Tyler Warren, sports enthusiast, student, son Tyler Warren, sports enthusiast, student, son (June 15, 2005)

Tyler Andrew Warren, 20, a longtime resident of Palo Alto, died June 12. He had been battling congenital heart defects for nearly 21 years.

He was born July 11, 1984, to Donna and Gilbert Warren. Born with a congenital heart defect, he was pronounced a "Blue Baby" at birth. His parents decided to move the entire family back to Palo Alto to be near Stanford University (where older brothers Jesse and Kyle were born) and where the Warrens determined they would find "the best treatment in the world" for him.

A sports nut throughout his life, in his early years he enjoyed playing T-ball baseball, Little League baseball, soccer and basketball. As he grew older he had more health problems but never lost his love of competition and sport. He was a huge San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants fan and over the years was able to collect and receive gifts of autographed photos, footballs and other memorabilia.

But more than that he relished his opportunities to meet a number of the current and previous 49ers. He was thrilled to recently meet Jerry Rice in Palo Alto and has carried a friendship with former 49er Scott Gragg.

He endured nine open-heart surgeries during the last 20 years, several at UCLA, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Stanford University Hospital. He was blessed with a new heart on Dec. 13, 2000. He did very well for the last four-and-a-half years.

Unfortunately he had a difficult time beginning in May and was hospitalized at Stanford University Hospital on Memorial Day 2005. He had a cardiac arrest on June 12 and passed away at 1:30 a.m.

He was enrolled at Foothill College and was planning to leave home in August to attend San Francisco State University. He was a political science and history major. He wanted to donate his organs in the event of his passing but was unfortunately unable due to immunosuppression therapy. He did donate his heart to Stanford for medical science in order to benefit others in the future.

He is survived by his parents, Donna and Gilbert Warren; brother, Patrick; brother, Kyle; sister-in-law, Shannon; and the love of his life, Mia Gines. His brother, Jesse, preceded him in death.

The family will hold a tribute on Sunday, June 19, at 2 p.m. at the Unity Church in Palo Alto, 3391 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.

Memorial donations may be made to the Tyler Warren Memorial Fund, which will help pay for expenses and future internment. Donations may be sent to Susan Stone Belton, attn: Tyler Warren Memorial Fund, 7675 Tiptoe Lane, Cupertino, CA 95014.

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