Mr. Karl D. Tyler

PITTSFIELD - Karl D. Tyler, 86, formerly of Danforth Ave. and Rosewood Assisted Living Facility, passed away on September 29, 2016, at Hillcrest Commons Nursing Home due to complications following a broken hip. He was born December 13, 1929 in Pittsfield, MA, the son of Harry A. and Georgie M. Hames Tyler. He was a 1948 graduate of Pittsfield High School and worked on the reunion committee. Karl served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC and attached to the Headquarters Company 66th Signal Operations Battalion. Following his discharge from the Army, he ran the Hobby Corner for Don Kaufman (KB Toys) in Pittsfield on First St. He was also employed at General Electric as a production clerk in the ordinance manufacturing division (The Bradley Fighting Vehicle) for 32 years, retiring in 1988. He was a life member of the Dalton American Legion, GE Pensioners, and the Quarter Century Club of Berkshire County. Karl was a Jazz enthusiast and played the bass, sang, and danced. He was a fan and friend of the legendary Jazz composer and pianist Randy Weston, percussionist, pianist, and tap dancer Royal Hartigan, and most of the Berkshire County Jazz players and fans. Karl's lifelong love of Jazz was a central part of his life, and equaled only by his expertise for Jazz history, styles, and musicians, many of whom knew and highly respected Karl. He would customarily be asked to sit in and scat sing or whistle solos with a group. On many occasions he would trade short solos with world class New York Jazz artists playing in the Berkshires, such as Randy Weston's famous sextet at Avaloch Inn in Lenox during the 1950s and 1960s. Karl was a legend for his quick memory of people and places in Jazz among the Berkshire Jazz community and among many players in New York. Karl was a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Pittsfield He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Alan G. Tyler, Roger D. Tyler, Lois Tyler Fleming, Linda G. Tyler, and Jane Tyler Mullenix and 3 great nephews and 1 great niece. He is also survived by his Rosewood friend, Patty Weeks. Karl was predeceased by his brothers and sisters in law: Harry M. and Ruth Boos Tyler and Rowan M. and Florence Delong Tyler. FUNERAL NOTICE- Graveside services for Mr. Karl D. Tyler will be Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 11:00AM in the Pittsfield Cemetery with Rev. Timothy Weisman, officiating. Donations in Karl’s memory may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church, 74 First St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Please visit www.wellingtonfuneralhome .com to leave condolences for the family. WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201 are in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Karl D. Tyler

December 13, 1929 - September 29, 2016