SEQUIM — Tyler Henry Braithwaite, the 17-year-old who died in a car wreck March 28, was eulogized Saturday as a fun-loving teenager who was known for his big smile.
The memorial service, held in Sequim High School’s auditorium, was attended by a capacity crowd of about 650 friends, family and schoolmates.
“This has meant the world to me,” said his mother, Tammy Sullenger, after the service.
“The turnout is amazing, and that just tells me how much Tyler was loved.”
Braithwaite, who attended the high school, died when the pickup truck he was driving crashed into a tree on a muddy U.S. Forest Service road south of Sequim.
Two friends in the truck with him, Rachel Myers, 18, and Michael Fleming, 16, said he swerved to avoid a deer.
Myers was flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for leg and facial injuries and has since been discharged.
Fleming, who Braithwaite considered a brother, was taken to Olympic Medical Center for a broken wrist and facial cuts and has also been discharged.
Pastor Jim Chase of the Forks Assembly of God Church, who presided over the service, said Braithwaite was kind-hearted and confident, but never arrogant.
‘The kind of kid you should like’
“Anyone who met Tyler liked him,” he said. “And if you didn’t, shame on you because he was the kind of kid you should like.”
Chase recalled that while Braithwaite, who had an affinity for pranks, almost always had a big smile, it was sometimes hard to tell whether it was because he was glad to see you or if he had something mischievous in mind.
“There was never a dull moment,” he said.
As people filed into the auditorium, a dozen members of the American Legion Riders held U.S. flags in a flag line in Braithwaite’s honor.
Jeff McFarland of American Legion Post 29, located in Port Angeles, said they were showing support for Sullenger, who is Clallam County’s veterans coordinator and administrative assistant to the county commissioners.
“His mother has helped us veterans, so we are kind of here for her,” he said.
The Legion riders weren’t the only bikers in attendance.
About 60 members of motorcycle clubs came to show their respect.
Braithwaite’s father, Henry Braithwaite, is a member of the Band of Brothers motorcycle club. The two would go on motorcycle rides together.
On the auditorium stage, among 10 flower bouquets, stood the young Braithwaite’s green Kawasaki dirt bike and his late grandfather’s Harley Davidson motorcycle, which he rode.
A Band of Brothers vest was placed on the Harley’s handlebars.
Chase assured those present, that while Tyler Braithwaite was only 17, he had lived a full life.
To those who had wished they had spent more time with him, Chase said, “You shouldn’t feel guilty.
“It was Tyler’s time.”
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
