Tyler J. Boshae

Corvallis - Tyler Johnston Boshae, 38, passed away Tuesday Jan 10, 2023, at home with his wife at his side. He completed his 38th year of life on Monday, and a short while after midnight he went Home with Jesus his Savior.  He was born January 9, 1985, in Hamilton, Montana, the son of Steven and Jonni Boshae and little brother to Casey.

Ty enjoyed a nearly idyllic early childhood on the family farm near Corvallis with a loving family and grandparents just down the road.  At 9 years of age, he began showing the symptoms of Tourette Syndrome which quickly escalated into what doctors at Yale University termed the worst case they’d ever seen.  This began a journey of medical appointments, experimental drugs, and many accommodations by the schools so that his education could continue.  His family and everyone who knew Ty learned as time went along what Tourette could entail for a child.  His church family were very supportive, and he was shown much kindness and understanding by nearly everyone he encountered.  His tics (involuntary movements and sounds) caused him severe pain and inflammation in whatever body part they were concentrated at the time.  Much of his schooling took place as he lay on a mat on the floor, so he became skilled at auditory learning.  The Hamilton school system supported him all the way through his graduation in 2003. He enjoyed success (State Champion 3 years) in the Speech & Debate program with his Humorous Solo presentations.  In spite of being interrupted by his tics, sometimes even falling to the floor, he never broke character or lost his train of thought and always had his audience in tears of laughter.

In 2007 Tyler met the only love of his life, Kassandra Lee Friesen, in Missoula at church.  They were married in September of 2008. Also, in 2007 Ty was hired by the Dixons at MT Stone Gallery in Missoula. As they observed the severity of what he had to endure, they determined to find a way to help. Deep Brain Stimulation had just been used experimentally for Tourette Syndrome, so the Dixons formed a group that Tyler named “Club Twitch” to raise funds for his surgery. With the help of many, many people contributing, Ty had his first DBS surgery in New York in March of 2009. The outpouring of kindness from people all over Montana and indeed the US was something the family would never forget. Unfortunately, that surgery did not bring the hoped-for results.  In February 2010 Ty & Kassie welcomed Jude their firstborn, then Elias in 2012.  In 2012 Ty had a second DBS surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. It was slightly more effective but did not bring noticeable relief from the tics. Asher joined the family in 2014 and finally Adam in 2017.

In spite of ongoing pain, injuries and hospitalizations Tyler lived family life to the fullest with Kassie and his platoon of little boys. He had his own fireworks stand in Stevensville in the summer and at New Years, ran the family mobile irrigation repair business, and assisted his Dad at Corvallis Cemetery. Ty was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease in early 2020 but continued to pursue his bachelor’s degree in business administration at UM, graduating in May 2021.

In September 2021, he contracted Covid pneumonia and was intubated for 28 days. He was a fighter and made an astonishing recovery. He was employed through the summer months of 2022 in Hamilton. The toll taken by tics on his hip joint necessitated a full hip replacement in November. Just before Christmas Ty became very sick and was diagnosed with esophageal cancer which had spread through his body. The aggressive cancer brought about his death in three weeks’ time. His sorrowing family will miss him always but are comforted to know he is with his Savior and is completely healed.

Tyler is survived by his wife, Kassandra Boshae, sons Jude (12), Elias (10), Asher (8) and Adam Boshae (5), sister Casey (Jeff) Williams and parents Steven and Jonni Boshae of Corvallis, as well as numerous loved extended family.

Friends have graciously set up a donation page for Tyler’s family, which will go towards immediate living expenses, and future education funds for his 4 boys. In lieu of flowers, if you feel moved to donate, visit the link https://gofund.me/f0ca5b3b (https://gofund.me/f0ca5b3b)

There will be a celebration of Tyler’s life on Friday, January 27th at 1:00 pm at The River Church, 354 Cooper Lane, Hamilton. Condolences for the family may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com