Obituary of Tyree Jamal Cayer

Tyree Jamal Cayer was shining light in this world, suddenly and tragically taken from this world on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at the young age of 28.

Awaiting his beautiful soul in the great beyond are his paternal grandfather, Jack Meyer and Aunt, Chantelle (CJ) Meyer.

He is survived by his loving family, including his mother Tania Cayer (Trevor Vandal), uncle Jayse Meyer (Kaitlynn Hartline), grandmother Deena Kulczycki and step-grandfather Robert Kulczycki, grandfather David Desjardins and step-grandmother Linda Desjardins, Uncle Tony, a rescue kitten, SkittlesgrapedrAnk, that Tyree recently took in, along with countless others who he considered to be his family.

Tyree was born on March 18, 1994, at the St. Boniface Hospital. From a young age, he showed a passion for sports, particularly football. The only thing bigger than his presence on the field, was his heart of gold, bringing a smile and positive energy wherever he went with nothing but the best of intentions for anyone who was fortunate enough to cross paths with him. Struggling with past football injuries, including a leg injury and multiple concussions, Tyree was quick to overcome any physical setbacks, but also struggled mentally, dealing with ADD from a young age as well as being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his early adulthood. Despite facing many challenges in his own life, Tyree's infectious enthusiasm and unwavering optimism made him a beacon of positive reinforcement and hope for those around him.

Tyree was not one to seek material possessions or wealth. Instead, he was ready and willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, even if he himself was struggling. His goofy, laid-back demeanor and quick wit made him a master of defusing tense situations with a dose of humour, even if that sometimes was the cause of some frustration. His intentions, nonetheless, were always pure. He spoke his mind fearlessly and had the courage to stand up for what he believed was right, correcting others’ manners when they were being disrespectful. He had confidence in his physical abilities and a deep well of compassion that he freely shared with everyone in his life. Through his many friendships and relationships, Tyree built strong bonds with countless people and left a lasting mark on those who knew him.

As Tyree begins his next journey into the great unknown, we take comfort in knowing that he is in good hands and surrounded by loved ones waiting for him with open arms to guide him in his next adventure. His passing has left a void that can never be filled, and we will miss him immensely. It goes without saying that you were taken from us far too soon.

We would like to thank anyone and everyone who was there for him in any capacity during his life, including Shauna King and her family for being there since day one, Tara Protosavage for always being there for him in so many ways. Heather Klassen and her family for treating Tyree as one of their own and her children who Tyree was so very close with. Brock Groening and Youth for Christ for mentoring Tyree and being one of the most positive male influences in his life. Our cousins the Stewarts. To Elmwood High School for nurturing his talent and skills and all of his friends gained through his time there. To his football families, especially the Elmwood Giants and the Winnipeg High School Football League, Team Manitoba, the Winnipeg Rifles, Manitoba Bison, Westshore Rebels and all of his coaches and teammates through his football journey. To RaY (Resource Assistance for Youth) and Steph for helping Tyree navigate through difficult times and being there for him. To so many others we wish we could include here (friends, families, extended family, coaches, teammates, etc.). Thank you to the Millennium Library staff for acting in the moment and being there to comfort Tyree in his final moments. We can only hope that this proactively ensures better safety of the staff and its patrons moving forward. Thank you to the Winnipeg Police for their handling of the situation and reaching out with the appropriate information in a sensitive manner. We are sorry if we forgot to include anyone above. Tyree had so many wonderful and helpful individuals guiding him through life and we want to thank all of you so very much. Tyree was the caring, compassionate, cheerful, goofy, and positively energetic person that we know and love because of all of you who helped shape him into the wonderful human being that he was. Though we grieve for what could have been, we are grateful for the time we had with Tyree and will cherish the memories we have of him.

A service for family and close friends will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

Please feel free to share any thoughts or memories of Tyree on a Facebook group dedicated to his memory (https://www.facebook.com/groups/484627093810906/).

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to RaY (Resource Assistance for Youth) (https://rayinc.ca/act/donate/).