Tyler J. Saugen's Obituary
Tyler Jordan Saugen
Our Angel on Earth
Nov. 10, 1988 - Sept. 7, 2012
Our beloved son and brother left us on a beautiful, sunny day to be with God. While our hearts mourn the loss, we are comforted in the belief that Tyler is in heaven living the life he always deserved and watching over us. Tyler was the first born child of Doug and Vickie Saugen of Lakewood WA. As a young child, Tyler was extremely smart, athletic, adventurous, compassionate and loving -traits that continued throughout his life. His sister, Jessica, joined the family three years later. From the start, Tyler and Jessica were joined at the hip, best friends and partners-in-crime. Tyler was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 6. He went on to endure countless surgeries and treatment programs to reduce the frequency/severity of his seizures. Despite the hardships and limitations of the disease, Tyler continued to be courageous and unwaveringly optimistic. He started each day with a smile. Tyler was always more concerned with the well-being of others and was eager to greet you w ith a big hug and a high five. Tyler attended Life Christian Academy from preschool through the 8th grade, where he graduated in 2003. As a special needs child, he was a student of the Life Program which provided excellent support and care. Tyler received numerous awards, including an award named in his honor- The Tyler Saugen Perseverance Award. Tyler was proud to give out the award every year (since 2004) to the current year honoree. Tyler subsequently attended Clover Park H.S. graduating in 2009. In his senior year, Tyler was selected to be "King of the Court" for the homecoming celebration. Since graduation, Tyler lived at home enjoying his hobbies/ interests including: listening to music, reading, art, photography, surfing the internet, spending time at the lake (tubing) and playing basketball. Tyler loved spending time with his sister and was always eager to help Mom and Dad around the house. He also reveled in the many family/friend celebrations making everyone feel special and joining in on the fun. In addition to his mom, dad and sister, Tyler will be dearly missed by his many friends, relatives and extended family. Tyler is survived by his grandfather: Gaile Canfield (Dela); great uncle and aunt: Bob and Eileen Erickson; uncle, aunt, and cousin: Jim, Tracy and Alysia Jines; aunt and cousin: Stacie and Cooper Joseph; uncle, aunt, and cousins: Steve, Debbie, Lauren and Spencer Terrien; and his aunt: Shireen Kay Saugen. Tyler was preceded in death by his grandparents Webster L. and Marjorie L. Saugen. A memorial celebrating Tyler's life will be held on Monday Sept. 24th at 1:00 pm at Life Center, 1717 S. Union Ave. Tacoma WA. A reception will follow. Mountain View Cemetery is handling the funeral arrangements. Please provide your thoughts and reflections using the online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor Tyler's memory with a donation to either the Life Program of Life Christian Academy or to the Epilepsy Foundation. Tyler was a pure soul and we were graced with his presence for almost 24 years. He touched our lives with his selfless character, tenderness and love. Tyler was steadfast in his love for God and showed us by his example how to persevere despite the challenges. We can strive to honor his memory by also living a virtuous, principled life. Tyler lived by the motto given to him by his Dad, "never give up"; by his Mother "I can, I will, I shall" and by his favorite bible verse - "I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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