‘Remember the happy times’: Tyler Goodrich’s family and friends celebrate his life

PALMYRA, Neb. (KLKN) – Family and friends of Tyler Goodrich celebrated his life on Monday.

The missing Lincoln man’s body was found in a wooded area on March 8.

Now, after months of anxiety and grief, those who loved Goodrich honored his memory at a joyful gathering.

SEE ALSO: Tyler Goodrich’s death ruled a suicide after autopsy

His close family and friends gathered at the Bennet Community Church for a ceremony.

They then invited anyone who followed Goodrich’s story to join them for further celebration at the Glacial Till Vineyard in Palmyra.

“To have something like this and have the outpouring of stories and finding out how many lives he touched with goodness, it’s hard to believe,” said Lonnie Goodrich, Tyler’s father.

SEE ALSO: Tyler Goodrich found, but more than 700 other Nebraskans remain missing

Hundreds showed up, and everyone shared stories and photos of Goodrich, with lots of laughter, hugs and tears.

“If you knew Tyler, even for a little while, even for a second, you would know he’s the most inviting, warmhearted, welcoming human being, and this is exactly what he would have wanted,” said Goodrich’s cousin, Rhea Barfield. “He would have wanted everyone who had the smallest part in the searches, who shared his story to come out and celebrate his life.”

One of his lifelong friends, Amanda Meyer, said the gathering is a reflection of who Goodrich was.

“I just want people to move forward and remember the happy times with him, and the love that he has and the love that he gave to everyone,” Meyer said.

SEE ALSO: Tyler Goodrich’s cellphone, wallet and key found near where body was discovered

Lonnie said he has loved hearing new stories about his son.

One of his favorites is about how Tyler helped a new runner make it through her first marathon.

He encouraged her every step of the way, even though she was a stranger.

SEE ALSO: How Tyler Goodrich helped a Lincoln small business weather the pandemic

Meyer said Tyler touched the lives of many people like that, and she believes that’s why his memory will never die.

“He will live on with all of us, and I don’t think there will ever not be a memory of Tyler out there,” she said.

Lonnie said the people who were at the celebration are just a small representation of the thousands who have helped the family along the journey.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska’s climate helped investigators ID Tyler Goodrich quickly, forensic expert says

And despite the sad ending to his son’s story, everyone who knew him was filled with joy after the gathering.

“Now you can just celebrate with them, enjoy just hanging out with them,” Lonnie said. “And those worries of ‘Where is he?,’ of looking in every ditch — those things are past. It’s a joyous thing, which is what we wanted, and I’m happy.”

Tyler’s family is going to find a way to honor his memory in a more permanent way.

Lonnie said he wants to help other families who are searching for missing loved ones.

SEE ALSO: Tyler Goodrich’s hometown of Bennet, which once prayed for his return, now mourns his loss