ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Ryder Sturt, 31 years old, born on September 19, 1989, and passed away on November 28, 2020. We will remember him forever.
November 30, 2023
November 30, 2023
Miss you Ry. Forever love you and the whole Sturt clan.
Love forever Ypur Nana
September 23, 2023
September 23, 2023
This is your Nana it’s your birthday and you are my love I think of you all the time you’re in my thoughts I see you come in my house putting pictures of bringing me presents doing all sort of good things for me I see you as a little boy watching you I see you sitting in the living room with a blanket over you I see you doing your nice things I see you since you were born even before you were born you were the light of our life I see you when I talk to your brothers I see you when Mom is so sad to miss you I see you in everything everywhere and it’s always such a nice thought that I probably will be the first one to join you and hold you in my arms
September 20, 2023
September 20, 2023
I remember well, the day Ryder was born. Holding him in my arms finally, was as miraculous as life gets. I was such a grateful mother to have my four boys. All of them precious gifts. Celebrating his birthday now, with only memories to hold is so strange and difficult, mostly heart breaking. We miss him more than words can express. His brothers and I are always wanting to talk about him, hear stories from friends and share stories to keep him close and remember his life with us. Thank you to those who have listened and talked with us. We will always be sad to celebrate his birthday without him, but will in our own way, honor his life, his love and his memory every September 19th, always and forever.
September 19, 2023
September 19, 2023
I was blessed to be with Ryder in SA and watched as this gentle giant related to the children, stray dogs and people in the villages as I worked along side of him. He touched the lives of all of us he came in contact with.  Rest in Peace with your furry companion Ryder❤️
September 19, 2023
September 19, 2023
Ryder, I miss you… You must of been very funny because you’re still making me laugh… Love you.
July 27, 2023
July 27, 2023
This morning whilst searching for documents on an old external drive I came across a folder with the most beautiful memories from February 2013. Ryder loved Africa. He loved it's people and he certainly left a footprint in many childrens hearts in a way only he could.  I hope I am still able to post some of these photos where he was in a place that he described as "the most beautiful place in the world he had been to'. 
December 1, 2022
December 1, 2022
I can’t believe two years later they found you in the sea the same month you disappeared! Is it divine intervention or was it you wanting your family to have you back even if it’s not the way everyone hoped Your family misses you every day
I know the grief is unbearable for your mom I have cried every day since they found you last month They only solice if there is any is that when I look at all your pictures and all of the things you did at least I know you had a great life with a great family and people who loved you and exciting adventures except for the cancer Even after you beat that you still had some wonderful moments
I know you had the best mom ever that anyone could have and brothers , Nana , uncle and aunt who were crazy about you! Whatever love you were given you gave right back to your family x10!
You were such a good kind caring and fun loving person and that is your legacy that will live on forever in our hearts
Love you Ryder forever!
Your aunt Jacki
November 29, 2022
November 29, 2022
It has now been 2 years since I saw your face, smile, heard your voice say "Hi Mom", talked to you about life, or hugged you. There isn't a single second when you aren't on my mind, or a place or time when I don't see you there in my memory. Loving you and missing you as deeply as is humanly possible and then some. I lit a candle, made a not so even flower heart on the beach, listened to Starrider from Foreigner, Kokomo by the Beach Boys and painted a rock for the memorial rock garden in Ventura. I tried to find only gratitude in having you, not losing you....it's a long time coming if at all. Both will have to coexist for me.

