Timothy J. "Tim" Dyte

DYTE, TIMOTHY JOSEPH
August 6, 1956 – October 3, 2021

Tim never met a Lab he didn’t like. Because of this he rescued many Labrador dogs over his lifetime, coining the phrase, “Used Dog” when referring to his first rescue, Clyde. But Labs were only part of his love of animals.
Tim worked for the Buffalo Zoo and for the City Animal Shelter. At the zoo he cared for everything from Gorillas to Eddie the Chimp, from Rhinos to Wallabies, and more. It was here where he formed lifelong friendships with his coworkers and a lifelong love and respect for animals of all kinds.
Tim was a lover of the outdoors and all the sports that are part of it. He was a member of the KenTon and Northeast YMCA. He loved swimming and racquetball, became a lifeguard, and was introduced to camp Weona where he spent many summers as a staff member. Tim was a fast learner and was hired to work at both YMCA branches. He also became a qualified scuba instructor and taught others the sport.
Tim grew up in Buffalo and attended School 56 through 8th grade. It was there, under the instruction of Mr. Hulme, where he learned the love of carpentry and creating things with his own hands. At an early age his neighborhood friends invited him to go with their families skiing in the winter where he became self-taught and adept in the sport.
In his freshman year of HS, the family moved to Tonawanda where Tim attended Kenmore East HS. Here he made another set of lifelong friends, who have stood by him through all the years, right until his passing.
Tim loved cars and motorcycles, too. Through the years he owned a jeep, several trucks, and his beloved Kawasaki motorcycle, which he frequently rode to Florida, to go sailing with his good friend who lived there.
One of Tim’s most notable qualities and characteristics was his willingness to help anyone in need. He was selfless, generous, and kind. Tim was humble and wouldn’t accept thanks or credit but in his own way he was simply spreading love without even knowing it.
Charismatic, fun, always happy and laughing, with a fabulous sense of humor, Tim was one of a kind.
Tim loved a cold beer, Bocce pizza and a good cigar. He enjoyed a night out at the casino with his buddies. He loved camping, hunting, fishing, spending time with good friends, and most of all his beloved Labrador dogs. He finally realized his dream of having one of each color in the last years of his life.

Tim loved life and lived it, his way, to the fullest. Everyone who was fortunate enough to be part of his family or circle of friends, and even those just meeting him for the first time, loved him. It’s such a testament to a life well lived. It’s the best one can hope for in this life. He is sorely missed.
Tim’s family in heaven has welcomed him home: his parents, Helen (Truxes) Dyte and Allan R. Dyte; his sisters, Elizabeth A. Schmidt (Bruce) and Priscilla Pfenninger (Arthur). He is survived by his sisters: Susan Dyte Carrick, Deborah Dyte, Margaret Wareham (James) as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Burial will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery, November 5th at 2:00 pm. Meet at gate 2 at Delaware Avenue. A Memorial Celebration of his beautiful life will follow at Pizza Plant, Transit Road, Williamsville. Participants are asked to come prepared to share stories about their experiences with Tim. Please wear masks.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Tim’s name, to dog rescues and animal charities of your choice
Tim’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. of Albion. To share a special memory of Tim, please visit: www. mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.