Ryan Ganyard, age 32, died Wednesday afternoon, September 6, in Burlington, NC.
Ryan was born on August 1, 1974 in Raleigh, N.C. He graduated from Millbrook High School in 1993 and continued on to serve in the U.S Air Force where he repaired jet engines at Lakenheath Air Force Base in England for which he received 2 outstanding achievement awards. Because of his expertise in cleaning, he was a highly valued member of the team at McPherson Cleaners in Burlington, N.C. Ryan was a genuine person. His heart was loving and kind. He had a great passion for nature, for music, and for cooking. Some of his favorite times were spent outside sharing his cooking and music with friends. Ryan was a very talented man and could do pretty much anything he set his mind to do. He will be forever missed not only by his family but many dear friends.
Ryan is survived by his parents Karen Callaghan Ganyard of Clayton, NC and Milton C. Ganyard, Jr. of Cary, NC; one sister, Jill Ganyard of Cary; and his grandparents, Milton & Naomi Ganyard of Thomasville, GA. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Robert E. and Doretha C. Callaghan and his step-mother, Karen Whitener Ganyard.
Ryan
Matthew and Kelly Smith
September 9, 2006 at 12:00 amRyan was a good friend to my wife Kelly. I met him through her and saw a genuine all round down to earth guy. He showed both of us his support at our wedding. We will miss him. Our prayers go out to his family and friends.
George Leigh
September 9, 2006 at 12:00 amRyan, I’m really gonna miss hanging out and watching movies, sitting around all day for the food to cook and having a beer on your porch. Me and my Grandmother are gonna miss you dearly.
Your friend and Pal,
George
Sylvia Caldwell Rankin
September 9, 2006 at 12:00 amSuch a handsome young man … such a loss to family and community.
kelly harrison
September 9, 2006 at 12:00 amwhat sad news. ryan was a good friend to me and my family. he would cook supper for us and us with him. we went hiking out at his home with him and zaney, his dog, which he loved! he was great with my daughter karley, looking out for her, teaching her how to look out for snakes while we were hiking, which meant a lot to me. my prayers are with ryan’s family and we loved him and he will be missed tremendously.
Dustin Stamey
September 9, 2006 at 12:00 amWords could never express the joy and love Ryan brought to this World. I will miss him.
Sandy Johnson
September 9, 2006 at 12:00 amRyan, I will always remember you! You always had a beautiful smile and a warm and friendly hug for me
anytime you came to visit. You were always welcome in our home. My prayers and love go out to your family and friends.
In Christ’s Love,
Sandy
Tara Simoncini
September 10, 2006 at 12:00 amRyan, you saved my life that day in Creekwood and I will forever be grateful to you. After I heard the news, all I could think about was every day over the summer when you would come home from work, knock on my door with your bucket hat, towel and cooler and say, “pool time!” Ryan, I hope that your green truck is in perfect shape in heaven I used to hate when you would crank that thing up early in the morning when I was trying to sleep!. My prayers are with your family.
Dominique Brannon
September 10, 2006 at 12:00 amI just found out the news about Ryan and I still can’t believe that Ryan has gone to heaven. Ryan was like a brother to me.I know he has gone to a better place but I will miss that smile that made me lite up in a second.Ryan that was Savannah speaking about you.When I told Savannah that you went to heaven, we started to bring up all the good old days at Ganyard Farm. Ryan we love you and you will always be with us inside our hearts.Ganyard family we will have you in our prayers.
David Noe
September 10, 2006 at 12:00 amMilton:
I was very sad to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you. Having a 32 year old son myself, I cannot even begin to contemplate what you’re going through.
All I can do is offer my heartfelt condolence and my prayers for you and your family.
Sincerely,
David Noeyour neighbor with the 2 Shih Tzus
Joyce Hilliard-Clark
September 11, 2006 at 12:00 amKaren, Jill and the whole Ganyard family,
I am in shock and my heart is heavy from reading of the transition of Ryan. Ryan was talented and lived a life filled with hope and promise. It is hard for me to comprehend his death and I cannot fathom your loss. May the warm memories of Ryan be a source of comfort to each of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Joyce Hilliard-Clark
Alan Mitchell
September 11, 2006 at 12:00 amMy dear friend Ryan, I will never forgot spending a couple of years rooming together in Greensboro. What great memories I have as we were both trying to get on our feet with our careers. We shared a ton of stories, laughs, beers and quite a friendship. I will be forever thankful that I got to spend some time with you over a beer some weeks ago. I will miss those times tremendously. Rest in peace.
Jill ganyard
September 11, 2006 at 12:00 amDear Brother, you were my first friend and you were my best friend. I found a comfort in you that I couldn’t find in anyone else. Home at times could become a bit confusing so I found my home in you, the place where I found the most comfort. We shared a lifetime of laughter and tears. I love you so much Ryan, that I am willing to let you go, if it means you finally have peace. Something you searched so desperatly for but just never found on earth. Ryan if I could see your beautiful blue eyes once more I would say – brother I love you, I am proud of you, and I thank you for loving me all these years unconditionaly.
ashlyn ariail
September 12, 2006 at 12:00 amRyan,
You will continue to be a light in my life. You brought joy to me when I never knew joy could of existed. You were my best friend through the thick and the thin. You have touched me with your heart, soul, spirit, and mind. I know you have found peace and I can smile knowing we will meet again in a place of peace and love. Love, Ashlyn
Joe Gauthier
September 12, 2006 at 12:00 amForty-five minutes staring at this screen and I can’t find the words….any words. You’ve left us too early my friend but I understand, I know this is what you felt it took to find your peace. I’m sure you’ve found it.
I love you brother.
Until we meet again….
Christa H
September 13, 2006 at 12:00 am-Spend all your time waiting
for that second chance
-For the break that will make it OK
-There’s always some reason to feel not good enough
-And it’s hard at the end of the day
-I need some distraction, or a beautiful release
-Memories seep fro
Mary M. Maczka
September 14, 2006 at 12:00 amI am Alan Mitchell’s mom and Ryan and Alan were roommates for a couple of years in Greensboro. I met Ryan on several occasions and he always seemed so kind and tender. Alan spoke of Ryan and his sister Jill quite often and with a deep feeling of friendship.
He was touched by their love for one another.
I am deeply saddened for all of Ryan’s family and friends and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. I am thankful to Ryan for the friendship he gave to my son and I wish him eternal peace.
Mary Maczka
Raleigh
Carroll & Nadine Collins
September 21, 2006 at 12:00 amMilton,
We are saddened to hear of your tremendous loss. We have a son the same age as Ryan – his name is Brian. There’s no way anyone could use words to describe to us the feelings you are having at this time. I suppose we can only call upon the Lord for His comfort at times like these.
Our prayers are with you,
Carroll & Nadine Collins
Ochlocknee, Ga.
Michael Thompson
September 23, 2006 at 12:00 amKaren and Jill, I’m so sorry, please stay strong. I love you both.
Rebecca Valero
September 27, 2006 at 12:00 amRyan was the best brother any sister could ask for-The bond and friendship between Jill and Ryan was untouchable-They were trully blessed to have each other-I could have only dreamt of a brother as awesome as Ryan-I hope that you are at peace Ryan and that you have found all the answers you needed-Your kind and magnetic pressence will be a considerable absense in our hearts-Be at Peace-