Letter: Tyler Challinor's family makes request

Dear Editor:

In memory of Tyler Steven Challinor, his family would like to establish an “adopt a student” at Fort Simcoe Job Corps near Yakima, Wash.

Tyler had been attending Fort Simcoe since last spring and was tragically killed Jan. 7 in an industrial accident. Students and staff from Simcoe traveled here for his funeral. After arriving here, one of his instructors mentioned that Tyler was one of the fortunate students because he got mail. Tyler’s father, Greg Challinor, and I wrote or called daily and sent snacks such as breakfast bars, granola bars, etc.

It broke our hearts that some of the students don’t receive mail or things from home. We are hopeful that the community of Libby will write letters or bake cookies that we can send to these kind, respectful and wonderful friends of Tyler’s.

When these boys arrived in Libby, they were very concerned about one boy not having dress shoes. At our insistence, we asked them to all wear their Carhartts or jeans, as that is how Tyler knew them. They were so concerned about being respectful.

Tyler had just heard days before his tragic accident that he was to leave for Advanced Mechanics Class in Clearfield, Utah. He planned to be a mechanic for a few years and then attend training in Seattle for underwater welding. Tyler’s family is trying to turn this devastating event in our lives into something positive.

A letter is a small thing to us but huge to someone away from our family. Other things that would be appreciated: hotel soaps/shampoos, lotions, baked goods, postcards … anything and everything will be so very appreciated. The local drop point is at the Montanian.

Shanda Jennings

Libby

(Editor’s note: The author, who is Tyler Challinor’s mother, included an address: In Memory of Tyler Challinor, Fort Simcoe Job Corps Center, 40 Abella Lane, White Swan, WA 98952)