top of page

Edward Lewis Tyllia

August 26, 1950 - October 08, 2016

Edward Lewis Tyllia Obituary (Age 66) Edward L. Tyllia, 66, of Spokane, WA passed away peacefully October 8, 2016 surrounded by his family after a year-long battle with lung cancer. Ed was born in Seattle, WA on August 26, 1950 to Francis and Lucille Tyllia. The second child of seven, he leaves a void that will be impossible to fill. Known for his sense of humor and sharp wit, Ed graduated as Valedictorian from Cusick High School in 1968. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Gonzaga University in 1972, and his Master of Science degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of Oregon in 1974. After receiving his teaching credentials from Eastern Washington University he taught high school chemistry and physics at Saint Georges School from 1975 to 2000. He became an Adjunct Instructor at the Community Colleges of Spokane beginning in 2001 with his latest position being Chemistry Lab Technician at Spokane Falls. In addition to teaching, seeing the growth of individuals through team sports was extremely important to him. At Saint Georges he was an assistant baseball coach on the only baseball team to place in the State Tournament. For many years he was the assistant coach for the Saint Georges Girls Varsity Basketball team during which the team won two State Championships. Along with several colleagues, Ed helped rebuild the Saint Georges baseball diamond. In addition to the activities at Saint Georges School, Ed served as an assistant coach for several seasons of Little League and Knights of Columbus baseball. Ed enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, sports, fishing and reading. He had a wide range of interests including history and early sailing ships, to name a few, that made him a formidable foe in Trivial Pursuit played regularly with various members of the family. Carrying on a long family tradition, Ed also enjoyed playing Pinochle. Ed was consistently true to his convictions. He had integrity and nobleness of purpose. Doing the right thing was of paramount importance regardless of the repercussions. His love of education was apparent and nothing was more important to him than the success of his students. His hope was that every individual would have the opportunity to realize their greatest potential. Ed epitomized what teaching should be respect for students and their individuality, belief in their abilities, a solid knowledge of subject matter, and an openness to new ideas. And a sense of humor. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mary; his sons Joseph Tyllia, Robert Tyllia and Christopher Tyllia; his brother Steve Tyllia; his sisters Wanda Clark, Mary Rose Archer, and Martha Philp (Roger). Uncle Ed will be missed by his nieces and nephews, Jake Koski, Mark Koski (Christine), Judy McShane (John), Cybil Archer McMurtrey (Kyle), Jim Philp (Sarah), and Kate Burke (Brian). He was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Lucille Tyllia, his older brother Joe Tyllia and youngest brother Matt Tyllia. Ed will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was intelligent; an understanding and supportive brother, father and husband; an excellent teacher and mentor, and a genuine person possessing a greatness of soul, and a strong belief in a loving and merciful God. We love you, Ed. There will be a Rosary Friday, Oct 14 at 6 pm at St. Thomas More Parish, 505 W. St. Thomas More Way, Spokane; and funeral services at the same location on Saturday, Oct 15 at 11 am. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association. We wish to thank all of the caregivers at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center who knew him, cared for him, and eased his way these last days.

4 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page