Tyler James Blanchard

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Our dearly loved Tyler James Blanchard died on Monday, May 4, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona, after a long and terrible battle with addiction. His parents were with him for his final moments; he was surrounded by love and excellent care.

While we honor his difficult recent years, what we remember most were his happier earlier ones. We remember the Tyler who lit up every room he entered, who drew in everyone he encountered with his magnetic personality, who was loving and silly and sweet and kind.

Tyler was born in 1988 in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Gray, Maine. He was a talented basketball player and runner during his years at Gray-New Gloucester High School, from which he graduated in 2007. He trained as a certified yoga teacher at Kripalu School of Yoga. He was also an avid golfer, and worked at courses in Maine and Arizona. Tyler was very proud of his recent progress toward a business degree.

Tyler is deeply missed by his parents, David and Susan Blanchard; his sisters, Jennifer Blanchard, Sarah Dyer (Eric), and Emily Roberts (Jason); his nieces and nephews, Isaiah and Eliza Woodards and Warren and Marigny Dyer; his birth family in Texas; his big brother Mark Meadows; his special friend Jennifer Gayton; and the many friends he made throughout his life.

The family is planning a private memorial gathering for this summer.

We encourage anyone wishing to remember Tyler to support Preble Street in Portland: https://www.preblestreet.org/