Nicholas Tyree, a resident of Helena for most of his life, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on April 12, 2025. He was 42.

Nick was born in Helena to Pam and Gary Tyree on June 30, 1982. A member of the last cohort to attend Ray Bjork Elementary, Nick graduated from Helena High School in 2000. In his youth, Nick excelled at both tennis and baseball, ultimately committing to The University of Montana to continue his tennis career.

Nick loved the Griz. He formed many lasting relationships with his teammates, and it was here that Nick met his future wife, Jonna. At UM,

Nick graduated with a BS in finance in 2004 and received his MBA in 2006.

From 2007-2009, Nick lived outside of Chicago, working as a tennis instructor. It was here that his passion for weightlifting burgeoned. In 2009, Nick returned to Helena and began his 15 year career with American Chemet, working as a financial analyst.

Nick and Jonna married in 2011, making their home in Helena and eventually Clancy.  They enjoyed years of playing national husband and wife doubles tournaments, even earning the #1 USTA national ranking in 2013.

Eventually, Nick's athletic pursuits turned to powerlifting, and he earned #1 national rankings in myriad organizations, including the USPA. Ever the athlete, Nick also dedicated himself to running and completed the Chicago Marathon in 2018.

Nick loved animals, particularly dogs, and was passionate about animal rescue. He dedicated much of his time and energy to animal transport, even flying across the west to rescue and relocate dogs and cats with Dog Is My Copilot in 2023.

Nick and Jonna spent many summers hiking with their beloved dogs Harley and Griz—and later Choppy, Lohman, and Jo—in Montana's many national forests. Nick cherished summer weekends in the mountains and developed a passion for photography, posting photos of nearly every excursion.

In 2023, Nick and Jonna welcomed a daughter, Jillian Eva Tyree, whom they nicknamed Jet. Nick discovered great joy in being a "girl dad." His time with his daughter was far too brief, but if he had to leave this earth, perhaps it's fitting that he departed under a pink moon, the signature color in his wardrobe and an homage to Jet.

Nick was a caring, loyal friend. He wasn't shy about building others up, and he was always available in times of need. He loved and was loved by so many.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Nicholas and Sandra Kovick; his paternal grandparents, Emory and Charlene Tyree; and his uncles, Rod Kovick and Keith Kovick. He is survived by his parents, Pam and Gary Tyree, of Helena, MT; his wife, Jonna Schwartz, and daughter, Jillian Tyree, of Clancy, MT; his aunt, Nicolette Kovick, of Helena, MT;  his uncle Wayne (Janet) Kovick, of Helena, MT; his cousin, Tyler Kovick, of Butte, MT; his cousin, Michael (Ashley) Kovick, of Helena, MT; his cousin, Jason Kovick, of Livingston, MT; his in-laws, James and Caroline Schwartz, of Aurora, IL; his sister-in-law, Jennifer (Todd) Linder, and niece, Shelby Linder, of West Chicago, IL.

At this time, no memorial services are planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Nick's name to the animal rescue organization of which he was most fond: New Beginnings for Merced County Animals (https://www.newbeginningsforanimalsmerced.org).