Tyler Wahl Safarriyeh, 11, of Johns Creek passed away suddenly Friday, April 8, 2011, in a ski accident while on vacation with family and friends in Winter Park, Co. He was a vibrant and sincere boy, whose kindness and resounding laugh brought joy to all those around him. Although his life was too short, he was greatly loved by all, and leaves his family and community with cherished memories beyond his years.
A public celebration service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at Johns Creek United Methodist Church, located at 1180 Medlock Bridge Rd. in Johns Creek, with Senior Pastor D.B. Shelnutt, Jr., officiating. A private burial will held at Green Lawn Cemetery in Roswell.
Tyler was born in Atlanta on June 5, 1999, the oldest child of Jeffrey and Carrie (Pennington) Safarriyeh. A thriving student and athlete, Tyler was a fifth-grader at Findley Oaks Elementary School. He was a wonderful friend, known for a smile and head of hair as full of life as he was.
When he wasn't in school or running with his friends in the park across from his home in Seven Oaks, Tyler could be found on the sports field or in the stands cheering on his favorite Bulldogs. He played baseball for Ocee Park and football for the Johns Creek Youth Football Association, working toward achieving his lifelong dream of playing for the University of Georgia.
Tyler will be dearly missed by his loving siblings, younger brother Brandon and sister Ella; his grandparents Mike and Donna Safarriyeh of Duluth, and Durward and Betsy Pennington of Gainesville; as well as Uncle Greg and Aunt Michelle (Safarriyeh) Straka and cousins Nick, Hannah and Emily; Uncle Travis Safarriyeh; Uncle Todd, Aunt Melissa Pennington and cousin Thomas Pennington; Aunt Susan and Uncle Marcus Rosetti and cousins Sophie, Grant and Olivia; and countless teammates and friends. He loved all deeply, but at the end of the day he wanted to be with his family.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Little and Davenport Funeral Home in Gainesville. In lieu of flowers, the family invites others to help Tyler's spirit live on through helping others by contributing to the Tyler Safarriyeh Memorial Fund, c/o Keyworth Bank, 11655 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek, GA 30097.
Though Tyler's life was too short, it was as charmed and adventurous as any child could ever wish. He was a leader and protector, and lived each day to the fullest with dedication, amusement and sport. Born the ultimate team player, Tyler cared deeply for his family, friends and athletics. That love resonates in all who were fortunate to know him, and will live on in our hearts and on the fields of the Johns Creek area always.
Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, S.W., Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements
