David Roberts Tyndall was born Sept. 3, 1928, to Marion Roberts Tyndall and Walter Hartford Tyndall in Lander, Wyoming. He grew up in Fort Washakie, Ethete and Lander, WY. He graduated from Fremont County Vocational High School in Lander in 1946.
He enrolled in UW but was then drafted into the US Army with some time spent in Germany. He returned to UW and received a BS in Liberal Arts. He worked in the Entomology department and received a MS in Zoology. He was a member of the Society of Sigma XI.
Dave met the love of his life, Connie Howe in 1954, and they married later that year and made their home in Laramie. They had four children, Diane, Kathy, Steve and Kay.
He began teaching biology and other science classes in 1959 at Laramie High School. He built an extensive Wyoming bird collection he used in his classes that is now housed at the University Berry Biodiversity Center. After retiring from 25 years of teaching, Dave and Connie enjoyed winters in Arizona and time at their cabin near Woods Landing. Dave spent time creating art inlaying antlers and making jewelry to sell at bazaars. While in Arizona he learned to golf and met many people who became lifelong friends. Dave’s other hobbies included finding arrowheads, hunting and fishing. Dave was awarded a Quilt of Valor for his military service and was particularly proud since it was made and presented by his daughter Diane.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Megan.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Connie; children Diane Trotter (Dick), Kathy Speiser (Pep), Dr. Steve Tyndall the chosen one (Kristi), and Kay Brown (Paul); nine grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren and one on the way.
He will be missed by all who knew him especially by his family, friends and past students. He was always a teacher, especially about nature, which remained his lifetime passion.
Per Dave’s request no public services will be held.
Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
Mr. Tyndall had positive effect on every student and person that crossed paths with him. I recall how much of a kick he got out of my lab partner and I cooking our rat in my mother's pressure cooker. He was an excellent instructor whose life lessons to students do indeed last a lifetime. My Condolences.
What a great man. Our sympathies to all of you!
To all of Dave’s Family. Greg joins me in sending our heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Greg indicated Mr. Tyndall was by far his favorite teacher in and out of the classroom. He made science very “interesting” with all the birds, but he also played an important part in Greg; receiving his Eagle Award in Scouting. Greg and Steve worked together on merit badges which were fun. Also Diane and Dick played an important part in Dale’s and my life as well, helping us with the remodeling of our home in Centennial and additionally Dick worked at Wyo Tech with Dale and they enjoyed their time together as well. Connie, you have truly been a blessing to the Laramie community as well. Your talents are special and it is a great blessing to have all the Tyndall Family in my life. You are blessed that you do have some of your children reside here. Extend a big”hello” to Steve from Greg, they enjoyed each other so much.
I hated school, it was pure punishment for me to sit through a school day. Mr. Tyndall's class , who I had for Biology 1 and Biology 11, was the perfect teacher for a right brained student like me. I loved his class and I didn't even count the ceiling tiles to pass the time. I listened and learned. He was one of the few blessings in my schooling. Prayers all around.
Carol Wear Wendling So sorry to hear about your dad passing, Kathy. Always wished I would have had him for a teacher. Remember him as being such a kind, energetic and friendly person. You and your family are in my prayers.
I loved reading some of the comments above, they speak for me in so many ways. I hope that he knew how admired and loved he was by his students, such as I, class of '67. It wasn't biology that was the most important thing he taught; it was how to be a perfect person in every way. Inspiring, caring, incredible. My prayers and thoughts to his family!
Susan Stevens Tuft I was a 1966 Laramie High School graduate. In my sophomore year, I was "Mr. Tyndall's" lab assistant for one of his biology classes. He was ever the teacher and loved his job...liked to see his students learn. One Very cold Laramie morning he led our biology class down to "Stink Lake," I think is what we called LaBounta Lake...we were all grumbling at the cold and I will never forget (and sometimes still quote) his "buck up" entreaty: "Cold!! This is a fine BRISK morning!!" (stop complaining)!!
Mr. Tyndall was the best teacher I ever had. He challenged me to think and learn. I remember the boiled rats, the assignment of, “show me photosynthesis”, the trees, animals, and plants that I learned. He was so special. I have one of his antlers with inlaid turquoise and silver and treasure it. My condolences to his family. What a special man we’ve all lost but what a positive influence he was on my and many others lives. A life well lived.
I am sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. He was my role model as a teacher and as a person. My deepest sympathy.
To Steve and The Tyndall family, What a legacy Mr. Tyndall left in your family and in all of us that were lucky enough to have him as a teacher. He always taught us that Biology was interesting, fun and valuable. Every student came away realizing - I CAN memorize this stuff!! I look at the world differently because of the passion he shared with us all. He was a gifted teacher - a favorite teacher. My prayers and thoughts are with your family.
To Steve, and your family, I am saddened at the news of your dad's passing. I have to say that my education in the sciences began with Mr. Tyndall. The love your dad poured into his students was so obvious and was the absolute reason we all started to learn about the world we live in. I will always have so many good memories of him and I feel as if I am one of the luckiest people to have had the privilege of being one of your dad's many students. I do hope that the time of healing comes quickly to all. Peace & Respect.
I remember David so well and how talented he was. He had a good life and may he now rest in peace. My prayers are for his family and hopefully their fond memories will help them through this difficult time. Donna Thompson
Mr. Tyndall was my favorite teacher of all time, and the best teacher I ever had. I still remember going to the field east of LHS and throwing a ruler to measure the plant and animal life in one square foot, and boiling a horse head to discover bone structure? I didn't send him the letter he deserved about his enriching my academic life. I was thrilled to find his antler work in the gift shop at the Wyoming State Museum. Looking through the previous comments, I see he affected many other students as much. He was at the 100 % end of the bell curve. Every student deserves a teacher (and more) like him.
To the Tyndall Family, our thoughts and comforting prayers are with you all. Mr. Tyndall's legacy is long and will continue with the generations that were fortunate enough to have him as an educator. As my nearly 30 plus yr. teaching career is winding down, I can tell you that his influence and modeling was without a doubt the most of any other educator I had. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with us.
A super gentleman and a super educator. I feel privileged to have known you.
I'm so sorry to hear of Mr Tyndall's passing. Certainly one of a kind, and the best teacher of any subject I ever had. He taught more than biology, he taught you how to learn from your own experiences. My thoughts and prayers are with the Tyndall family. He will be missed.
Aunt Connie, I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Dave. It was always such a pleasure when we were all able to get together. I have great memories of Uncle Dave taking me and my sisters out fishing for trout in the nearby streams. He was such a pleasure to be around and will be sorely missed!
Mr. Tyndall was such a great and inspiring teacher and man ! It affected so many of our lives! Even after school he would remember me and always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye! Rest In Peace David! With love from your students, fends, and especially your family
Dear Connie, Diane, Kathy, Steve and Kay, I am sad to hear about your loss, but I am so grateful to have had Dave as a friend and colleague . As a green 23 year old I began my teaching career at LHS in 1966. During my interview process Vern Newman, the principal, mentioned two teachers on staff that he considered "outstanding". Dave Tyndall became a role model to me. Through nature and nurture you, his family, are a testament to an "outstanding" man. Sincerely, Ryan Fulton
Oh Mr Tyndall! He was my favorite teacher of all time, he constantly made you want to do better and be better. I still appreciate his kind and gentle patience with us. My deepest condolences to his family.
Dear Connie, Steve, Diane, Kathy and Kay....Our thoughts are will all of you at this sad time. Dave was truly a man who cared deeply for his family and was a friend to all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Mr. Tyndall was such a wonderful teacher and man. His love for biology, dedication to teaching, and influence will always remain in my heart. I see plants and animals from a more educated perspective because of him. I respect all life on this planet because of his presence in my life. All of this, and having such a stellar family; what an accomplishment!
Thoughts and prayers to the family..
I hated high school with a passion but the one class I never missed and actually did the homework for was Mr. Tyndall's. I can still whistle like a meadowlark thanks to him. He left a great legacy.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Tyndall. I took every class he offered and was a teacher’s assistant for one of his classes. I still talk about him to this day and have kept several of the projects we did in his classes. He was a big influence in my life. The world lost a very special man. Prayers.
RIP Dave My condolences to his family and friends. I have told many people over my years that I attribute my success to some of my high school teachers. Tyndall, Nelson, and Gorski are the top three, with Dave leading the pack. He had the knowledge of a good education, but his drive and desire made him a born instructor. As a student in his class, I benefitted from his brilliant mind, and positive attitude. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Mr. Tyndall was my favorite teacher - ever. I loved his classes; the way he taught us made it fun to remember things like Pinus ponderosa and Odocoileus hemionus. Being his lab assistant was the best year of my high school experience. Condolences to his family.
Mr. Tyndall was the teacher who most influenced me. His passion for the subject was contagious. His creativity and energy is finding ways to get his students to learn were extraordinary.
Dear Connie and family, My grandparents lived next door to you for decades and I remember you both fondly. I appreciated the conversations over the fence and all the retrieved balls and frisbees. I pray that precious memories bring you comfort in the days and weeks ahead. Robin Hastings (Harvey), Schroeder's granddaughter
Connie and Dave were so kind to us when we moved to Laramie when I was married to his cousin Kip- they would often feed us and helped us find our first apartment- I loved being around the family - they were all so bright and spirited and fun - he was a good man and I remember him fondly.
