Gary L. Tyler

Gary Lee Tyler, 82, passed on January 5, 2026, at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. True to his nature, Gary showed remarkable strength, resilience and grace throughout his medical ups and downs over the recent few years, but unfortunately, couldn’t pull off one more ‘miracle’ against the complications of necrotic pneumonia.

Gary was born on December 27, 1943, in Owosso, Michigan, to August and Lois Tyler. He came from a family of hard workers and was proud of it. He often reminded his boys, “I’ve been working since I was 6 years old” as he recalled delivering newspapers for his brother’s paper route. He might also toss in his recollections of sweltering summer days spent hoeing peppermint or baling hay on local farms, and most impressive were his vein-riddled ankles, the result of catching bags of flour all day at the local mill. “Caught more bags than anyone!” he’d assert. Gary was indeed a worker and he was relentless in making sure the results of his efforts were the absolute best! Those qualities persisted throughout his life whether negotiating contracts, settling IRS disputes, untangling complex corporate dilemmas, or carving pumpkins in the neighborhood.

Gary graduated from Owosso High School in 1961 and became the first in the Tyler family to attend college. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1965 with a B.S. in Accounting.

His accounting career began with Price Waterhouse in Detroit, passing the CPA exam in 1967. He then joined Danielson, Story, Lake and Shultz in Lansing, a precursor to the current Plante Moran.

During that time, he enrolled with Monte Story in Detroit College of Law, driving back and forth 2-3 nights a week after jam-packed days of meeting the demands of their accounting clientele. As luck would have it, Gary learned that Supreme Court Justice Thomas Brennan was opening a new law school right in Lansing. Although enrollment was already full, Gary convinced Justice Brennan to add one more night student to the class.

It paid off. Three years later Gary graduated at the top of Cooley Law School’s very first graduating class. The commencement speaker was none other than Raymond Burr, aka, Perry Mason.

Gary’s legal career began with Farhat, Burns, and Story, becoming president of that law firm before transitioning to Farhat, Tyler & Associates in 1986 until 2002, at which time he became CEO of Mecca Tech, an educational software company. After that 6-year interlude, Gary returned to law as ‘Of Counsel’ to The Gallagher Law Firm until he retired.

The demands of the legal field included long days and short weekends as Gary was meticulous in making sure there was no stone unturned when it came to each and every client.  However, on even the most demanding workday, Gary was absolutely selfless when it came to making time for anything involving his family. As a colleague of Gary’s for over 14 years stated, “I don’t know anyone who loved their family more than Gary loved his.” He was a whole-hearted participant. Whether school programs, music performances, baby-sitting, coaching soccer/hockey, chauffeuring to and from, or cheering them on from the stands, he was there…and always the most ardent (and biased) fan!

Though Gary and Suzette (Harrelson) were both from Owosso, they met on a blind date and were married there in 1968. The couple moved to Lansing in 1974 and Vassar Drive is where the fun began and so many friends and memories were made. Gary’s fame grew as Groesbeck’s premier pumpkin carver and skating rink builder—who else would water the entire back yard in sub-zero temps night after night just to put a smile on the faces of all the kids in the neighborhood? The fun continued every summer on the shores of ‘beautiful Lake Lansing’. Gary loved the cottage, particularly watching his boys and his grandkids and so many family friends make lasting memories there.

While Gary and Suzette enjoyed several wonderful trips to Europe over the years, Gary would be the first to say his family’s all-time favorite vacation was Mackinac Island. Each summer for a good many years, they occupied “Coomes Cottage-West Bluff,” one of the grand old homes neighboring The Grand Hotel. That became home base for several days of grand adventures on the island. A magical time!

Gary was a passionate gentleman golfer. He loved the game but didn’t always have the time to play. Although a long-time member of Walnut Hills Country Club, there was no place he preferred to play more over these last 50 years, than the very early tee-offs every Sunday morning on any course—as long as he was playing with “his guys.” (in recent years, that would be Thursdays at 1:00).

Gary Tyler was a man of integrity, generosity, and kindness. He was a loyal and steadfast friend, always there for them during rough times. Beyond that, his inordinate patience, encouragement, and support of Suzette and their family provided the foundation for a life journey filled with adventure, laughter, learning, and a deep love that sustained them throughout the ups and downs.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Suzette; his children, Josh Tyler (Sandra) of Dewitt, Adam Tyler and Tara Tyler of East Lansing; grandchildren, Eliza (Aiden Petersen), Max, August, and Goldie; and great-grandson, Kayce Petersen.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 2 – 5 p.m. at Eagle Eye Golf Course, 15500 Chandler Rd., Bath, MI 48808 in The Hillside Room (the far north entrance by the pro shop). Join us to raise a glass, share a bite, or add a memory or two in Gary’s honor.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.EstesLeadley.com