Robert Frederick Tyler, Sr.
1914-2010
 Robert Frederick Tyler passed from this earth
on February 23, 2010 in El Dorado Hills, CA,
at the age of 95. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, unfailing in his devotion to all he loved and in his kindness to all he met. He excelled in virtually everything he did, first in scholastic endeavors and music in his youth, and then in the practice of law for over 50 years. He
always considered law his life’s calling, was very proud of his profession, and considered it
a personal honor to aid his clients through their various difficulties.
He lived through two world wars, having been born the day World War I was precipitated by the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, and then fighting with distinction in World War II He was commissioned as a Lieutenant and commanded a submarine chaser in various theaters of the war. He was credited with a probable "kill" of a U-boat, and then ferried the troops ashore as they landed at Omaha Beach, all the while exchanging ground fire with German troops and Panzer tanks while the landing was made. He was then entrusted to take General/President Eisenhower, General Omar Bradley, General Hap Arnold, and Admiral King on a close tour of the landing sites on June 8, 1944. He was a 9th generation American, loved his country, and was proud to serve it in any way he could.
Robert Frederick Tyler was born on June 20, 1914 to Herbert Earl Tyler and Myrtle (Meteer) Tyler in Delta, Colorado, the youngest of three children. He became an accomplished musician early in his youth, played the drums and xylophone in dance bands in the late 20’s and early 30’s, and then remained a virtuoso on both the xylophone and marimba throughout the remainder of his life. After winning scholarships in statewide competitions in both music and academics in 1932, he attended the University of Colorado, where he became student body president, captained UC’s national championship debate team, and was a Phi Beta Kappa. While there, he also acquired his life long nickname, Toby. Declining a Rhodes scholarship, he attended the University of Colorado Law School, and after graduating, returned to Delta where he was appointed a Deputy District Attorney and also practiced civil law.
He left Delta to enlist in the Navy in 1942, and met his future wife, Margaret Eder Tyler, while he was stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco, preparing for the invasion of Japan. After their marriage in 1946, he was offered a position with a prominent Los Angeles law firm, Nix and Nix, and he and Margaret moved to Los Angeles. They had two children, Robert Frederick Tyler, Jr. and Kathryn Ayshford Tyler, both of whom have followed him in his chosen profession to become attorneys.
He practiced law in Los Angeles for the next 48 years, and was a recognized expert in newspaper law, and also had an extensive practice in water, contract, and corporate law. He was a skilled trial attorney as well as a counselor, and successfully argued numerous cases before California’s appellate and Supreme courts. His clients included the Los Angeles Daily Journal, the California Newspaper Service Bureau, numerous local newspapers and newspaper chains, and numerous businesses of various types. He was a friend and valued counselor to all of his clients.
Toby was active in Rotary (charter member and President of the Westchester Rotary Club), the Presbyterian Church (elder), the Masons and Shriners (32nd degree), and served on several local governmental boards, including the Ballona Creek Mosquito Abatement Board. He was an ardent Republican, and remained active in Republican causes throughout his life.
After his first wife Margaret died in 1981, he married Ione (Stockholm) Tyler in 1984. They lived happily together for the next 22 years, enjoying extensive travel, their families, and life in general. After Ione died in 2006, he moved to El Dorado Hills, CA to be near his son, and remained there until his passing. He leaves his son, Robert (Toby) Tyler, Jr., and daughter-in-law Susan Tyler of El Dorado Hills, CA, daughter, Kathryn A. Tyler, of Altadena, CA, and three grandchildren (Jocelyn Tyler of El Dorado Hills, CA, Megan Tyler of Boston, MA, and Zachary Tyler of Albuquerque, NM.) His was a kind, loving, and caring spirit who lived a full and rich life. His unceasing good cheer, grace, wisdom, and wit will be missed by all but not forgotten.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 20, at 3 pm
Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 S. Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
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