I’m so sorry to know that Ryan is gone. He was altruistic, joyful, incredibly bright and curious, genuine and sincere. He brightened every place he set foot in, and I miss him. May God console his family and all of his friends, and give rest to Brian’s soul.

We grew up in Iowa, but now live & own a hotel in Colorado. Our family met Ryan when he came and stayed with us at our hotel. Ryan also took us up in his hot air balloon when my father-in-law retired in 2010. Our family always looked forward to visiting with Ryan when he came out to stay with us and snowmobile. He always had a smile on his face and his laughter was contagious. Our condolences to his wife, kids and family.

My deepest sympathy to the family, especially Doris and Everett, who I became acquainted with while living in Blairstown about seven years ago and attended the same church. Ryan must have been very talented and also very handsome. He was much too young to leave this earth. May God reward him for all the good he has done. May God give you strength as you begin the endless grieving process.

Margaret Kolash

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

While I never had the opportunity to meet Ryan's wife and children, Ryan was indeed a big part of my life. He had an infectious personality - of which I should/need to take heed in trying to emulate more. He was extremely helpful and generous, and just fun to be around. Ryan took the time to come to New Jersey and help us move into our new house by helping/performing many menial tasks associated with the purchase of new construction. It was fun exploring Manhattan with him and my young daughter. He then drove out to New Jersey with his truck and large balloon trailer to assist with me moving back to Iowa. I thoroughly enjoyed helping him with many of his ballooning adventures. Looking back, I should have invested in one of his balloons to have the opportunity to actually pilot with him.

My heart aches for Ryan's family and children. Rest assured that he is in a better place. I will miss him dearly.

Father of all, we pray to you for Ryan, and for all those whom

we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let

light perpetual shine upon them. May his soul and the souls

of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

Words can't express what we're feeling.

I made a short little video of just one of many adventures that we had with Ryan.

You can watch at the following link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8GceVVVNe8

He came to Creston years ago for the Balloon Days celebration, and one evening as they were getting ready to take off, (the balloon we sponsored already had a rider), Ryan's sponsor had not showed up for the evening flight. He was ready to take off and I said, "can I ride?", and he had a big smile and said "you bet!" We had a beautiful evening flight over a small lake, the highschool football game and the middle school, and over to a field near another lake. It was the most glorious thing. I have never forgotten him. My boys loved him, and loved ballooning because of him. My deepest sympathy to his family. He has "slipped the surly bonds of earth" and he will be missed.

Sharon our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so very sorry for the loss of your son-in-law, Ryan. Know that we are all thinking of you and keeping you in our hearts to give you strength through this difficult time!

Kelly and Family,

I am so sorry for loss. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Donna Ford

Kelly and family-

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with during this tough time.

Weston, Heather and Diesel Ganka

I am deeply saddened and so sorry for your devastating loss. I have known Ryan for many years and he was a wonderful person. I truly hope that you find peace and comfort in the coming days. May God bless you and your family.

Kelly and family, Our hearts are so sad for each of you and for your loss of Ryan. Always remember his beautiful smile and the love he had for each of you. We pray that God will give you comfort and courage to get through the coming days. We are just a phone call away if you need us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Cindy, I am so sorry for your loss, thinking of you.

Charlotte

(mail)

Our hearts are broken! Our prayers of sympathy! Ryan was a wonderful friend!

My heart goes out to Ryan's family. Sending thoughts and prayers out to them.

I am in shock over this news, as I'm sure your family is. I was Tyler's teacher so got to know his brothers very well and their family. So happy to hear he had his own beautiful family and a profession that made him happy and provided for his family. May God Bless all through their time of grief and that your memories will comfort you in the future. Sending love and prayers, Denise

Doesn't seem right I remember back in 09 when kintzel and I were training together for my ff1 when I was on Norway's Fire Dept, and the time I had the honor of knowing him. You will be missed! RIP Kintzel

We are very sorry to hear about Ryan's passing. We had contacts with him both through the fire service and we got to fly with him once in his balloon. It was truly a blessing to know him. Allan and Mary Hunt

Kelly and Family,

Please know you have our deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss . You and your family will always be apart of our Mercy family.

The Mercy Medical Staff Office, Dr. Martin Izakovic and Mercy Medical Staff.

I had just joined the Amana FD and had been issued gear bit had zero training. The pager sounded and I raced to my vehicle. Ryan and I met at Hgwy 151, with me being West and him being East of the Hgwy. After the first curve it was all I could do to keep up with him but I didn't have any lights and knew to not let anyone between us. We arrived after the trucks had departed.

Ryan said, "Grab your gear Paul and we will take my truck." (Only met him once for about 10 minutes before). So we grabbed it, through it in the box and away we went.

1. Glad that truck had "OH SHIT" handles.

2. Fire was South of Tiffin

3. Took about minutes to get there

After the fire as we were approaching Hummer (Oxford, IA) the radio crackled, "Car on fire reported traveling towards West Amana." Ryan looked at me and said, "Hold On!"

I thought, "NO LIE, that's what I did all the way to Tiffin".

Both fires no injuries, but I think that was the best time I had in the department and I wanted to be a firefighter like him.

Ryan - always a smile, a helping hand, a good time, and a mentor.

You will be missed.

Ryan was such a great person to be around. Smiling and funny, sharing experiences, his friends are going to miss him greatly, so very much - The Shemwells Dan, Kath and Caitlin

Ryan, you will be missed. Your spirit and memories will live forever. Your personality was addicting. You gave more of yourself than anyone I know. Rest easy my friend, we'll take it from here. See you later.

Condolences to Kelly and your family.