Remembering Tyler

Memories of Tyler

Note:

I wrote the following letter to Mr. Sharanevych, the father of Tyler Sharanevych, upon hearing the recent news of the death of my fellow fly fishing guide and friend.

Dear Mr. Sharanevych,

I want to offer you and your family my deepest condolences.

I am in total shock and disbelief regarding the news of Tyler’s recent death.

As you may remember from this summer, I lived and worked with Tyler at the Old Baldy Club in Saratoga, Wyoming. I have so many memories of Tyler. I have funny memories (like the time Tyler fell into Lake George), infuriating memories (like how Tyler only took the garbage out once in the 3+ months that we lived together), fond memories (like all those incredible fishing days we spent together)… but most importantly, I just have so many memories of Tyler. We only knew each other for a few months. Yet I feel like I gathered a lifetime’s worth of Tyler memories.

Tyler was, hands down, the most energetic, lively and entertaining member of our guide staff. I could always count on Tyler to be ready for an adventure. Whether it was floating and fishing the North Platte after a full day guiding, going out to the Wolf for vodka gimlets, or just causing some sort of general debauchery during working hours, Tyler always made life fun and interesting.

I won’t soon forget those long summer days when Tyler and I would sneak away from our OBC maintenance work duties to make a few casts for rainbows on Trout Run. Or we’d initiate water fights when we’re supposed to be washing boats and vehicles. Or Tyler, Paul (another OBC guide) and I would just sit around shooting the shit for hours and hours after long days on the river.

After work Tyler and I would regularly order fried chicken to-go from Mom’s Kitchen, stop off for Tyler’s daily Red Bull and pack of Parliament Lights at the local convenience store, grab a 30 pack of PBR, and head out to the river or Lake George. We’d fish until we couldn’t see anymore… either because it was too dark or because we drank too much beer.

Tyler was a good fisherman. He certainly knew more than me about the technical aspects of fly fishing. And he was always reading and studying up on new information and skills that he could apply to his fishing.

I also literally saw Tyler mature as a fishing guide and as a person through out the summer. He went from showing up for day-long fishing trips in nothing but a pair of shorts and a t-shirt when it was cold and snowing outside or loosing his “fucking row” on the technical Six Mile stretch of the North Platte River to earning the respect of guides from around the Valley. A local guide and outfitter noted Tyler as the best and brightest upcoming guide in the Valley… not a recommendation to be taken lightly.

I can easily describe Tyler as a person who lived life to it’s fullest. And, Mr. Sharanevych, I can honestly say that I’m lucky to have known Tyler. He was a good kid who turned into a real fisherman, guide and all around man last summer… right before my eyes.

I’m sorry he’s gone. And to where ever you are Tyler, I dedicate my upcoming fishing season to you. May you find that perfect trout stream in the sky.

Sincerely,

Matt Lloyd

Fish On!

A Great Fisherman, Guide and Friend