Obituary: Joseph M. Tyson

Joesph M. Tyson, 63, beloved husband, father, brother, dear friend and Canal Barge Company legend passed away on August 1 in New Orleans. Tyson dedicated his life to the maritime industry with the culmination of his 41 years of service as senior vice president of operations at Canal Barge Company (CBC).

Tyson was born in the Bronx, New York, on April 27, 1962. He graduated from SUNY Maritime in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in marine engineering and a Third Assistant Engineer License of Steam and Motor Vessels. His leadership was felt across the maritime industry with his involvement with the Seaman’s Church Institute, the River Industry Executive Task Force and the American Waterways Operators, where he served as chairman of safety leadership from 2014 to 2020. His legacy lives on within the continued pursuit of safety excellence that he began over four decades ago at the beginning of his career.

In honor of Tyson, Canal Barge Company renamed its Courage to Care Award, a recognition for the demonstration of exceptional safety leadership within all areas of CBC operations, The Joseph M. Tyson Courage to Care Award.

A service was held August 8 at Lake Lawn Funeral Home in New Orleans. Donations can be made in Tyson’s memory to the Seaman’s Church Institute.