The naming ceremony was held at the end of September. (Facebook/Mosquito Workshop)

By Derek Cornet

in memoriam

Ty’s House serves as memorial for fondly remembered young man

Oct 8, 2021 | 3:22 PM

The memory of a young man who touched the hearts of many tri-community residents will be honoured and remembered for decades to come.

Staff with NorthSask Special Needs, along with the family and friends of the late Tyler Murray, came together recently to formally name a new group home as Ty’s House. Murray, who was raised in Air Ronge, was to be one of the first residents to move in, but he became ill in 2020 and passed away in March.

“He attended our day program for several years and he was planning to move into the group home,” NorthSask executive director Mel Norris said. “That day never came. With his family’s blessing and after discussion with the staff … it was decided Ty’s House would be a way to honour him and remember him.”

A unique sign was crafted by Greg Lobb with Mosquito Workshop, who donated his time and materials. It features Murray’s signature and is a special touch appreciated by all who attended the ceremony.

Ty’s House opened earlier this year and NorthSask staff were planning to host a grand opening last month. That plan was cancelled due to the high number of COVID cases across the province.

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“So far, everyone has been happy with their experience in the new group home,” Norris said.

The sign was donated by Mosquito Workshop in Air Ronge. (Facebook/Mosquito Workshop)

Ty’s House, which is technically two group homes, consists of eight rooms with four on each side. Four rooms one side are self-contained units, which include a living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and laundry. Two of those units are two-bedroom suites.

The residential care home provides 24-hour, on-site support for residents and staff trained in behaviour management and medication. Residents also have access to specialized lifts and accessible tubs.

Norris explained there are currently only three residents, noting due to COVID, others who were set to move in didn’t because of visitation restrictions.

“We’re in the process of reviewing applications for the remaining suites at the group home,” she said. “The upstairs of the group home has four apartments with occupancy up to six clients. That’s for our supported independent living program, so these suites are for individuals with cognitive disabilities that need some support as far as groceries, appointments, that kind of thing.”

Norris mentioned Ty’s House will be a benefit to many people in northern Saskatchewan. She said one operated by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band is at capacity and she knows of interested clients who want to move to La Ronge from Pinehouse Lake and Wollaston Lake.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @saskjourno