My sincere sympathies to your family. What an extraordinary teacher he is as, passing his bird identification exam was one of the highs of my high school experience. The type of teacher he was inspired so many to pursue careers in their given calling. Mary K. Simpson Mast - Class of 66
Dave was a cousin who I knew all my life, and he and Connie and kids were dear friends. He was a good man who lived a good life with a great family. Kip Crofts
We are sorry for the loss of you father and grandfather. Cherish the memories you have and of his work. Cherish the memories of him touching the lives of so many students and friends. Dale R. and Mary Louise Wood
Tyndall Family - Mr. Tyndall was one of the major influences in my life not only as a teacher (I took every course he offered) but as a friend. His quirky was of making you want to learn and to be a better person is a true God given gift! Thank you Mr. Tyndall!!!!
Diane, Kay, and Family, Our condolences...the best memories are the happy ones. Your Dad was a very special person. His art will be enjoyed by future generations. We thank him for his service.
He was one of the most influential teachers in my life. His passion for the subject was contagious and his creativity and devotion to getting his students to learn were extraordinary. —Bryan Shader
I absolutely loved Mr. Tyndall’s biology class. He inspired a love of learning in so many, including me. Thank you Mr. Tyndall. Rest In Peace. You were an amazing teacher. Rodger Hosier - Laramie High School Class of 1966.
Condolences to a great family for the loss of your great dad. May all your memories give you comfort and strength during thus time. Shavon Theis
Thoughts and prayers to the Tyndall family. May Mr. Tyndall rest in peace.
I still have a deer antler cribbage board that Mr Tyndall made. I've always treasured it and my time in his classes. He was the best!
My sincere sympathy to all of you on the loss of this remarkable man. He left his stamp on a lot of us and will be truly missed. I know you have a great store of good memories.
My condolences to the family. Mr. Tyndall was such a lovely man and will be remembered for his kindness as well as his lasting legacy as a lifelong educator. I came to know him as one of my favorite teachers, later as a talented artisan (I still have a cribbage board), and later still as Dave when I quilted with his lovely wife, Connie and daughter, Diane. My deepest sympathies to the family for their loss.
Your dad was one of my favorite teachers! He made learning fun and had endless patience with me! My condolences to your family. Sending light and love to you all.
I have known your dad all my life! So many memories. The best teacher I ever had. I fell in Love with bird watching because of him and will always be thankful to him for that! Rest In Peace Dave. The world has lost a great man!
This man is one of the reasons I am a teacher today. Whenever I sit in a workshop and am asked who inspired me to teach, Mr. Tyndall is the of whom I speak. I loved my classes with him, and how often I’ve remembered his lessons as I plan my own. He deeply impacted my life. I know this is true for hundreds of students. What an amazing legacy! He will be so deeply missed.
What a legacy Mr. Tyndall (my all-time favorite) has left in Connie and their children! I have been so blessed to know him and his family. Love to you all.
My all time favorite teacher and one of the reasons I became a teacher. He taught passion and attention to detail that carried through the rest of my life. My prayers and thoughts are with the family. He was one of a kind.
Mr. Tyndall was my favorite teacher as many have said...he expected perfection, but he made easy to accomplish by engaging his students with his love for biology. I truly looked forward to his class each day. In the past years I had the pleasure of reacquainting with he and Connie. What a wonderful couple...my prayers are with all of his family.
One of my favorite teachers. Enjoyed seeing him at shows with his beautiful work and a quick visit. Keeping you all in prayers.
Mr. Tyndall was my all-time favorite teacher and I still tell people how he demanded attention with his quiet, no-nonsense manner and about the engaging, interesting lessons he gave. He defiantly fuel my budding passion for biology which eventually led me to an MS and career in wildlife biology. I know he touched many students who passed through his classroom. I wish every student could have teachers like Mr Tyndall. Jenny Barnett LHS class of 1982
I was honored and blessed to have known and worked with Dave for many years at LHS. He was a great teacher, friend, and a very special man in many ways. He will be missed. My condolences to the family. RIP Dave.
My very favorite teacher ever!! I have so many memories and loved the fun and enthusiasm he brought to teaching biology. Mr. Tyndall was loved and respected by all. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
Every student that sat in one of Mr. Tyndall's classes knew it was a special experience. I can easily picture the twinkle in his eye as he led every lesson - as though he was learning the material himself for the first time. All of it inspired students to be more perceptive of the world around and of the creatures that share it. Thank you Mr. Tyndall for everything that you shared with your students. It was a privilege to be in your class. Thank you Tyndall family for sharing this amazing man with all of us. My condolences to you all.
Steve, I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am to learn of your father's passing. He was an amazing educator, and changed the way I look at the natural world to this day. You and your entire family are in my heart and prayers.
Mr. Tyndall was an unforgettable teacher, and a funny and gentle man. They don’t make them like that anymore. He inspired my interest in botany, and somewhere I still have my Evolution study... My condolences to his family.