So now, you have been found on the ocean floor in the cave at Seal Cove. First lobster divers found your gear and recovery divers brought you back to us on Nov 11th. After 2 years in the ocean, there is not much of you in that wet suit. We will return you to the ocean at Santa Cruz Island when the investigation is completed. To know you are not in a cave, lost, changes our story but not our grief. Nothing to explain what happened exactly, other than possibly lost and unable to find the way out in the dark?
Loving you forever and always.
November 29, 2022
November 29, 2022
I am driving down the coast today as I do once a week to visit my Mom, and as always I will say Hi to my bud out on the island. Your spirit is with me/us everyday. So thankful to have been your friend. I recently worked with a young man and I had to concentrate and not call out, "Ryder, get me a..." He was fun, great energy and enthusiasm much like you. Miss you bud
November 29, 2022
November 29, 2022
Thinking of you, Ry. Grateful for a lifetime of memories with you and the Sturt family. Upton and I have wear your tshirt all the time and have your stickers on our water bottles to keep us smiling...
Love you, brother.
September 19, 2022
September 19, 2022
The day you were born, 33 years ago, you changed our lives forever. I was the happiest mother in the world to finally hold your tiny self in my arms, and see your beautiful, sweet face for the first time. It's a memory so etched in my mind of pure, complete love. Our #4. You did well contending with three older brothers, speaking your mind and holding your ground. You gave me so much love and joy, I hold now in my broken heart. I am reminded everyday and especially today that the "tragedy and pain of life, is remembering the future". Missing you so very much , with every thought I have, loving you with every breath. Mom
September 19, 2022
September 19, 2022
Thinking of you on your birthday. I love and miss you so much, brother. I hope you are at peace knowing you made such a positive impact on all your friends and family and the world. <3
August 7, 2022
August 7, 2022
Next month Ryder will be your birthday and I was so happy to spend your last birthday with you in California 2019 We all miss you so much your whole family misses you every day I kiss your picture everyday at home and there’s a butterfly that keeps coming by my house and I keep saying is that Ryder visiting me? I actually talk to the butterfly saying “Ryder is that you?” It breaks my heart to see the pain your mother is in and your Nana and everyone who loves you! Your mom won’t let go of your dog Lu Even though we can’t see you Ryder you are with us in all of our hearts every day and will be till the end of time We love you forever ❤️
August 6, 2022
August 6, 2022
Ryder -
Closer to two years than one, and we think about you every day at the bowl. Stickers of your face are in every area 442 has any say over.
On the rough workdays, we half-joke about how you're pranking us and we need to pay our respects to the shrine (your IATSE T-shirt with the sleeves cut off, mounted in a frame) so we can regain your favor. The shrine collects bits and pieces from various shows just to keep you in the loop.
Whenever I hear Kokomo, Footloose, or Purple Rain on the radio on the way into work, I know you're gonna make it a great day.

The weirdest, saddest feeling I've had all season is realizing that the newer regular stagehands at the bowl don't know who we're talking about when you come up. It's one of the little things I forgot to try and brace myself for.

