Tyler Knisely remembered by students and staff
By: Lauren Palmer
Posted: 9/18/08

Tyler Knisely, a 21-year-old University of West Florida student, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 9 in his off-campus residence.

"Last night the world lost a bright and talented man," Phillip Ingram, the president of Knisely's Sigma Chi fraternity, said at the memorial service held the next day.

Close to a hundred students packed into the music hall at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts to mourn their loss.

"It means the world to have a full room of people here," Bryant Chase, a recent alumni of UWF and a member of Sigma Chi, said.

The gathering began with a few words from Ingram.

"I've tried to write this about ten times," he said. "No matter what, the words just aren't right."

As Ingram scanned the room he continued, "It is obvious how many lives Tyler touched."

He asked the group to keep Knisely's family in their prayers and ended with a very heartfelt, "Miss you, bro."

Chase stepped up next, asking everyone to remember the good things about Knisely.

"Do your best to remember that huge, goofy grin he always had on his face," he said with a slight smile. "Remember the things so endearing-he had that 'it' quality. You had to like him, and if you didn't, it was probably because you were mad that you did."

Though many people were teary-eyed throughout the whole service, it was difficult for even the most stoic person not to get choked up along with Chase.

"It's a Kleenex factory in here," he quipped, trying to break the ice.

Chase ended with a sentiment many people shared as the memorial continued: that everyone should remember Knisely for the "joy, excitement and fun he brought."

"Be happy for the times we had him here, and try not to be sad because he's not here anymore," he said. "Remember him for being a friend, a brother and everything he meant to everyone here."

Faculty and staff members also attended the memorial to express their grief and sympathy.

"On behalf of the University community, I express my condolences and sympathies," Debbie Ford, director of student affairs, said. "We have come together in support of one another. It's a very difficult time, and words can't take away that sorrow."

Ford said the students could expect nothing but support from the staff of UWF, and went on to mention the counseling services available to students.

Pete Butler, an alumni advisor to the Sigma Chi fraternity, also spoke.

"This is a difficult time, especially for Tyler's family," he said. "I encourage you to utilize the resources at UWF. Many of you may think you can handle this without talking to someone, and maybe you're right, but we want you to feel comfortable approaching someone if you need to talk."

Butler continued, mentioning the torrent of emotions many students are facing in the wake of Knisely's passing.

"There are several stages of grief," he said. "People think they should have seen this coming, ask themselves why they didn't do something, but this is something you can't really see coming. There is no blame here; celebrate the joy in Tyler's life."

Steve Bates, another Sigma Chi alumni advisor, drove all the way from Panama City to attend the memorial and speak to the students.

"I'm sorry," he said simply. "I am so sorry. I will not pretend to have all the answers or tell you why. There is no right way to grieve-grief is painful, and it's more painful when it comes too soon."

Bates paused frequently during his time speaking to allow members of the group to stand and share their memories of Knisely. Students and faculty shared happy, funny and poignant memories of the man they had loved and lost.

"The thing I remember most about Tyler is how proud he made me," Greg Lanier, director of the UWF Honors Program, said. "Tyler was fun, intelligent. He had a quiet strength and an incisive mind. He was one of our best."

Lanier tried to comfort the grieving students and faculty by reminding them that "we all hurt and will miss him."

"But remember the things he stood for, and the wonderful, precious memories he gave us," Lanier said.

For almost an hour, people recounted their favorite memories of Knisely, helping everyone who attended to smile through their tears of sadness.

"It is obvious that Tyler was much loved and a big part of this community," Bates said when everyone had finished. "I know you will all miss him greatly."



Ben Walters, public relations chair for Sigma Chi, said Knisely was very talented probably had more friends than he realized.

"In terms of accomplishments, he was an honors student and our service chair," Walters said. "He enjoyed surfing and was an incredible athlete. He would have done anything for anyone and was one of the most selfless and noble men I have ever met."

Walters continued, saying that the Sigma Chi fraternity was "honored to call him our brother."

"Tyler brought light and illumination to any room he entered and has probably done the same where he is now," Walters said. "I also wanted to mention that the Greek community as well as the faculty, staff and UWF police department, have gone above and beyond and have brought us comfort and a shoulder to lean on through these tough times. I want to extend gratitude from the bottom of my heart on behalf of Sigma Chi. We are there for you as you have been there for us. Tyler wouldn't have had it any other way."