Ryan was born in Seattle on March 30, 1996 with a curious mind and a stubborn, generous spirit.  He is deeply loved and respected by his friends and family for his loyalty, compassion for others and his quick-witted sense of humor. 

Ryan loved musicals and enjoyed many at the Paramount, the 5th Avenue Theater and numerous community theaters across the state of Washington.  After each performance, he always personally thanked the stage, sound and lighting crew because he felt their important contributions were overlooked by others.  He loved the musical The Book of Mormon.  He knew every song by heart and his infectious laugh punctuated the performance at the Paramount.  One of his favorite memories was when the couple seated in front of him left early because he and his dad were laughing so hard and the couple didn’t get the jokes.  Even though he couldn't carry a tune, he often belted out the songs in a loud voice very early in the morning.  Hasa Diga Eebowai!

Ryan attended St. Joseph School K-8 where he played soccer and basketball. In the classroom, he was always the guy who raised his hand and had something to say.  At graduation he was recognized by his teachers and classmates for his example of deep and honest caring for others.

Ryan attended Seattle Lutheran High School where he was a stage hand and actor in numerous plays.  He loved to independently research controversial issues so that he could make the strongest arguments in classroom discussions.  His daily announcements over the school intercom will be remembered for their humor and ability to start the school day right.  While at Seattle Lutheran he volunteered as “the help desk” for a nearby retirement home to help residents with their computer problems.  He was a self-taught technology pro who built his own computers from scratch and was patient with those who were technologically challenged.  He willingly spent hours researching solutions for friends and family.

Ryan loved history and his shelves were filled with a wide range of titles that mirrored his curiosity about the past and how it informed the current state of affairs.  His most recent passion was how World War I changed the map of the Middle East.

Bernie Sanders was his favored candidate in the 2016 election and he was one of the first to “Feel the Bern”.  He was proud to be a precinct delegate for Sanders and was quick to hand out his bumper stickers.

He loved photography and took incredible photos on his adventures to Crater Lake, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.  He also loved to capture storms, fireworks, and random beauty he saw around him.

He worked at Lakeridge Swim Club for many years as a lifeguard and assistant manager.  He was legendary for his friendliness, humor and vigilence.  For several years he swam for the Lakeridge Swim Club Dolphins swimteam and twice received the team award for "Most Inspirational Swimmer". The kids at the pool all knew Ryan and loved how he joked around with them, even when he was telling them to "stop running!"

One of Ryan's greatest achievements was going sky diving.  He said it was the greatest thing he had ever done.  He said he had no fear and loved the rush of the air, beauty of being up so high and being able to see forever. 

On behalf of Ryan's entire family, his dad would like to thank the many medical professionals who did their best to address his physical and mental health challenges, especially Dr. Seth Curtis at Swedish Family Medicine who was the first physician that could help him manage a chronic physical medical condition which plagued him for many years. 

His family also thanks John Knierim, Director of IT for St. Joseph School in Seattle who fostered in Ryan a love of computer technology.  Special thanks to Sue Bucher, the manager of Lake Ridge Swim Club Pool who served as a mentor and friend to Ryan throughout his years working there.  Ryan wants to recognize his theater teacher at Seattle Lutheran, Meredith Zandi, for encouraging his love for all things theater- -break a leg at your next performance, Meredith!

Ryan enjoyed a recent trip to his grandparents, aunt and cousins in Boise.  He was able to spend hours with his Grandpa Bud talking about his grandfather’s long record as a fighter pilot, his numerous awards for valor and other achievements both during and after his Air Force service.  When Ryan returned to Seattle, one of his first comments was, “Grandpa Bud is a hero.”  He quickly added, “Grandma is a pretty strong woman.”  Both are true.

His mother Karen, brother Kevin and his sister Kelsey love him deeply and will hold him in their hearts forever.  Ryan appreciates the love and support of his aunts, Susan, Monica, Kathy and Kim; and his uncles David and Bill throughout his life.  Ryan had an especially close relationship with his Grandpa Bob who was a constant source of strength.  Bob's love was one of Ryan's greatest gifts.  Ryan lives on in the hearts of his entire extended family.

His Dad’s life partner, Nikki, also lost a child and joins him in the intense grief that only a parent can feel when nature reverses the natural order of death.

Ryan died by his own choice on July 30th after a long and courageous battle against depression. He searched for answers and cures in books, in family, in friends, in work, in school, in life and in his heart and mind. The answers never came and he found no cure in life.                                                                  

We value every day that Ryan was, and still is, part of our lives. His kindness, curiosity, loyalty and spirit will never die.  His much loved dog Annie wonders why he’s not coming home.  So do we all.

Ryan would appreciate that donations be made to the Paramount Theater, St. Joseph School in Seattle or the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Greater Seattle Chapter.

Steve Boone
aka Ryan's Dad
19128 112th Avenue NE
Apartment 2-639
Bothell, WA 98011