We love you, buddy.
November 29, 2021
November 29, 2021
The "missing" and heartbreak we hold every minute of everyday since you dove in, to that beautiful ocean, is beyond words. We have only memories, photos, stories, more memories....and wonderful love that will out last the end of time. We visited your "place" today and I dove in to feel the ocean that surrounds you and holds you forever. I imagined my love surrounding you as well, there and anywhere you are.
November 29, 2021
November 29, 2021
365 days and you have been loved and missed “all of them”!
November 28, 2021
November 28, 2021
Dear Ryder. I can't believe it's been a year. I can't believe you're not here. You are so alive in my heart, it hurts. Just want to remind you that... I've missed your immature male perspective while I attempted to give you tips on how to treat the ladies. I've missed you blasting Pink Floyd and sparking up a doobie while I cooked us dinner. I've missed trying to get you to eat vegetables. I've missed our long phone calls catching up and making plans. Thank you for being there for me and letting me be there for you. Thank you for letting me paint you for hours while we talked about anything and everything. To the plans we made, I've already started to see them through with you in my heart. I have to tell you this story. While living in Malibu this past year, I met a guy who had a dog named Ryder outside a coffee shop and, of course, I immediately told him about you and started to cry. This guy also loved to scuba dive for lobster, so I urged him to be extra careful out there. Our friendship later grew and months later he invited me to join him and his friends for their annual trip to Big Sur for the 4th of July. I went and the campground was just across the road from Jade Cove, a place you told me we should go and where you loved to find jade. The first night at the campground, one of the camp hosts came to join our party and, I shit you not, he looked and sounded almost EXACTLY like you, Ryder. He was also obsessed with jade and offered to take us jade hunting the next morning. I obviously went. I didn't find any jade but he did and he gave me a piece and I keep it close to remind me of you. You and I made plans to go to jade cove together, so I totally felt you there with me in every way. I love you so much, little bro. Keep checking in. You are forever missed.
September 19, 2021
September 19, 2021
Today I celebrate the life you lived
and the blessing that you were to me
during your time on Earth.
I feel you.
I know you exist
in my heart and elsewhere.
I sip your favorite drink
and taste the food you loved,
the simple pleasures that are no longer yours,
exchanged for the joy
of being Home,
knowing Truth,
seeing all
I love you Ryder, always and forever
Mom                           (poem by L. Sarick)
September 1, 2021
September 1, 2021
Ryder, You were a good dude, always will be in our hearts. I keep thinking you are still out there somewhere swimming with the seals. Love brother.
June 6, 2021
June 6, 2021
Ryder! Damn shame that you had to leave so soon. You were always a welcome addition to any crew at the Lobero and we’re glad you joined us as often as you did which frankly, wasn’t often enough. Rest well my friend, we’ll miss you.
May 27, 2021
May 27, 2021
Dear Ryder,
I met you so few times although I felt I knew you because your Mother is my close friend. She talked about her children at every opportunity and her obvious, unconditional love was reflected in everything she said. She was so proud when you went on a Mission Trip with her and photographed/recorded her visions and memories. What an incredible, special son. Your starlight will shine forever.
May 17, 2021
May 17, 2021
Was finally able to say “see you later” yesterday.  Love you, Ry. Thanks to the Sturt family for an incredible celebration. It was amazing to meet Ry’s friends and see the extended family again. 

The ocean is lucky to have you. We are all so grateful to have had you as a brother, son, and friend for as long as we did. I’m not me without you.

Kobidayayhaaaaa forever my brother.

If any of y’all are ever in Denver please hit me up. I would love to share a pint and share more stories of Ry.

Love,

Upton
517-643-2737
May 16, 2021
May 16, 2021
Forever and Always

I can’t say I miss Ryder because he visits my mind almost daily with that laugh of his, being funny often at my expense, being himself. So while I know his body belongs now to the sea, Ryder is always and forever alive in you, alive in me.
May 15, 2021
May 15, 2021
There hasn’t been a day since receiving the dreadful news about Ryder that Steven and I haven’t thought of him, thought of you, thought of your family, and felt deep, enormous sorrow.

We both loved your boy so much. We loved his exceptional sense of humor, his endearing openness, his beautiful and generous spirit, his willingness to stay in touch with us old folks, and his great kindness. He was such a special person and had endured so much. Too much.

It just doesn't seem possible that the phone won’t ring again with Ryder on the other end making relentless, hilarious fun of Steven and professing his love for me for putting up with Steven. Ryder had the rare ability to make fun of himself even as he was mercilessly cajoling Steven but he was also willing to be open about matters of the heart and he and Steven had forged a beautiful friendship. And Mikey. Ryder and Mikey traveled together to South Africa to be part of S.A.M.E. which will always be a great and enduring gift to him. Mikey, too, will miss Ryder terribly. They had become such good friends.

From our days together at Blair, both Steven and I had the absolute joy of spending time with Ryder. He loved learning about film and we loved helping him learn. I am so grateful for those days.

How do we grieve for Ryder? I read the following words that articulate how I feel. “As much as we can laugh and remember, a little piece of the sky is gone. We have to look for the moments of awe. That’s how we keep his spirit alive.” The writer went on to say, “I worried that the world would never quite be the same. That it would be a bit duller, without as much magic or sparkle. But I was wrong. The world today is just as amazing and beautiful and mysterious and full of fun as the one he knew. The reason why it is no darker is because he has taught us all how to see.” What an amazing accomplishment for someone so young.

Our feelings of sadness and loss are small compared to yours, Michele, but please know that your magnificent son made an extraordinary mark on our lives. We will always love him and hold him close.

