Working on the radio is a funny thing. People share with you. Sometimes they share things that must hurt so bad. This is one of those times.

I opened my e-mail this past weekend to find this touching story. l hope many of you read it, and share it with your family and friends. It put a lump in my throat when I read it and it serves as a great reminder to us all. (JD)

Dear Mr. Collins-

I am writing you as I return from the western part of the state. While I wish I could say that I was out there to experience the excitement of the Sturgis Rally, I was out there on a more somber trip. Last Thursday, July 31, my girlfriend’s sixteen year old brother, Tyler Goss was killed in a car accident. He was following his employer, a local rancher, in a pick-up when a car coming from the other direction crossed into his lane and hit him head-on, killing him.

But I am writing you with a hopeful heart. Tyler passed away doing what he loved, which was being outdoors and working on a ranch being a cowboy. He was a very loved young man and his funeral on Tuesday in the Belle Fourche Community Center gym was well attended with over 400 people in attendance. A reoccurring theme of many stories told while we were celebrating his life was how caring and compassionate Tyler was to all those around him. This is perfectly demonstrated by the last words he said to his dad on the phone. He ended the conversation by telling his dad, “I love you.”

There are not many 16 year old boys that will tell their Dad that they love them, but Tyler did so at the end of every phone call.

What we, Tyler’s friends and family, would really appreciate is if you would share the story of this cowboy gone way too soon sometime in the next couple days. We would like Tyler’s life to shine as an example in this world that you should never take life for granted, for it can end all too soon.

Also, tell those you love exactly how you feel. Tyler’s father takes great comfort in the fact that the last words he heard from and told his son was the love they shared for each other.

Finally, Tyler was a huge fan of Chris Ledoux and if you have the time to share his story, if you could also play one of Chris’ songs in Tyler’s memory that would be greatly appreciated.

Here are a couple links to Tyler’s obituary and a news article from the Rapid City Journal about the accident:

Thanks for your consideration in this matter. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me and I will get you the information.

Kenny Farke

 

Kenny, I think you said it perfectly. Life is too short. Tell 'em. Today.

File: Tyler Goss
File: Tyler Goss
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