Kenneth Ray Tyree

Kenneth Ray Tyree of Chestertown, MD, died Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at U.M. Shore Memorial Hospital in Chestertown, MD. He was 73. Kenneth was born October 13, 1942, in Pulaski, VA, the son of the late Elmer and Maxie Tyree. A 1960 graduate of Sulphur High School, Mr. Tyree went on to get his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from McNeese College and continued his education at the University of Maryland where he received his Masters Degree in Economics. After college, he went to work for Jack Fawcett Company in Bethesda, followed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and then the Surface Transportation Board (ICC) where he retired in 2007. Ken was a member of the Toast Masters Association, American Economic Association and Alcoholics Anonymous. He also mentored both girls and boys in scouting, including his own children. Ken was a man that will always be remembered with a smile by his family and friends for his sharp mind, quick camera flashes, unwavering loyalty and infectious giggle. He shared a bazaar love of parallelism with his daughter, deep philosophical discussions with his son, and technical photography discussions with a grandson. His dry wit was such that you couldn’t help but laugh, even through tears. He believed that if it was a bargain, six was surely better, even if he already had eleven. His life will continue to be celebrated in his roles of Brother, Husband, Daddy, Friend, Sponsor and “Papa.” He had limitless gratitude for the life of sobriety he found through A.A. in early 1990. “I am a lucky man” was a frequent statement. He felt his life had been enriched in countless ways by his service as suggested in the 12th step of A.A. Ken considered his service to A.A not as a duty but as lifeline that gave him great purpose and joy. Papa planted strawberries and raspberries for his grand and great-grandchildren. He taught them how to pick them and eat them before they hit the table too. He always had blue berries and cherry tomatoes in deck pots for little hands to easily get and leave juices running down their chins. He was always quick to view old coins through a magnifier with a little girl, to teach a little boy to fly cast, to open entry to tool chests no matter the type , and to explore the woods for deer skulls. Teaching the smallest of children to say acupuncture “acpunc” or bastinado “bada nano” with tooth picks and paper towel rolls was his idea of fun. Riding the lawnmower for the 5th time in a day and enjoying each lap was big fun for Papa. Sacrificing material things no matter the value were worth it to him for the experience and smiles he got in exchange by engaging little minds. There was never a time “the best Papa of all“ would turn down a trip to the beach, chucky cheese or the big box stores. When asked “Why?" he would answer “Why not?” Being a Papa was his most fun job of all. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one son, Benjamin Ray Tyree. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol Sue Tyree of Chestertown, MD, one son, Andrew E. Tyree of Chestertown, MD; one daughter, Jennifer Sue Tyree of Annapolis, MD; one near-son, Julio Celedon of Santiago, Chili; one sister, Beverly Schultz (Gary) of Sulphur, Louisiana; one brother, Thomas Tyree of Sulphur, Louisiana, four grandchildren, Amanda Sue Sands (Brian) of Clayton, DE, Elizabeth R. Tyree of Atlanta, GA, Garrett A. Swartswelder of Chestertown, MD, Aviendha J. Goodrich of Bowie, MD, and four great grandchildren, Kenneth John Selzer, Grace Elizabeth Selzer, Brian Wayne Sands Jr., and Natalie M. Sands all of Clayton, DE, and numerous other beloved family members in southwest Louisiana. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Alano Lodge in Chestertown, MD. at the Eastern Shore Alano Club, 114-B Lynchburg St., Chestertown, MD on November 7, 2015 from 1-3p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions can be sent to the Eastern Shore Alano Club, 114-B Lynchburg St, Chestertown, MD 21620 or to Hope Lodge, 636 West Lexington St, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Kenneth Ray Tyree

October 13, 1942 - October 20, 2015