SOUTH THOMASTON – Tyler Joseph Gricus, 34, passed away unexpectedly.

Tyler was born Feb. 28, 1987 in Brunswick. He was the son of Candace (Corkum) Sykes and stepson to Candace’s husband, Lee, of Mt. Vernon and the son of the late Joseph Gricus.

He will be remembered for his playful spirit, one with an actor’s ability and gift for entertaining others whether it be impersonating funny characters accurately or playing songs on his guitar. He never got the chance to use his gifts formally but they were his, truly, as many can attest.

Tyler had a great love for the outdoors and spent much of his time exploring the lakes, streams, and woods behind his house in Mt. Vernon as a boy.

A beautiful tribute written to Tyler by a childhood friend. “Tyler was a tremendously loyal friend and loved the outdoors. As a boy, every summer he welcomed his close friend from Maryland to the rivers, lakes, and woods of Mt. Vernon that he knew so well. He imparted a love for fire- building, camping, boating, biking, fishing, swimming, and exploring, treating his friend as a brother every year. Always seeking new adventure, Tyler delighted in exploring further afield, taking the canoe down murky tributaries to discover new spots for a sandwich. Something of a maverick and chaffing at authority. Tyler was always ready to ignore “private property” signs in furtherance of noble exploration, and notably rescued a presumably neglected and misplaced canoe stuck in the marsh grass one summer. He blazed the way for his reticent companion, providing impetus to execute flips from high bridges and take the wheel of his family’s truck down back-wood trails. In manhood, he remained a generous host, making frequent and excellent use of a hand-made smoker inherited from his father. Tyler was ready to laugh, eager to please, and generous with his affection. Love, Allan”

He had an awesome love for so many things but his love for his boys Maxwell and Jaxon was incomparable.

We will move forward remembering the good times and will find comfort knowing that his struggles are over.

In addition to his mother and stepfather, Tyler is survived by his partner, Holly Roberts of So. Thomaston; his two sons Jaxon and Maxwell Gricus; his grandparents Kenneth and Mary Gricus of Camden; his sister, Shannon Leighton and her husband Brian of North Carolina; his longtime devoted friends Chuck Merry, Dan Street and the Martin and Thorson families. He is also survived by his step-grandparents John and Judy Julian; as well as many aunts, uncles; cousins; friends and Holly’s mother and stepfather Carol and Bobby Mackie, also of South Thomaston.

There will be a Celebration of Life at 1 p.m. on June 26, in the Methodist Church, 13 Chapel St., South Thomaston, followed by a gathering.

Arrangements are in the care of the Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop, where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers donations in Tyler’s memory may be made to the

Maine Recovery Fund

495 Forest Ave.

Portland, ME 04101.