Joshua Scott Tyree

LAUREL - Joshua Scott Tyree passed away at his home on Monday, Dec. 17, in the arms of his loving parents after a lifelong battle with Menkes disease. The stars shine brighter as Joshua finally gets the chance to be free of pain and run with the children in Heaven. We find comfort in the fact that he is seated next to our Heavenly Father watching down on all who love him.

Joshua was born on March 25, 2011, to Courtney and Wendy Tyree. He made quite an entrance, just three weeks early, already full of fight. Joshua's strength and courage impacted so many in the communities which surrounded him. He taught us how to live our lives with no regrets, to embrace every moment, and to cherish those we love.

Joshua loved to be surrounded by people, and his eyes would sparkle when he heard a familiar voice. In his lifetime, Joshua enjoyed a trip to the California coast and saw the Pacific Ocean from his car seat on the beach. He enjoyed witnessing the changing colors at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Joshua made multiple trips to Denver Children's and enjoyed a side trip to the Denver Zoo. Back in Montana, he watched the Mustangs play, attended swim lessons, supervised his parent's yard work, and enjoyed many stroller rides around Glacier National Park and his neighborhood.

The time Joshua was given with us went too quickly, but we are better people because we knew him. Joshua was blessed to have the compassionate care of multiple medical communities as well. The family would like to thank all of those who helped Joshua on his journey and who loved him so.

Joshua is survived by his parents, Courtney and Wendy Hilderman Tyree (Laurel); grandparents Dick and Shelly Tyree (Kalispell) and Lanny and Sally Hilderman (Red Lodge); aunts and uncle Troy and Savannah Hamland (Kalispell), Tiffany Tyree (Mammoth Lake, Calif.) and Emily Hilderman (Seattle); cousins Dawson and Brody Hamland (Kalispell); great-grandparents Fred and Shirley Zauner (Kalispell), Richard and Donna Tyree (Kalispell), Leonard and Dorothy Ecker (Red Lodge); as well as many great-aunts and great-uncles.

Joshua is preceded in death by his great-grandparents Otto and Anne Hilderman (Edgar).

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at the First Congregational Church in Laurel, with burial in the Laurel Cemetery. Smith Funeral Chapel-Laurel is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ramsey Keller Memorial, 4456 Laredo Place, Billings, MT 59106, or charity of choice.

Joshua Tyree