KMPH FOX 26 | Central San Joaquin Valley News SourceMemorial Service For Tyson Motto

Memorial Service For Tyson Motto

By: Rich Rodriguez

Tyson Motto touched many lives in less than three decades of life.  Nine days ago he drowned while doing something he loved, rafting down the Kaweah River.

Saturday in Tulare family, friends and students celebrated this English teacher's life.

The gym was packed at Sundale Elementary School in Tulare.   Tyson Motto was admired by many.   He taught English at Dinuba High School, coached tennis and served as campus spirit adviser.  

One of his students sang his praises.  "He just truly was an inspiration to everyone that knew him.   He was so selfless and had a servant's heart."

At times family and friends had to wipe away tears but for the most part the memorial service was uplifting.  "Or he'd say I'm just a poor struggling college student.. Or I can't feel my legs.. Or he'd say kaw–kaw."

A number of cousins spoke and let the crowd know, to them, he was Ty–Ty.  "He really did love everyone including but limited to his family, faith, friends and students.   And more over he treated everyone with the same respect and attention."

For one of Tyson's closest friends saying goodbye wasn't easy.  "But I loved him like a brother."

Tyson only spent two years at Dinuba High but he was an Emperor through and through.   A fellow teacher summed it up in a sentence.  "We all know Tyson was a very special exceptional neat person."

The day after Tyson drowned a cross was placed in the water where his body was found.   Tyson was a man of faith as the crowd heard numerous times Saturday.   

Jerry Grant, Tyson's uncle described him as a jokester with an unforgettable smile.  "You can look around there's quite an impact he had on our lives.    I'm sure if it was myself or anybody else the crowd would be half this big or even smaller."