Tim Oshie, a former hockey coach in Warroad and the father of NHL star T.J., dies

Tim Oshie, a former hockey coach in Warroad and the father of NHL star T.J. Oshie, has died.

T.J. posted a note Tuesday on Twitter about his father's passing.

"It’s with a heavy heart today that my family mourns the passing of my Dad 'Coach Oshie.' Coach lived life to the fullest and was unanimously loved by everyone who met him. Thanks to all the family and friends for their support. Heaven received a legend today. #RIPCoachOsh," T.J. wrote.

Tim served as both the junior varsity coach and as an assistant with the varsity team in Warroad. He also wrote stories in the Warroad Pioneer newspaper and appeared on local radio.

"He was a lot of fun," said Cary Eades, the former head coach at Warroad. "His personality was very magnetic. He drew people to him. He was enjoyable to be around and people loved him."

Oshie, 56, had battled Alzheimer's since 2012.

T.J. became active in raising awareness and raising money to support advancements in Alzheimer's treatments.

Tim was a frequent presence at T.J.'s hockey games in both Warroad and at UND. He routinely attended St. Louis Blues games after T.J. turned pro, but travel became more difficult in recent years.

Tim was in attendance in Las Vegas when the T.J. and the Washington Capitals won the Stanley Cup in 2018.

"My dad's here in the crowd," T.J. said moments after winning the Cup, fighting back tears. "He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and he doesn't remember a lot of stuff, but you can bet he's going to remember this one."

Tim returned to Warroad the following summer alongside T.J. during their day with the Stanley Cup. They stopped at several familiar places around town, including The Gardens, the town's iconic water tower, Main Street Bar and Grill and Izzy's Lounge, where Tim used to sing karaoke on the weekends.

“It’s a very emotional day,” Tim told the Herald, “with T.J. here and hoisting that Cup.”

Tim had been living in Everett, Wash., where he went to high school and where he played college basketball at Everett Community College. T.J. also was born in Everett. Before his sophomore year in high school, T.J. moved to Warroad with Tim.

Tim's family was from Warroad, including his second cousin, Henry Boucha.

"It's a sad deal and shows you how fragile life is," Eades said. "He's a good example, as T.J. said, of someone living life to the fullest, enjoying life. It's too bad he had it cut short and he's leaving us far too early."