Sending much love to you and your whole family.
May 15, 2021
May 15, 2021
Ryder....your life mattered. I watched as you brought light and love to a hurting little boy in South Africa. For that little guy you were an anchor, an unwavering faithful rock of a man. His life was brutally hard but you gave him hope that it could be better. You made him laugh and he adored you. You mattered. 
Sturt family, i cannot imagine the hole that is left in your hearts. Please know that Ryder will not be forgotten. Peace to you all. 
May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021
Ryder,
Porter and I went up to Big Sur to look for jade yesterday. We felt your presence everywhere: in the waves crashing on the rocks, in the smell of the salty air, in every single stone I touched. Words cannot describe the pain we all have been feeling since you left. My heartaches knowing that my best friend is gone from this world. I keep having dreams where you're here with us, mad that we're making such a fuss about you. I cherish these because it means I get to see you one last time. Thank you for all of the amazing days we had together. You completely changed my life for the best. I would trade everything I have more time with you, even as friends. In the meantime I'll sit here missing you, watching Porter frolic in the waves of the beaches you loved so much. Until we meet again. I'll always love you.
May 7, 2021
May 7, 2021
I'm glad a got the chance to know you Ryder...you were always full of life with the most positive attitude...had some pretty awesome times with you bro, you may not physically be here but your presence never left ..until we meet again brotha, keep shining bright
May 6, 2021
May 6, 2021
Ryder,
You're still a favorite in my iPhone. When I see your name there I sometimes forget your physical body is gone and I want to call you. I call sometimes and cry when no one answers. I miss you, little brother.
I know we had a little closure when I came up to Ventura right after you went missing, to sketch Santa Cruz Island at C Street, the place we met once with Lu Pickle and walked to the pier to get tacos.
I love how you sent me that inappropriate yet SO YOU message when I asked you to send me a sign that you knew I loved you. My phone started vibrating in my back pocket. An alarm letting me know it was time to move my car. Also an unexpected BUZZZ on the ass telling me 'yea yea I know Britt, move on with your life, I'm good.' SO YOU, RYDER! I miss your humor, you big silly willy.
I know you're at peace now. You went through some rough shit here on Earth. You understood things more than any of us. You always said you wouldn't mind dying diving, doing the thing you love most. I guess it was your time even though I hate writing that.
Thanks for being a good example for all of us. Rest assured we will do better for you. Your presence is here as long as I live, and if I have kids, as long as they live because I'll get them to love lobster and water sports and comedy and bein' there for the ones they love (driving over an hour to pick someone up from LAX because they don't mind long drives and love their friends even more).
I'm pissed you decided to go but I will love you always.
Britt
May 4, 2021
May 4, 2021
Hi Sturt Family,
I went to Blair with Ryder and Griffin. Ryder and I reconnected online a few years back and he lit up my day every time we talked. He had the best sense of humor, was kind, and I always admired his free, adventurous spirit. Wish we could all live each day a little more like Ryder. My heart goes out to your family and all of Ryder's friends...
May 3, 2021
May 3, 2021
Dear Sturt Family and Friends,

I was so sad to hear about Ryder last year. Glad to see there is a memorial happening. I was one of Ryders friends from Pratt we were on the same floor Freshmen year and were friends the whole time at school!

Ryder and lost touch college after college. But he did call me to let me know about his cancer and treatments. It was amazing how he got through it all and mentioned how supportive his family was for him during that tough time. I really remember him saying that he was so grateful to have a second chance at life even when he was super sick and going through the worst of it, he had a great attitude.

