TUSCALOOSA, AL — Many in Tuscaloosa and across West Alabama are mourning the death of longtime Tuscaloosa City Councilor and current City Council President Kip Tyner.
Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.
As Patch previously reported, the City of Tuscaloosa confirmed Tyner died Friday — a day shy of his 71st birthday.
After a career that began in local television news, Tyner was first elected to the City Council in 1997 and served seven consecutive terms, including two terms as council president.
His legacy will be most fondly remembered in the Alberta community where he grew up. During his time in office, he was celebrated for advocating for major public and economic development projects aimed at revitalizing the area.
The City of Tuscaloosa said Tyner's efforts also helped bring about the Tuscaloosa Tennis Center, which was recently presented national honors, along with improvements to University Boulevard East and the recruitment of SWJ Technology.
He was also noted as a longtime advocate for animal welfare and served as chairman of the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter Advisory Committee.
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox has ordered city flags lowered to half-staff in Tyner's honor.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced at this time.
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox:
"My heart is heavy today as we mourn the loss of a truly consequential public servant. Kip Tyner was a steadfast champion for Alberta, and his unwavering commitment shaped the community in lasting ways.After the devastating April 27, 2011 tornado, he became a source of strength and hope, leading the rebuilding and revitalization of his district. The Alberta we know today and the promising future it is poised to embrace stands as a testament to his tireless service and lifelong devotion.I am deeply grateful for his leadership and his heart, and for the chance to work alongside him for over two decades. I have no doubt his impact will be felt for generations."
District 1 Councilor Joe Eatmon:
Rest in Peace "Buddy" Kip Tyner. You've labored a long time. Now get your rest!
"A true Friend and leader! It was an honor to serve with Councilman Kip Tyner!"
"I'm grateful for the friendship and leadership of a man I've known all my life. Thanks for everything you've done for me with Community Unity and while serving with you on council. You will me missed my friend."
House District 63 Rep. Norman Crow (R-Tuscaloosa)
"I lost a good friend this afternoon with the passing of Kip Tyner. Kip served as President of the Tuscaloosa City Council and faithfully represented his district and our city for many years.I enjoyed working with Kip so much. He was funny, compassionate, and someone who knew how to get things done. He truly loved Tuscaloosa and the people he served, and our community is better because of his many years of service.I will miss his humor, his friendship, and seeing him around our City. My prayers are with his family and all who loved him. My prayer for Kip is that he is now pain free and at peace."
Alabama Public Service Commission President and former Tuscaloosa City Council President Cynthia Lee Almond:
"What a tremendous loss to our community. Kip Tyner, you will be missed! Thank you for your many years of service. It was an honor to work alongside you for 16 years. We laughed, cried, argued, and celebrated and shared a love for the people of Tuscaloosa."
House District 61 State Rep. Ron Bolton (R-Northport):
"We will sure miss you, my friend. Thank you for all of your help and friendship through the years."
Tuscaloosa County Commission
"The Commission was saddened to learn of the death of long time Tuscaloosa City Councilor, Kip Tyner. Councilor Tyner was always passionate about his district and the City. He constantly worked to make improvements, especially after the devastating tornado. Our condolences go out to his many friends and family."
Visit Tuscaloosa
"On behalf of Visit Tuscaloosa, we want to share our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Tuscaloosa City Council President Kip Tyner. Kip has been a loyal friend and a fierce advocate not just for tourism and for our organization, but for our entire community for decades. Our hearts are genuinely broken as we learn the news of his passing, but we find comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his mom, his brother, other family members, and his favorite furry friends that he so loved.Since taking office in 1997, Kip dedicated nearly three decades to serving the City of Tuscaloosa as a council member, a legacy of public service matched by few. Tuscaloosa and the Alberta community are better because of Kip Tyner - there is no doubt. His passion and his love for the place we all call home impacted numerous lives through his time on the Tuscaloosa City Council, through personal acts of kindness and his advocacy of numerous nonprofits, and through the voice he lent to events, organizations, and businesses across our community as the beloved host of Great Day Tuscaloosa. The tireless, relentless work Kip poured into rebuilding his district after the 2011 tornado speaks to who he was as well.We will always be grateful for the friendship we had with him, and will celebrate his legacy for years to come."
The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa:
"The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Councilman Kip Tyner. Kip was a strong supporter of the arts and a familiar presence in Tuscaloosa's cultural community. His leadership and commitment to the city helped bring people together through the arts and opened doors for artists, performers and audiences.His work made a difference in Tuscaloosa, and his absence will be felt throughout the community. We are grateful for the time, energy and passion he gave to making our city a better place for the arts. Our thoughts are with Kip's family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.His contributions to Tuscaloosa will not be forgotten."
Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama
"Our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Council President Kip Tyner. He cared deeply about Tuscaloosa and gave so much to our community. We are grateful for his service and partnership, and our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him."
Tuscaloosa Police Department
"We are saddened by the passing of Council President Kip Tyner. Councilor Tyner was a longtime supporter of public safety and of the men and women of the Tuscaloosa Police Department. Whether the issue affected District 5 or the city as a whole, he cared about the safety of the people he represented and was always willing to support our officers and our work. We are grateful for his many years of service to Tuscaloosa."
Theatre Tuscaloosa:
"Tuscaloosa has truly lost an icon in our friend, long-time star, and perpetual champion, Kip Tyner. From Harold Hill ("The Music Man") to Curly ("Oklahoma") to Billy Flynn ("Chicago"), Kip was an outstanding leading man. He carried his love of theatre to City Hall as one of our greatest allies and advocates. He made every day a "Great Day Tuscaloosa," and we will all miss him immensely. "It's remarkable how a person can change your life just by being in it."
Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter:
"Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter mourns the loss of a true friend, advocate, and champion for animals — Council President Kip Tyner.
Kip was much more than a community leader. He was someone who genuinely cared about the lives of animals and the people who worked tirelessly to care for them. As Chair of the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter Advisory Committee, Kip gave his time, his voice, and his heart to helping make our shelter and our community better for the animals who depend on us.
He understood that animal welfare is about more than kennels and adoptions. It is about compassion, responsibility, community, and giving every animal the opportunity for a better life. He believed in the importance of our mission and was never afraid to advocate for the improvements and resources our animals needed.
His impact on Tuscaloosa will be felt for many years to come, but his kindness and dedication to animals will hold a special place in the hearts of everyone at Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter.
We are incredibly grateful for the time we had with Kip, for his service to our community, and for the countless ways he helped make a difference for animals.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Kip's family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Thank you, Kip, for standing up for those who could not speak for themselves. Your paw prints are forever a part of our shelter and our community.
Rest in peace, Kip. You will be deeply missed."
Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Tuscaloosa Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.