Tyler S. Challinor

Tyler "Beans" Steven Challinor, 20, died Jan. 7, 2010 in White Swan, Wash.

He was born April 10, 1989 in Libby to Gregory and Shanda (Teske) Challinor. He was working at the Yakima Forest Products Mill in White Swan through the Fort Simcoe Job Corps when he was killed in a industrial accident.

After attending schools in Libby, Butte, Sacramento, Calif., and Ridgecrest, Calif., he joined the Job Corps in the spring of 2009 and had completed the Heavy Equipment Mechanics Program, earned a GED and was awaiting an opening in the advanced class for Heavy Machinery Mechanics. Just recently, he received the news that he was to leave Feb. 2 for that program in Clearfield, Utah.

Family expressed how proud they were of him for his accomplishments at school and future plans.

“Tyler was a tall gentle giant who was an avid hunter, fisherman and friend to many,” family said. “The best times of our lives were spent at hunting camp with Grandpa Bart and all of our friends and family. When Grandpa Bart was killed in 2005 in a well-drilling accident, Tyler was devastated. Tyler's family takes great comfort in knowing that he and Grandpa Bart are together again, even though we will miss them more than words can say.”

Family also said he was very close to his sister, Skye Teske, whom he grew up with, as well as her fiancé, Steven Hall. Also among those mourning his death is his mother’s adopted family, the Kootenai Karacters.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Bart Teske; grandfather, James Challinor; great-grandparents Demmon and Hope Parker; and great aunt, Kathy Rowland.

He is survived by his parents, Shanda Jennings of Libby; and Greg and Linda Challinor of Orofino, Idaho; siblings, Skye Teske and fiancé Steven Hall of Libby; and Kross and Karli Challinor of Orofino, Idaho; grandparents, Roxanne Parker of Libby; Betty Challinor of Libby; and Irene Teske of Libby; honorary aunt and uncle, Sheri and David Edwards; Scott Challinor and wife Wendi of Many Lakes; aunt, Jamie Crowell and husband Vince of Columbia Falls; aunt, Toni Fetter and husband Mike of Milton Freewater, Ore.; uncle, Jeff Challinor and wife Joanna of Stevensville; and cousins Stephanie, Jake, Jordan and Danielle Teske, Joanne Jenkins, Tamara Fetter and Devynn Fetter.

Services are planned for Friday, Jan. 15 at 1 p.m., at the Memorial Center in Libby. Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby handled arrangements.

(Editor’s note: As of the newspaper’s Monday deadline, the funeral home was not sure if a viewing would be scheduled. If one is scheduled, the newspaper will relay that information online).