Ryder was a great friend the kind of guy that would do anything for his friends. He just loved to goof around and was also really talented and passionate about his work. He was a huge part of my life at Pratt. I am sad that we won't get another chance to catch up. We did a ton of film projects together and just hung out all the time. He will be sorely missed.
May 1, 2021
May 1, 2021
Ryder,
I will always remember your passion and enthusiasm for visual creation. During a few of our conversations you shared that you were focused on breaking into film. I suggested you go for it and you did! The LA scene didn't work out for you at the time but I was so stoked to see you give it a shot in a world where few ever do. You made your mark locally and excelled at everything you attempted. I will always remember your energy and light from the last day we spoke. I know you are smiling to see your stickers travel the world. Much love, Amber
April 29, 2021
April 29, 2021
Ryder,
I remember my first day of work, I was assigned to video under your supervision. You taught me so much that day, and every subsequent day working with you was a joy. Your kind, uplifting, and gracious spirit gave me another reason to love the work we were doing. I wish often that I got to know you better, and that we got a chance to talk more at American Idol. Thank you for your dedication, faithfulness, and love toward your brothers and sisters. Rest easy up there buddy, hope to see you again someday. 
April 29, 2021
April 29, 2021
I think of you several times a day. Sometimes tears fill my eyes in sadness for my loss, for your loss, for your mom and family's loss. Sometimes I get angry at you for dying in a way that so many males of our species do, by being reckless with safety. What did I tell you about that??!! Mostly though I'm frequently filled with overt laughter at memories of the many times you brought me happiness as a friend and coworker. Your humor had me in stitches so often at work that it wasn't even 'work', rather, it was a fun place to hang out with you and the crew! And though Brady, Jimmy and I would pick on you relentlessly like you were our little brother, we were well aware that you were far smarter, far funnier and much more capable as a stagehand than we were. You took the loving abuse with laughter and a smile and gave it back to us as good as you got it. We will be honoring you forever at the Santa Barbara Bowl by hanging your rigging rope from the rafters for all to see backstage. As a friend, when I myself almost died from an aneurysm, you were one of the few that came out to visit me on the farm. You told me you were so happy I lived and that you loved me. I got to tell you the same things when you kicked cancer's ass! I don't think anyone enjoyed your Instagram posts more than I did. I always looked forward to seeing what virtual predicament you were going to put your dog,  Lu in next and more importantly what incredibly funny and inappropriate song you were going to attach to the post. To many you were a friend, to me you were a BIG, happy go lucky puppy dog who loved living and was smart enough to live everyday to its fullest. I'm proud of you for doing that and I hope others learn to live life like you did! I want you to know that even though you've moved on to another reality I will still poke fun of you relentlessly, because I fucking love you and I will fucking miss you the rest of my life and it's the only way I know how to cope with the pain. Michelle, you didn't raise a good man, a good son and a good human, you raised a great man, a great son and an epic human being! He is loved by an incredible amount of people and he always will be. Ryder, you are a LEGEND.
April 29, 2021
April 29, 2021
Ryder!
We regularly went a while between seeing each other, especially when the Bowl wasn't in season, and that has honestly made it harder to accept that you won't be there when we return... I remember every so often, but each memory I have of you is vibrant and full of life. While I feel the loss each time, I still have to smile when I remember small things like arguing over the lyrics to Footloose with you.
You were so welcoming when I was first getting started with 442, you and Fred played a big part in helping me feel comfortable. That friendliness led to a career and a group of coworkers that I love so much. I cannot overstate how thankful I am for that.
You cross my mind every time I see the islands from the freeway, and I keep wishing you could see the other side of all this bullshit with us. I know you loved what you did and the people you did it with, and I feel lucky to have crossed paths with such a force for good.

Stay excellent, you are sorely missed.
April 29, 2021
April 29, 2021
Ryder's heart and personality were on full display as he interacted with the orphans, children, animals and staff on our trip to South Africa. His gentle soul was often seen through his lens as he communicated such beautiful images of his adventurous life and to the causes that he cared about to us. You are much loved and will be missed.
April 27, 2021
April 27, 2021
We were privlaged to have met Ryder and his family. Everyone who knows Ryder knows that he lived life on his terms, and he enjoyed his life. We are so grateful that we had the opportunity to go diving with Ryder, Dan and Michele and enjoyed the beauty of the Great Lakes and exploring several ship wrecks . What a wonderful day and memory!
April 26, 2021
April 26, 2021
Rymaster, sure enjoy pics of Upton and you growing up. Keeps you alive in the Stover family. 
April 22, 2021
April 22, 2021
We can’t even remember when or how we met Ryder; it’s been at least 10 years but seems we’ve known him much longer than that. Beth & I recall needing someone to help with an interview at the SB Natural History Museum and Ryder was recommended. However he came into our lives, we’re grateful for the many years of friendship, fun, and adventures he shared with us.

