Obituary – Mary Tyler
September 8, 2021
Mary Patricia Tyler, born Mary Patricia Robertson to William Lee and Marion Esther Robertson (née Tyler) on March 8, 1942 in Pueblo, CO, passed away comfortably in hospice on August 21, 2021. An only child, Mary grew up in Denver, graduating from East High School and the University of Colorado. Mary met Courtney Skinner during one of her Colorado skiing adventures. After marrying in 1967, they worked the ski season in Sun Valley, ID and returned to the Wind River Mountains when the lifts stopped turning. They settled permanently in Pinedale, WY, Courtney’s hometown, in 1974 and raised two daughters, Kezia (née Kelly) and Darcy. Mary spent most of her life in Pinedale, WY before moving back to Colorado.
Though stoic, Mary was compassionate; private, yet the first to invite a stranger for dinner. Mary was the yin to Courtney’s yang, always supporting his daydreams and adventures while planning the fine details in the background, especially as the Expedition Coordinator for the Cowboys on Everest Expedition. She was the calm voice at Skinner Brothers’ radio call sign "Antelope". Mary valued education, had a voracity for reading, and was the first to reinvent herself by trying a new career.
Mary traveled extensively and this worldliness instilled many skills and passions in her children. She could easily host a world-renowned seven-course meal (Elk Wellington as the main and ending with Crème Brule) or feed a whole pack-trip of guests from whatever was found in the panniers. She loved the outdoors and working for the Forest Service, particularly going on fire assignments and selling Christmas tree permits. Mary enjoyed exploring museums, attending symphonies, and was a staunch supporter of the arts. She was a particularly graceful skier.
In addition to her daughters, Kezia Skinner Windham and spouse Erik Windham of Parker, CO, and Darcy Jay Skinner and spouse Brad Reed of Anchorage, AK, she is survived by grandchildren, Tristan Skinner Windham, Bjorn Skinner-Reed, and Lars Skinner-Reed; cousins MaryAnn Christianson and Daniel Kenneth Tyler III. Courtney Jay Skinner, her former spouse of 32 years, and grandson Garrison Skinner Windham preceded her in death. Per her wishes, Mary’s ashes will be spread in the Wind River Mountains.
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