Stephyn Ryan

Steve (Stephyn Andrew Ryan) was born in Omaha, Nebraska on June 4, 1951 and succumbed to a yearlong battle with lung cancer on June 20, 2021 at home in Fruita under the care of the Hopewest angels.

Steve was fortunate to have many influential and supportive people throughout his life that helped him become the amazing man he was.  Steve had a passion for learning and loved the engineering field that he had entered.  He was able to use his skills to make positive differences in the communities where he worked. Steve's career took him to the City of Thornton, San Juan County, New Mexico, Woodland Park, City of Fruita, Castle Rock, and Montrose as a Public Works director and also stops along the way in Glenwood Springs, Durango, and Grand Junction in an engineering role.  His last position with the State of Colorado Parks and Wildlife was his favorite of all.  He was so sorry that it had to end.  All benefited from his relationship building, creative problem solving skills, and work ethic.

Steve-Bob, as he is known around Fruita, got the nickname from the Hot Tomato crew  (they even named a pizza after him!) as he volunteered his skills whenever needed. He loved  to help friends with their projects.  Steve loved the outdoors.  Known as the adventure guru, he climbed the13 and 14ers with his adventure companion, Jim.  His favorite being Mt. Sneffels. Rock climbing, canyoneering, scuba diving , and mountain biking adventures with friends and family added joy to his life.. Steve was an amazing photographer and would carry his 5X7 and 8X10 old school cameras and take incredible photos of Zion, Antelope Canyon, White Pocket and many other beautiful and remote locations. His greatest accomplishment was to design and build our house and pool in Fruita.  It truly was incredible to watch him work.  One year of living in an RV, working full time, and building the house was the biggest adventure of all.

Steve brought sunshine and love to so many lives and we thank him for that!

Thanks to all of our family and friends who gave their support to us during this last year.  Donate to Hopewest in Steve's name if you are so moved. www.hopewest.org/donate

There will be a celebration of Steve's life later this fall at the Hot Tomato.