Ryder became an instrumental part of our production team. He had many skills he contributed & he never complained about schlepping cases full of dive and camera gear. He was always there to offer an extra hand with sound, camera, or other equipment. His big, kind heart touched everyone he met on our trips and his enthusiasm & joie de vivre was infectious. He came along on dive trips with us to Palau, Cocos, Mexico, and Ecuador. In the latter two countries, Ryder was part of our OceanGEMS production team.

A special trip with Ryder was spending time on the Truth Aquatics boat with him and his Mom; the incredible bond the two shared was obvious as Michele & Ryder dove every dive together, coming up laughing and sharing the excitement of being together in a place – the sea – Ryder loved so well. When we moved away from Santa Barbara, we weren’t able to see Ryder as often but would talk and email. We’d connect when back in town, perhaps over a Rusty’s pizza. We were so proud of his blossoming career and his continued love of diving.

Our last connection with him was when he said he wanted to join us on our next diving expedition to Raja Ampat in 2022. Not long after that conversation, we received the unthinkable news that still has us in such disbelief that Ryder is no longer with us. We know that every time we are out diving the islands, we’ll have one eye open hoping to see Ryder snapping a photo of a fish, reaching into a crack for a lobster, or smiling through the sunbeams of a kelp cathedral.
April 22, 2021
April 22, 2021
Dear Ryder,
I loved knowing you and will always remember how you adored Spiderman. And until now, there's never a Shark Week that I don't think about you, its most devoted fan. Life underwater fascinated you.
To us, who continue on, your abrupt departure from the planet seems far too early. Yet you had your reasons to do so, and it is a comfort to those who love you that you left doing what gave you your greatest joy, in the place you most treasured.
You will always be treasured, too, Spider.
Love,
Aunt Lo
April 20, 2021
April 20, 2021
Dear Ryder,   I never had the privilege of meeting you. But I have known your mother since our teens. A better human being than her would be hard to find. She loves you so much. I have heard many wonderful things about you and I am sure there are many many more I havent heard yet. What I do know is how much you are loved and admired. Whereas your life may have been short it is clear you touched so many. It is said it is not how long you lived but how you lived. And you lived well I am told. RIP
April 20, 2021
April 20, 2021
What a spectacular young man! The beautiful pictures reflect a life well-lived and loved.
My heart cries for Ryder’s loving family.
April 20, 2021
April 20, 2021
Ryder's Nana asked me to write her words here
HOW DO YOU LEAVE THE DREAM? MY BEAUTUFUL AND WONDERFUL GRANDSON WAS LOST UNDER THE SEA THE SEA ,THE SEA HE LOVED SO MUCH
HIS MOTHER IS SO DESPERATE AND SAD TO THE CORE OF HER SOUL HE WAS SUCH A GREAT PERSON FULL OF LIFE GIVING LOVE, WE WILL ALWAYS THINK OF HIM AS YOUNG AND BLOND FROM THE SUN AND THE SEA HE WANTED TO DO GOOD THINGS FOR THE WORLD AND GIVE BACK AND HE WOULD HAVE IF HE HAD THE GIFT OF TIME. HIS BROTHERS CAN'T BE CONSOLED PLEASE GOD HELP US AND MY DAUGHTER SURVIVE THE WORST THING A MOM CAN ENDURE! SHE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING WE WILL NEVER FORGET HIM I MISS HIM SO ! HE LEFT IN A PARADISE OF WHAT HE SAW UNDER THE SEA MY DREAM IS TO BE WITH HIM SOON AND HOLD HIM IN MY ARMS ONCE MORE
LOVE YOU FOREVER RYDER
NANA
April 19, 2021
April 19, 2021

