Tyler Smith Barth

On Saturday, August 20th, 2022, Tyler Smith Barth, loving husband, father, and friend passed away at the age of 55 surrounded by friends and family.

Tyler was born on September 12, 1966 to parents Donna Susan Smith and James R. Barth in Highland Park, Illinois. He was blessed with a loving step father Bill Howarth who raised him and his loving extended family.

Tyler graduated from Barrington High School in 1984 as a star football player and scholar. He and his twin brother, Chris, were affectionately known as the Barth Boys. His skill in sports and intense determination brought him to attend the United States Airforce Academy where he excelled in business studies and continued his football career. He was the smallest and fastest wide receiver. Number 25 was so loved by his coaches and teammates who he still embraced as dear friends. Along with his teammates, the best ever Air Force team (as he would say) went on to win the Freedom Bowl as co-captain. As a team they won the Commander in Chief’s trophy, from which he met President Ronald Reagan. He served as an assistant football coach at the Air Force Academy after graduating. He also met his first wife Susan Wynne in Colorado Springs and enjoyed being alongside her during her long and fun-filled skating career.

He went on to serve in the military as a captain at Hanscom Air Force Base in Boston while he pursued his MBA at Boston College. Graduating with his MBA in 1993, he went on to pursue his passion in business alongside his father Bill. He lovingly carried on Illinois Blower where as a business owner he impacted the lives of many people throughout his career. He led with a giving spirit and loved helping his friends and family anytime anyone needed a helping hand, never expecting anything in return.

He had a passion for travel, golf, deep sea fishing. His travels led him to develop many friendships worldwide. Through his passion and generous spirit, he loved bringing along his friends to experience what he loved. He especially enjoyed including Jim Johnson, his dear friend, who he considered a brother. His favorite travel partner was his wife Carolena who loved deep sea fishing with him. They enjoyed so many wonderful adventures in their short but beautiful 10 years together.

Tyler was a dedicated husband, father, step-father, son, brother and friend who never hesitated to ensure that every person in his life knew how much he loved them. He is survived by his wife Carolena, his son Johnny Barth, his daughter Katie Barth, his bonus son Jack Cox, his bonus daughter Sophia Cox, his bonus daughter Katrina Cox, his twin brother Chris Barth (Lorraine), his sister Courtney Barth (Dan), his father Bill Howarth (Susan), his father James Barth, and his cherished extended family, Susan Wynne, Kristen Howarth, William Howarth (Karen), Karen Hirata (Don), Jane Hershoff (Josh), many loving nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, loving in-laws and an immense number of friends who he considered family. He is preceded in death by his mother Donna, his brother Colin, his sister Janessa and his loving grandparents.

We will be celebrating his life at his home at 527 Castleview Court on Friday, August 26th beginning at 3pm. A service including military honor will begin at 5:30. In true Tyler fashion, the full bar will be open from the beginning and food will be served starting at 4. This is a party with plenty of space and love to be shared to honor an amazing soul and wonderful life.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you make your donation in Tyler’s name to Tunnels to Towers (www.t2t.org) , which Tyler passionately contributed to throughout the years.