoni, maternal grandfather Greg Marr of Sipekne’katik, and paternal grandparents Robin and Noreen Googoo of Membertou; Great-Grandparents Michael Johnson Sr. of Eskasoni, Thomas Christmas of Mala, Deboraha Christmas of Dartmouth, Francis and Mary Ellen Googoo of Membertou, and Madeline Morris of Eskasoni; Aunties Shelby (Chuck) Johnson, Kendra (Ryan) and Kenidi (Chasse) Christmas of Eskasoni, Kristen Googoo, Adrianna (Tim) Bonnell, and Janelle (Matt) MacDonald of Membertou; Uncles Kyron (Chloe), Kevin (Ashley), Kyson (Bridgette), and Kydon (Liela) Christmas of Eskasoni, Godfather Jared (Tashia) and Robin Jr. (Kylene) Googoo of Membertou, and Gregory Marr of Sipekne’katik. Tyko is also survived by his Godmother Micheline Young, and his cousins Alexis, Carmelina, Antonio, Akorah, Arayah, Aven, Matt Jr., Naomi, Elias, Robby, Kashton, Enia, Chuckie, Sharlize, Sherry and Keaira. Tyko will be greatly missed by several Great-Aunts, Great-Uncles and cousins in Membertou, Eskasoni, Millbrook, and Sipekne’katik.

Tyko was predeceased by his Great-Grandmother Judy Johnson, Great-Grandmother Marlene Dennis, Great-Grandparents Clarence and Patricia Marr, Great-Aunts Audrey Morris, Bernice Marshall, and Mary “Mare Elizabeth” Christmas, Great-Uncle Clarence “Pat” Marr, and cousins Kelsey Marr, Baby Jackson Young, Baby Judith Johnson, Caitlin Googoo, and Peter Doucette.

Tyko enjoyed going to school at Maupeltuewey Kina’matno’kuom where he was always greeted by staff and students. He will be greatly missed by his Great-Uncle Darren (Levina), Principal Mrs. Joe, Vice Principal Ms. Matthews, his Primary Teacher Ms. Bernard, Educational Assistant Taneillia who he referred to as “My T”, EAs “Grandma” Oz and Sasha, his classmates, and the entire staff and school community, including the daycare. In six years, Tyko was able to teach us many lessons and truly made our lives better. The most important lessons were unconditional love, compassion, optimism, resiliency, humour and bravery. Tyko’s work may be done here on Earth but his memory will live on forever in the hearts of those he inspired.

The family would like to thank Tyko’s healthcare team: Dr. Jeff Power, Dr. Heidi Budden, Cape Breton Regional Hospital Pediatric Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, the PEDS nurses, and the ENT and Rehabilitation team at the IWK.

Visitation will take place at 139 Putu’s Awti, Membertou, on Thursday, May 30 starting at 7pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 1st at 11:00am at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, 40 Cabot St., Sydney with Fr. Bill Burke presiding. Interment to follow in Membertou Memorial Gardens. Salite will follow at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. To view the service of to leave a memory or condolence for the family, please visit www.twcurry.com.