Mr. Tyner was born June 5, 1938, in Detroit, Mich. He received his bachelor of arts degree in philosophy and psychology. He also served in the U.S. Navy.

Mr. Tyner moved to Alaska in 1991. He worked for Icicle Seafoods in Homer and Seward.  

His hobbies and interests included chickens, gardening, movies, reading, the German language, philosophy and politics.

“Gary, the epitome of free spirits, loved Alaska and all it represented. His was a hard life growing up in the Hungarian part of Detroit, then being shuffled from one relative to the next. He spent many years traveling with Sue, including living in San Jose, Calif.; Ontario, Canada; Cincinnati, Ohio; Berkley, Calif; and Tucson, Ariz.  

“He loved the Kenai Peninsula and cherished being with friends discussing politics and philosophy, and the occasional pint of beer. He has left an indelible mark on our minds. Everyone has their own memory of him, but no one can deny that he was a unique individual. He was quick-witted, highly intelligent and fiercely independent. He was very social, with a great sense of humor, but also controversial. We didn’t always agree with him, but his strength of character usually won our respect, if not our hearts. His last words on the family Web site were ‘Pacem in Perpeteum. (Peace Forever),’” his family said.

Mr. Tyner was preceded in death by his parents, James M. Tyner and Elizabeth (Kovacs) Tyner. He is survived by his brothers, Ken Tyner of Chula Vista, Calif.; Bruce Tyner McElhaney of Spring Lake, Mich.; Jimmie Tyner of Napa, Calif.; Randy Tyner of Mountain View, Calif.; Larry Tyner of Sierra Vista, Calif.; and Gregory Tyner; sisters, Gerry Ferguson of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Diane Taylor of Chula Vista, Calif.; Linda Garner of Roseville, Mich.; and Pamela Thomas of Clay Township, Mich.

Memorial donations may be made in Gary’s name to the donor’s favorite charity.

Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel and Homer Funeral Home.