Tyrus Burgess

Tyrus W. Burgess, 88, of Put-in-Bay, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Firelands Regional Medical Center, Sandusky, Ohio. He was born January 13, 1936, in Detroit, the son of James R. and Eloise (Ruh) Burgess. He graduated from Berkley High School in the class of 1954. He served in the United States Navy from 1955 – 1961 advancing in engine programs when commanders discovered Ty’s aptitude for motors. Later stationed on the USS Washburn he and the engine crew were tasked with repairing two LCM engines for a war games exercise. Successfully completing the work overnight, the team earned the captain’s commendation. Ty kept in touch with several Navy friends, especially George “Toad” Thode.

Following discharge Ty was employed by Art Saunders constructing the golf course at Put-in-Bay. In 1967 he began construction work with Fran Morrow. Afterwards he worked for the National Park Service at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, retiring in 1996. Ty was exceptionally organized and earned gratitude from the Park Service for safeguarding Perry’s Victory infrastructure during the Blizzard of ‘78. He was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Skip Duggan Antique Car Club, American Legion Posts 542 and 374, Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, Put-in-Bay Vol. Fire Department and a curatorial advisor for Lake Erie Islands Historical Society.

Ty grew up in Berkley, Mich. with his brother Jim, and close friends Bud Conshafter and Ray Skelton. Ty, Jim, Bud and Ray made many trips from Detroit to Put-in-Bay with Ty’s dad Ralph on his sailboat the Wreckless. Ty’s summers were spent with his beloved grandmother, Katie Ruh on Put-in-Bay and enjoyed a long friendship with neighbors John “Bullet” Borman and John Titchener. Ty’s Bass Islands ancestors immigrated from the Baden, Mecklenburg and Elsass regions of Germany between the 1850s and 1870s. Along with his brother Jim and cousins Susan, John and Roger, Ty was from their fifth generation. His many layers of Metz, Rehberg, Pfistner, Gross and Ruh ancestors are buried on the islands where they made their livings as vintners.

Surviving are his children: Tracy (Sohail Sayeh) Burgess of San Ramon, Calif., Tanya (Chad) Bender of Columbus, Ohio, Tyrus J. Burgess of Buffalo, N.Y.; grandchildren: Kaveh W. Sayeh, Tyrus N. Sayeh, Sophia K. Bender, Evan W. Bender; cousins: Susan (Robert) Mattlin, John (Bridget) Dodge, Roger Dodge, Michele Dodge Heineman, Amanda Mattlin Schutte (Mike), Amy (Dowd) Fox; nieces and nephews: Jamey (Kim) Burgess, Joslyn (Brent) Minic, Michael (Lyndsay) Conshafter, Charles “Chip” Duggan, Dianne “Dee Dee” Duggan, Christian (Kate) Lunt, Patrick Lunt, Marissa (Matt) Burd, Katherine (Brian) Woischke; sister-in-law: Sharon Duggan; brother-in-law: Tom (Renata) Lunt and his ex-wife, neighbor and caregiver: Jeanne Lunt Burgess. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James R. Burgess, sister-in-law Judy Burgess and brothers-in-law Chuck Lunt and Skip Duggan.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 10:00 AM – noon at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Put-in-Bay. Graveside services to follow at 12:30 PM at Maple Leaf Cemetery. A Celebration of his Life luncheon will be immediately after at the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club. Memorial contributions may be given to Put-in-Bay E.M.S., Put-in-Bay Vol. Fire Department, or the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com .