Dudley "Dude" Tyler

Dude Tyler left us on October 8, 2023, after his heart failed upon returning home from one last fishing trip with his college buddies. He was 68 years old. 

Dudley Langdon Tyler was born January 26, 1955, in Evanston, Illinois, to Dudley and Alice Tyler, joining his siblings Kathy, Paul, and Kim. Shortly after his birth, his family made the trip west to Big Timber, where they started Two River Ranch. Dude grew up chasing cows on horseback (and motorcycle), raising cattle and sheep and enjoyed the struggles of ranch life. He attended grade school and high school in Big Timber and graduated from Williams College with a BA in American History. After graduation, he came home to join the family ranch operation on the Yellowstone and Boulder Rivers. In 1983, Dude, along with his constant sidekick and brother, Kim, started Tyler Brothers Fishing Outfitters. Dude enjoyed taking clients from all over the country, fishing on Montana’s rivers and streams and hosting them in the bunkhouse on the ranch. Dude married Mona Hauser and together, they had one daughter, Madeline Rose. Maddy was the light of Dude’s life and he loved to take her traveling far and wide but especially into Yellowstone and Glacier. Dude could be found on most trips, with a fly rod packed inconspicuously, just in case.

Recently he talked about this autumn’s fishing trips saying “have several outings with the boys which is church for me.” Dude was at his best while performing ‘aquatic research’ and enjoying the beauty of his surroundings on a stream. For the past eight months, Dude enjoyed spending time with his new granddaughter and being “Gramps”. He was a consistent advocate for sustainable ranching practices and open space preservation. Other hobbies included his love for music and writing, tying flies, helping others, and sharing stories. Dude moved to Livingston in the early 90’s and spent most of the past thirty years there, selling real estate, most recently with Yellowstone Real Estate Group-his steadfast support. Dude will be missed for his wit, good humor, his kind manner and even his jokes. 

Dude is preceded in death by his parents, Dudley and Alice and his two brothers, Paul and Kim. He is survived by his daughter Madeline (Malcolm) and his granddaughter Alice, sister Kathy (Tom), nieces Morgan (Dirk), Cary, and Brannin, sister-in-law Ann Tyler and her children, Lill Erickson, Sara Jane Danaher and her children, and many good friends and fishing buddies. 

In lieu of flowers, take someone fishing or wet a line yourself. Memorials can be made to Livingston Loaves and Fishes, Livingston Food Bank, or a charity of your choosing. 

Cremation has taken place. A service will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 3:00 pm at St. Mark’s in Big Timber with a reception to follow at the Grand.

Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Dude.

Franzen-Davis Funeral Home has been privileged to care for Dude and his family.