Tyler Joseph Smeester, age 20 of Lompoc, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2008. Tyler was born June 10, 1988 in Santa Barbara, California. He grew up in Lompoc and attended Lompoc Valley Middle School, Olive Grove and Family Partnership.

His hobbies included playing paintball at the Shack and spending time outdoors. His outdoor activities including offroading, hunting, fishing, and just being in the mountains. He also enjoyed skeet and trap shooting at the Vandenberg Rod & Gun Club.

Tyler enjoyed just being with his girlfriend, Shelby. They lived together for more than one and a half years. Tyler had a love for animals and nature. He was very people oriented and lit up the room when he was with his friends.

He is survived by his mother, Katherine Rieck of Lompoc, father Rodney Smeester and stepmother Kris of Santa Barbara, sister Courtenay of Lompoc, grandparents Richard and Elaine Smeester of Las Vegas, NV, and girlfriend Shelby Lewis of Lompoc. He was preceded in death by his stepfather William Rieck, Jr. and his grandmother, Marjorie Stahl.

Visitation will take place Tuesday, September 23rd from 4-8 p.m. at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary with a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24th, also at the mortuary, with Pastor John Reil to officiate.