Tyler Johnston Boshae, a loving husband and father of 4, passed away from esophageal cancer the day after his 38th birthday. He and his family received the cancer diagnosis days after Christmas, at which time it had already progressed to stage 4. Although Tyler had many health struggles it was the pernicious tumor that grew in a matter of weeks that took his life in the end. His wife Kassie, a teaching assistant at the University of Montana, and his 4 boys, Jude – 12, Elias – 10, Asher – 8, and Adam – 5 are left grieving and trying to make ends meet. Any amount donated will go towards immediate living expenses and remaining medical expenses, while they transition to relying on a single income. We ask for prayers for Kassie and the boys at this time and give our heartfelt thanks for any amount contributed.

Read more about Tyler’s life and his loving family below.

Tyler’s story is one of inspiration and perseverance. At the age of eight, he was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. Despite being unable to type, write or hold books normally due to his strong physical tics, he moved through life with an unmatched determination to create the life he wanted. He was a three-time state champion in high school speech and debate. He became a black belt in Tai Kwon Do. Tyler persisted in his education, graduating from the University of Montana with his degree in business at 36 years old.

He met his wife Kassie at church in Missoula, Montana, at which time she was pursuing a nursing degree. However, it was Tyler’s Syndrome that made her change her major to Biochemistry to pursue a career in movement disorder, for which she is currently getting her doctorate. Tyler fell so deeply in love that he proposed 3 times, all to which she answered yes. They married in September of 2008 and had their first boy Jude in February of 2010.

As the oldest of the four boys at 12, Jude can whip up breakfast or lunch for his brothers and is working on his dinner skills with the help of his grandmother. Elias (or Eli), 10, is bound for success as a builder, always helping complete his brother's Lego creations. Eight-year-old Asher is the quietest of the bunch and declares math as his favorite subject, ready to recite his multiplication tables at any given time. The youngest Adam is an old soul at 5 years old and could easily run the household.

Over the years Tyler’s health struggle continued with two brain surgeries, multiple hospitalizations, and a hip replacement at 37, all due to the physically violent tics/toll Tourette’s had on his body. Tyler fought his way through with humor, remaining steadfast in his role as husband and father. He worked in irrigation, selling fireworks in the summer, and Christmas trees in the winter doing everything he could to provide for his family.

A few weeks ago, Tyler noticed swelling in his neck which he later discovered was a tumor the size of a golf ball. On December 30th he received the diagnosis of esophageal cancer and was told that it had already spread to his liver. Stage 4. On his 38th birthday with one treatment of chemotherapy under his belt, he happily enjoyed his day and the idea of bingeing some shows under doctor-recommended rest. The night after at 1 am, Tyler’s wife Kassie awakened to find him struggling to breathe. As a former CNA she began CPR and called 911, but both failed to revive him.

Tyler is survived by not only his wife and 4 children but by his story of perseverance. Let us remember Tyler’s willpower and fighting spirit. Thank you again for all donations and prayers made for the family during this time.