Words cannot express how much we all miss my precious nephew Ryder! He was such a wonderful grandson to my mother! He flew to Michigan for her 90th birthday and was the first one to jump out of the car and give her flowers. When she moved to California he helped her move even though he had just had surgery! He was the kind of grandson everyone dreams of, caring and loving and giving his time and attention to my 90 yr old mom. He would bring her flowers or gifts every time he saw her He spoiled her and said he loved doing it. He was such a treasure! When he was a little boy he asked me to send him a metal detector for his birthday Some how it broke so I sent him another one but right after that while on a vacation with his parents in Florida,
he jumped in the pool and found a diamond earring after 30 days the hotel let him keep it I said he didn't need those metal detectors after all Maybe that was the beginning of him finding things under water. In 2019 we had the most wonderful Christmas at Ryder's house in Ventura and he and Wes cooked the most wonderful dinner. We all played a game after words that was so much fun! I will always cherish that time when we were all together. I m so glad I got to see more of Ryder while visiting California and seeing the great young man he had become. Handsome and witty and smart and caring. I am still in disbelief that he is gone. Ryder touched all of our lives and he will live in our hearts forever! Love you till eternity Ryder. Your aunt Jacki






















April 19, 2021
April 19, 2021
There are not sufficient words to describe the impact Ryder had on all our lives during the times he spent with us in Africa. The unconditional love he showed our orphans and children who where otherwise forgotten by the world, his lust for life, his spirit of adventure. A part of Ryder will always be here with us in the southern most tip of Africa. So many beautiful memories he left in a way that only Ryder Sturt could. xxxx
April 19, 2021
April 19, 2021
Ryder,
We miss you. You were a positive shining light in our lives. I always enjoyed your each and every visit. Our laughs and good conversation. Your sensitivity to life around you, to people, to the world. Your intelligence and creativity and friendship. Your love of nature, particularly to all beneath the sea. You left us all too soon, yet with only warm positive feelings toward you. When I’m out on the ocean, riding my waves, rest assured I’ll be thinking fondly of you.

With love,

Steve Banks
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Recent Tributes
November 30, 2023
November 30, 2023
Miss you Ry. Forever love you and the whole Sturt clan.
Love forever Ypur Nana
September 23, 2023
September 23, 2023
This is your Nana it’s your birthday and you are my love I think of you all the time you’re in my thoughts I see you come in my house putting pictures of bringing me presents doing all sort of good things for me I see you as a little boy watching you I see you sitting in the living room with a blanket over you I see you doing your nice things I see you since you were born even before you were born you were the light of our life I see you when I talk to your brothers I see you when Mom is so sad to miss you I see you in everything everywhere and it’s always such a nice thought that I probably will be the first one to join you and hold you in my arms
Recent stories

Lu

September 19, 2022
The sweet and loyal Lu girl has now gone on to be with her Ryder. I am so grateful to have had a part of Ryder by my side for the last 22 months. I shared my grief with her and she quietly listened to it all. She was struggling in her 13th year and completely enjoyed a nice steak before she went to sleep and left us. I miss her gentle nudging and presence. 

First day back after beating the big C

September 1, 2021
I was so stoked to see him back at the Granada, setting up for the symphony.

Thank you all so very much for sharing your love for Ryder with us

May 17, 2021
As yesterday's Memorial/Celebration for Ryder was an enormously emotional day, the love and sharing from all who were there was so important, special, and beautiful, for healing our very broken hearts. We are grateful beyond grateful that you were all in Ryder's life, his world and his heart. 
If I hadn't already met you in the past, I certainly did know who you were when I heard your names yesterday.  Ryder talked a lot  about his friends and co-workers, who were usually one and the same.  In our many conversations on his way home from work, it was obvious he loved being with you all, you made work and life so fun for him. He loved you all and I can clearly and certainly see why.
Thank you to all for the overwhelming support,  many gifts, stories, laughter and tears shared the past 6 months as well ( and thank you for not sharing the stories that would not be good for any mother to hear!). It  means so much to his family who love him and miss him every minute of every day, to know he was so special to others too. 
Please don't ever hesitate to reach out to any of us at any time.

We hold  heartfelt gratitude and love for you all. 

Ryder's family 


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