Tyson G. Gardner

Tyson Gregory Gardner was born in Caldwell, Idaho, on October 12th, 1983. He died on March 16th, 2026, in Boise, Idaho.

Tyson was born with severe hydrocephalus, which caused right-sided hemiplegia, and epilepsy. This led to the first of many (around 30 in his lifetime) surgeries when he was one day old.
In spite of this, he managed to complete school through the 8th grade.

Before he could complete the 9th grade (1999), he had multiple shunt failures, which caused significant additional brain damage. His short-term memory would never return; with it went many opportunities most of us take for granted. However, through sheer determination and a lot of encouragement from his parents and Jules Hundley, he completed 3 of 4 parts of his G.E.D.

One of his lifelong goals was to write a book and he had been working on a manuscript the past several years. There were many people (family, friends, caregivers) throughout his lifetime that made a special effort to include him in different activities. This would include his dad and older brothers helping him hunt and kill a moose in 2002. His Grandpa and Grandma Gardner were along, which made it even more special.

Another would be a trip to Washington, D.C., which Gwen Earls so kindly arranged and accompanied him on. He was a hard worker, volunteering at various places around Emmett, most recently at New Leaf Thrift Store. His sense of humor and loyalty led to friendships that lasted until his death. He would text some of them on a near daily basis, checking in on them,
usually with the exact same question each morning.

Ty's journey was impossibly hard and unfair, humanly speaking. He lived life on a cruel line between ability and disability. Between dreams and impossibilities. Between aspirations and harsh realities.

Thankfully, he is finally home with Jesus. For the first time in his life, he's able to think, run, and jump, without any memory lapses, limitations, or limps. No more frustration and depression from so many unanswered questions. Chief among them, was "What is my purpose in life?" His questions are now answered. Ours still remain for awhile longer. For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God]. -1 Corinthians 13:12 Amplified

He is survived by his mother and father, Larry and Sherry (Acheson) Gardner, who faithfully cared for him the vast majority of his life. Words are not enough to describe just how much of their life was devoted to him, even after they no longer cared for him full time. His siblings, Andrea (Darren) Wallace, Jason (Lea) Gardner, Jeff (Debbie) Gardner, and Aaron (Melissa) Gardner. Many nieces and nephews, of whom he always tried (rather unsuccessfully!) to remember their birthdays. Many cousins, aunts, and uncles, on both the Acheson and Gardner sides of the family. He was loved by all.

He was preceded in death by his much-loved grandparents, Vernon and Ruth Acheson, and Robert and Betty Gardner, as well as an aunt, Sylvia (Acheson) Ross.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers he had in the latter stages of his life, and the staff at St. Alphonsus, who provided compassionate care to both Tyson and his family to the very end.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Potter Funeral Chapel in Emmett, Idaho.

*In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tyson's name to the Ronald McDonald House.

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