Duplicate bridge aficionado Steven Moran Tyer (74) passed away at his residence on Thursday, February 28th, 2019. He was born April 30th, 1944 and until looking at his birth certificate, Steve always thought he was born in Indiana. Nope. Although parents Bill and Janet lived off-base in Vincennes, Indiana, Steve was actually born in Illinois at the station hospital located at the US Army Air Corps' George Field; a pilot training facility. Steve was predeceased by his wife of 41 years – the love of his life – Sara McMichael Tyer and both parents William B. Tyer, Jr and Janet Moran Tyer. He is survived by his sister Carolyn Tyer of Haw River, NC.

Steve was a 1962 graduate of Greensboro Senior High School, loyal UNC-Chapel Hill alumnus, retired CPA and fan of all things "Tarheel". Steve learned to play bridge while in college and apparently was quickly "hooked". He must have played all the time in his youth, as he became a "Life Master" in July of 1971 (age 27) and achieved "Diamond Life Master" status in February of 2018. He enjoyed bridge for its logic and enjoyed mentoring newer players, seeing them progress and become more comfortable with their bidding. A member of the Central Carolina Bridge Association, he was a "Certified Director" with the ACBL and ran local duplicate bridge games for over 30 years with his wife Sara. In June 2016 in the World Wide Bridge Contest final rankings, Steve and bridge partner Bill Peabody were ranked 210 out of 3574 teams. Special thanks to Steve's friends Debbie Monroe and Bill Peabody for their friendship and support since Sara's passing in June of 2016.

Steve's cremation is being handled by Gate City Cremations and a celebration of his life will be held where he would have loved being: the upcoming Regional Tournament in High Point. At a yet-to-be-determined date there will be a graveside service and private burial at Green Hill Cemetery, Greensboro, NC.

If you feel so led, memorials can be made to the SPCA of the Triad 3163 Hines Chapel Rd. Greensboro, NC 27405, to Bellemont United Methodist Church 4039 Markwood Dr. Burlington, NC 27215, or a favorite charity of your choosing.

Published in TheTimesNews.com on Mar. 12, 2019.