Ryan Thomas Richards passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on March 29, 2002 surrounded by loved ones after a yearlong battle with cancer. Ryan was born to Thomas and Cheryl Richards on January 17, 1977, and later became the older brother to Eric Richards.
Ryan was a student in the Hamilton High School District until he graduated with honors in 1995. During high school he participated in basketball, track and football. Ryan played 14 years of baseball, concluding his career by representing the Hamilton Red Sox and the MSU club team. Ryan and his friends would frequently travel the hour to Lost Trail Ski Resort to hit the
slopes. Ryan would spend his evenings at the local gym. Staying in top physical condition was always a top priority in Ryan's life.
Ryan went on to Montana State University-Bozeman and achieved a bachelors degree in biological sciences in the year 2000. Ryan was a seasonal employee of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
As a child and throughout Ryan's life, he enjoyed family outings such as camping and fishing up at Painted Rocks Lake. After a long day of trolling, we all looked forward to the infamous Saturday night steak dinner. Ryan also enjoyed hunting with his father, brother and best friend Jim Neaves. Ryan was an avid sportsman who had a love for the outdoors. He would be awake and in his tree stand with his longbow hours before the sun would come up, hoping to catch a glimpse of the passing whitetail.
Ryan met the love of his life in the summer of 1998, Miss Shannon Wicks of Hamilton. They became engaged in February of 2002. They shared a love that most could only dream of. It's a bond that will never be broken. Ryan and Shannon saw themselves in each other's eyes and that is a reflection that both will never forget.
Ryan is survived by parents Tom and Cheryl Richards, brother Eric Richards and fiancee Shannon Wicks, all of Hamilton; half brother Tom Chaffin of Corvallis; half sister Cindy Fournier of Stevensville; grandmother Pauline Olin of Everett, Washington and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
Ryan was preceeded in death by his grandparents Martyn and Pearl Richards of Corvallis, grandfather Alvin Olin of Everett, Washington and brothers Rip and Tear, his beloved springer spaniels.
Ryan touched everyone he met. He will be remembered for his bravery and strength. Throughout his yearlong illness, his sense of humor and his bright smile eased the burdons of all around. Ryan's generosity and thoughtfulness made him an easy person to love.
Whether you called him Ryan, Earl or Cap, he will be remembered as a great son, brother, lover and friend.
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