Terry “Tyke” Sonner became a hero gone too soon on June 10, 2015, at 33 years of age. Tyke was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, and attended school in Buhl, Idaho. He was a dedicated father, and his children were a priority in his life. He was passionate about wrestling as state champion for the class of 1999, wrestler for Boise State University, and then finally on to coach his sons.

Tyke received an associate degree in fire science from UNLV and was a 14-year veteran of the Bureau of Land Management Wildland Firefighters. He worked in areas that covered Twin Falls, Idaho; Elko, Nevada; and Boise, Idaho. Tyke had been promoted to superintendent in June 2015 and then relocated his family to Wendell, Idaho, when he accepted a position at the Hammett Guard Station. Firefighting was at the top of many passions he had.

Tyke’s hobbies were spending time with his family, hunting and fishing, and coaching his sons in wrestling. His hard work and dedicated mindset, paired with his infectious smile and sincere temperament, impacted the lives of countless people.

Tyke is survived by his wife, Amanda; daughter, Miccael; son, Preston; daughter, Kinsley; and stepchildren, Madison and Blayden. He is also survived by his brother, sister, and stepfather. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Terry Sonner and Kathy Walker.

“Keep one foot in the black; God speed, brother.”