Tyson Forster

Tyson Forster, beloved Fiance,Grandson, Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend was killed June 28th, 2023. Left to grieve this tragic loss, are Fiance Dasha, Grandparents Elsie, John “Todd” and Arlene (George), Parents Nadine and Tom (Row), Siblings Rhiann, Cody, Gladys, Lauren, Williem, Cora and Willie, Niece Kalli and Nephew Luka, Bff & “brother” Riley as well as many other family and friends that Tyson held near and dear. Tyson had a strong faith in God and the afterlife where he is now at peace with his ever loving Nana Kay, Granddad Tom, Grandpa Tiger, Grandpa Mervin, Sister Stephanie, his unborn child Maximus, and his beloved dog Cassidy.

 Tyson was born July 14th, 1993 at Saint Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg. He came into this world fearless, adventurous full of energy and determination. His childhood was spent in East Selkirk. As a toddler, he tortured his older siblings with his love of watching Barney videos. He entertained his sister Rhiann’s friends with his inability to pronounce the R sound. They would phone the house deliberately to hear him call Whiaaan to the phone. One of his greatest joys was treasure hunting. While his brother Cody played hockey, Tyson spent his time digging under the drink machines and bleachers for change and hockey pucks…Soooo many hockey pucks. He was always active and enjoyed playing soccer, hockey, dirt biking, hunting, fishing, martial arts and just being with friends on adventures. His teenage years were spent in Power View, where he met his BFF Riley as well as Seth, Zane, Dallas, Bobby, Shay, Kale and many, many others that he dearly loved and always stayed connected to, no matter where life took him. 

Tyson was industrious, dedicated and had a strong work ethic.  He was never afraid to take on any challenge and gained many skills with his varied employment history, which included sod farming, woodcutting, flooring, carpentry, landscaping, diamond drilling, oil rigging and culinary arts. From a young age he was very skilled at and had a love of cooking. He took great pride and joy in preparing a meal to share with family and friends. In mid 2017 he attended RRCC Culinary Arts program where he excelled. Unfortunately, life events interrupted and he was unable to complete the course. Always an extrovert and people person, he then found a love for sales and traveled across Canada selling home security systems door to door. Eventually he moved West to BC. First settling in Vernon, where he worked for a moving company and was successfully self-employed at appliance repairs & sales along with handyman services. From there, he moved to Vancouver, where he, initially, found his place in the world and greatest happiness. He reconnected with his sister Stephanie, who helped him gain employment in the movie industry. There, he found his true passion. Starting in transportation and as a set dresser, Tyson aspired to become an actor and motivational speaker. He saw this as a way to accomplish what he truly wanted. To help others and make positive changes in the world. 

At the age of 25, he had written a mission statement and mandate for Forster’s Friends, later renamed Forster’s Fallen Angels, a nonprofit foundation which was set to launch near the time of his death.

 He spent countless hours doing outreach work in Winnipeg, Vernon and Vancouver handing out food and clothing to homeless persons, volunteering in shelters and soup kitchens, organizing fund raising events and a toy drive for children’s hospital. In the words of his dear friend Shay…

“I can say with most certainty he was the purest, kindest most caring and compassionate man I’ve ever met. Even when I was in my stubborn younger years, and was not the kindest –  He always showed me more compassion and empathy than I deserved. He was someone who constantly poured love into everyone. Literally taking the shirt off his back for me and many others more times than I could ever count. He was so selfless with a passion for life and was constantly making it a better place than it was. The memories made will never be forgotten and created a lasting impression on those he left behind. Everyone became a better person for having such a wonderful friend like him. The lessons he left with those he knew were so profound. He had so much love for everyone. A man that truly made a huge difference in the world and made such big impacts in the lives of those he knew. The world lost a light so bright – far too soon.”

 On December 8th, 2022, his life was forever changed when his sister and mentor Stephanie was murdered. In spite of being severely traumatized, he became more determined than ever to see his foundation come to life, seek justice for his sister and share her story in hopes of helping others. He strengthened his faith in God and met his soul mate, the true love of his life, Dasha. In the third week of April, on a flight to Winnipeg they became engaged. They planned to raise a family and grow old together. Tyson was ecstatic, he couldn’t wait to become a husband and a dad.

 Sadly, this happiness was short lived. Tyson had misdiagnosed and untreated PTSD which was triggered on April 28th during the flight home to BC. This sent him spiraling down into a dark place of hypervigilance and paranoia which ultimately led to his untimely death on June 28th. 

To Tyson – in his own words that he had written to Stephanie.

 ” You are now graduated to heaven, finally at peace with the Lord as our guiding light. We all love you so very much and know that you’re only a prayer away.  Until we meet again. From your earthly family and friends. Rest in paradise our sweet Angel.”

 A Celebration of Life is planned in remembrance of Tyson, August 19th, 2023. 2:00 PM at Selkirk United Church. All are welcome to attend and share their memories of Tyson. For those that are unable to attend, the service will be available online starting at 2:00 PM CST that day and anytime thereafter at the following link:

https://youtube.com/live/xh63Cl3E_fc?feature=share (https://youtube.com/live/xh63Cl3E_fc?feature=share)

 The family wishes to thank the following: 

Ngaio at KORU Cremation for her amazing support and services. Meenakshi and Pivot Legal Society for their ongoing support and dedication to finding answers and justice. Tysons property managers Kim and Janice for their patience, understanding and help through the most difficult of times. Family, friends, neighbours and even strangers who have reached out with kind words, support and hugs.

 In lieu of flowers, please do good in the World. Help others, feed and clothe the homeless, donate to charities for the less fortunate, volunteer your time in the service of others, don’t be afraid to speak up and step in to help someone in distress …anything to honour Tysons memory, continue his good work and shine a positive light in the world.

“Stand Firm.”