Donor Spotlight: Edward & Victoria Tyler

On August 26, 1934, Edward Gordon Tyler was born in Seattle, Washington. He grew up in the heart of Seattle playing in Madison Park, swimming in Lake Washington, running around the Arboretum and attending Seattle Public Schools. He had a passion for sports, but he worked more than he played. At a young age, he was a caddy at the Broadmoor Country Club and worked at the local gas station. He joined the National Guard in his teens and for several years served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard.

On April 15, 1955, he married the love of his life, Victoria Elinor Hart. She was a Seattle girl, born and raised in the same neighborhood as Edward and graduated from Garfield High School in 1953. Edward and Victoria were married for 67 years and during their lifetime accomplished a multitude of milestones. One goal they set was earning college degrees which they achieved while raising their family. Edward spent 43 years in the bread industry. He started his career as a bread salesman and retired as the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 227. Victoria was a wonderful mother to three girls and a real estate agent for John L. Scott.

The Seattle couple truly valued education and after they achieved their own academic goals they provided a college education for their daughters at Washington State University. They also set aside money for their 10 grandchildren. At the end of their lives, they made a decision to start the Edward and Victoria Tyler Scholarship that provides a scholarship each year to a graduating senior girl at ACH High School.

As the executive director, it is always a privilege and special time sitting down with donors and hearing their charitable wishes. I will always remember establishing this scholarship because I had the privilege of calling Edward and Victoria, Mom and Dad. I am thankful that I was raised by people who valued learning and provided a college education for me. This legacy scholarship is something that is near and dear to my heart, and I completely understand and have experienced how meaningful it is to have a scholarship honoring a loved one. Each spring, I enjoy selecting the recipient, and it’s a time set aside for my parents. Thanks Mom and Dad for making me who I am today and enriching the next generation.