With deepest sorrow we announce the sudden passing of Tyson Lee Partee, age 20, taken tragically in a car accident near Willow Creek. Tyson was born in Eureka in Humboldt County on August 29th, 2000 and passed away on December 16, 2020. Tyson was a member of the Choctaw Nation. Tyson attended grammar school in Arcata. He graduated high school from Pacific Coast High School in 2018. In high school Tyson wrestled and played football

Tyson was a bright soul. No matter the situation, he would always bring a smile to your face. This wasn’t something he tried to do, it was just his way. He carried himself well and shared his knowledge of life with others. His love and passion for the outdoors was something special that stood out about him. He was a very smart and hands on young man and we lost him way too soon.

Tyson was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt; deer and duck mainly, depending on the time of year. He received his first pellet gun for his second birthday from his mother. This gift was an indicator of the path his life would take and the beginning of what would become a deep love of hunting. During duck hunting season he would have his father take him from place to place. They would drive around for hours together looking for the best hunting spot.

Tyson was also a passionate fisherman, just like his father. If his father didn’t know where Tyson was he could usually guess and find him at the river. He loved to fish or go scull boating from the Eel River and Humboldt Bay on up to our three local lagoons and out to Lewiston Lake and Lake Earl. One of his father’s most precious memories was spending time together on their Alaskan fishing trip. They fished for salmon on a gill netter. They got to camp out on the boat for four days waiting for the next fishing period. They bonded over fishing, got to see a glacier, and the highlight was watching grizzly bears in their natural habitat. It is a favorite memory for his father.

Tyson adored his three little sisters — Nekhia, Makenna and Aislynn – and was a very protective brother. Always trying to make their lives fun, he made a point to share his love of being outdoors with them. He especially loved to take them fishing and was an excellent teacher. He helped all three of his sisters catch their first fish. Both parents fondly recall friends calling Tyson the “first fish guy” because he helped so many people with their first catch. Many hours of quality time were spent on the various local rivers and we have so many precious memories of being on the water with him.

Another passion of his was motorcycle riding, something that was encouraged by his grandpa Garth and Nana Lorrie. He spent a ton of time at their house ripping around on the motorcycle track they built him. He also shared a love for riding around their property on the razor with his step father Justin.

Tyson loved going to Ruth Lake, where he spent time at Grammy and Opah’s. While there they attended the Ruth Rodeo. Tyson mutton busted with his cousins Anika and Jaiden and good friends Sarah and Carol. They also participated in the animal scramble at the rodeo. His Nana Lorrie and mother Shawna would tell them to get pigs or chickens to bring home, but they always came back with rabbits in their arms.

Tyson went on several exciting and memorable vacations. Some of his favorites were a trip to Wyoming with his friends, and vacationing to Mexico with his family. He vacationed in Wyoming with Gunner, Brandy and Ron. While there they attended the Cody Night Rodeo. They were enthralled with the bulls, broncos and cowboys they saw. They then ventured on to Yellowstone National Park which was a highlight of the trip! Tyson is a true outdoorsman and Yellowstone National Park stole his heart. Most people love to vacation and Tyson was no different. He was honored to go on a Mexican cruise and to visit Puerto Vallarta with his family. While vacationing together, they all enjoyed the sights, spending quality time together and dancing the night’s way. They ziplined, bathed in the warm sunshine and staying true to his roots Tyson fished with his sister Aislynn and Grandpa Garth.

Those who knew Tyson will miss his broad and welcoming smile, curly hair, politeness, generosity, kindness, gentleness, mild mannered, and soft spoken nature. Those around him always felt loved. His family is forever grateful to the family friends who helped mentor Tyson around his love for the great outdoors. The happiness and positive energy Tyson brought with him left an impact on you. He was a man of honor and exhibited that honor in his relationship with his family. He was a very happy, positive, and high spirited young man. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his father Tyler Partee, mother Shawna Brink, step-father Justin Brink. Siblings: Nekhia, Makenna and Aislynn Brink. Great-Grandmothers: Kathleen McLearn, Marjorie Birney, Ruth Carterby and Carol Vanvoltenburg. Grandparents: Richie Partee, Jenny Ghera, Garth and Lorrie Vanvoltenburg. Aunts and Uncles: Jenin and Melissa Costa, Ryan Partee, Jessica Vanvoltenburg, Ron Ghera, Jerry (Uncle Jer Bear) and Tiffany Brink, Jeff and Joal Brink and Tiffany and Tim Reynolds. Cousins: Holden, Hucksley and Hazel Costa, Aria and Emma Ghera. Jacob Kalina, Lynnea, Marissa, Allie, and Hunner Brink. Wyatt and Brielle Reynolds. As well as numerous friends including: Nina, Dennis and Kathy, Benda (Auntie Duh), Dennis, Brandy, Gunner, Danner, Issac, Elijah, James, Kaden, Hailey, Falcon, Joaquin and family, Nea and family, Robert and Jordan. He is preceded in death by Great-Grandparents: Fred McLearn, Elwood “Bud” Birney, Norma and Loyd “Gommie and Pop” Partee, William “Bill” Vanvoltenburg, Arnold Carterby, and Michael Ghera.

A celebration of Tyson’s life will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021 from 1-6 p.m. The family welcomes all who wish to attend. The service will take place in Klamath. Please bring a dish to share. Anyone who would like to attend can request details through tysonleeparteeinfo@gmail.com.

We will also create a private Facebook group with service details. If you do not have Facebook the above email has been created to provide details also.

COVID-19 restrictions will be in place. Facial covering and social distancing are required for anyone attending. A live stream of the service will be available by going to this link on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 1 p.m. Flower donations can be sent to Paul’s Chapel in Arcata. Please have them delivered on Friday February 26, 2021 so they can be delivered to the service on time.