Julian Pennstrom

Julian ‘Tyler’ Pennstrom, 29, was born on June 19, 1990, a native of Asheville, NC. He entered his eternal life on April 26, 2020.

Left behind to grieve his loss are those who will always honor his memory, his Mother, Debra Patton DeCurtis of Charleston, SC, Father, Thomas ‘Tom’ Michael Pennstrom of Asheville, NC, Brother, Thomas ‘Michael’ Pennstrom II and Fiancée, Lorianne Karney of Asheville, NC, Brother, Shawn Patrick Robinson & Wife, Allana of Asheville, NC, Nephews, Korie, Konner, Kolten, and Kaiden Robinson of Asheville, NC, Girlfriend, Marisa Bowers of Asheville, NC, Several Aunts and Uncles, and Many Cousins who Tyler loved and adored.

Tyler worked alongside his brother, Shawn, for Robinson Painting & Company in Asheville, NC. There, he was a valued employee, Leader, friend, and confidant. Tyler was the first to learn the technique of Cove Base and used his knowledge and unique ability to train others.

Tyler was passionate about many things, especially outdoor sports. He loved camping, he loved to hike, and was preparing to hike The Appalachian Trail. Tyler loved fishing, which he did every opportunity he had. Whether it was visiting his father’s houseboat, a visit to Charleston to fish the inlets, a deep-sea excursion, or kicking back on the beach to only catch a jelly-fish, it didn’t matter to Tyler. He was always proud of what he had caught and couldn’t wait to show it off. Tyler used to say fishing is where he found solitude. He loved to drive his boat, to water-ski, to go tubing, and wake-boarding. He loved snow-skiing and snowboarding, and when he wasn’t on the water or the ski slopes, you would likely find him skateboarding.

When Tyler was at home, he was either reading, playing X-Box with his friends, or playing his guitar. Tyler had a deep passion for music of all genres. I will always have the memory of Tyler texting me, his Father, or, his Brothers, links for song videos, “He would say come on you just have to listen to this one.” Well that ‘one’ turned into hundreds. I will always remember Tyler, when I hear a song by Dave Matthews Band or The Grateful Dead, and him wearing his ‘Dead Head’ tee shirts. But, Tyler, was very versatile. He never met a stranger and he never had a prejudice. Tyler could dress in his polos and hit the golf course, or he could wear camos and hiking boots, jeans and Birkenstocks, or, tennis shoes, Tyler fit in for any and all occasions.  But I will always love the memory of Tyler coming downstairs in his shorts and bare feet, and always when he wore his beanie.

There are so many great memories of Tyler, he will live forever in our hearts. He loved all of his friends, he could walk into a room and become the center of attention without trying. He was genuine. Children gravitated to him because they could sense that he loved them. He would have made a fantastic father, and couldn’t wait for that chance in life. Tyler cared deeply for his Father, Tom. But, Tyler, also cared for his Step-Father, Dave. Tyler was there throughout Dave’s year-and-a-half struggle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which sadly led to Dave’s untimely death. The pain of his Step-father and Mother that they experienced during Dave’s disease and death hurt Tyler deeply. Tyler exhibited selflessness while helping to care for Dave, especially, when Dave could no longer care for himself. Tyler bathed him, clothed him, and fed him. Tyler did everything he could to help his Step-Father and Mother throughout such a difficult time. Tyler loved animals and they loved him, too. Our dogs, Raya and DaVinci loved when he visited because he gave them special attention, (no doubt when Mom was out of the house…lol).

Tyler was excellent both, in the kitchen and on a grill and could easily have become a professional chef. He loved to cook, and experiment, to come up with his special dishes. Tyler will be remembered grilling food while wearing his fanny pack, full of spices. He will be remembered for the times he enjoyed so greatly, deep-frying chicken wings with his Father and all of the times they shared together at the houseboat grilling fish they had caught, alongside with grilled corn. I will always remember the time he decided to cook a steak at 2:00 A.M. and the smoke alarm went off, causing EMS and the Fire Department to show-up. And, Tyler said, “I’m sorry, I was just hungry.” Or, the many times Tyler cooked crawfish, even as a breakfast entrée, his newfound love for Tony’s Clam Chowder, his love for She-Crab Soup, and his ability to call Publix to ask them to fix a special order for him. He was so special and so charismatic; they would always fix it for him. He will be remembered for teaching the ‘correct’ way to season a cast-iron skillet and cook the best steak ever-tasted. This is a recipe he shared with his Mom, one that will be forever cherished.

Tyler loved and nurtured nature, he loved the idea of living off-the-grid, self-sustained, able to enjoy the simple things. He loved gardening and giving back. He was always there for anyone in need and never expected anything in return. It was truly an attribute that came naturally.

There are so many wonderful memories of Tyler, memories of good times, tough times, sad times, memories that will make us cry, but, most of all, his beautiful smile and his ability to make us all laugh.

God truly blessed us with the time he allowed Tyler to be in our lives.

Fly high our sweet baby boy, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, and best friend. We will always love you and hold you in our hearts!

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.