- https://sperryr.com/1RW8/Image/Flags-At-Half-Staff-copy.jpg
In Memory of Ryan
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A Celebration of Life
A great Soul serves everyone all the time.
A great Soul never dies.
It brings us together again and again.
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Maya Angelou
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Grief is the price we pay for love.
Queen Elizabeth
- - Ryan J. Sperry - -
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A Tribute To Ryan
On Tuesday, August 9, 2022, Ryan J. Sperry, beloved son of Sheri and Rick P. Sperry, brother of Rick M. Sperry, uncle of Tristan Sperry, passed away at the age of 43.
Ryan was born on June 11, 1979, at Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina, California. Ryan attended grammar school at St. Margaret Mary Catholic School and Community Free Methodist. Ryan graduated from Etiwanda High School in 1997.
After high school, Ryan decided to enter the Armed Forces. Ryan was born during peacetime. Rick and Sheri never anticipated that either of their sons would say, “I want to join the military!” But one did. Ryan spent a year out of high school studying every aspect of our military services, speaking to all recruiters, and decided he wanted to be a United States Marine. In 1999, Ryan became a Marine. His goal was to be part of the Marine Corp Security Forces, which he achieved.
This was a decision he was very proud of, and he was excited to start this journey and his new life.
Ryan had never been away from home. “Boot Camp” took place at Camp Pendleton for 13 weeks. Leaving for 13 weeks was very hard on his mom, dad, and brother.
When Ryan “graduated” from Boot Camp, his graduation ceremony was close by in San Diego. The entire family was invited to participate in the celebration. It was a celebration the family won’t ever forget. Rick and Sheri had a big party at a local restaurant, and everyone attended.
After all of his training, he went overseas to protect the Monai Compound in the Middle East. At the time, Bahrain was considered the third highest worldwide threat to our troops... While Ryan was in Bahrain, the USS Cole was bombed on October 12, 2000, and he volunteered to guard it. He was on duty and was turned down. Marines in his unit were pulled from Bahrain because it was the closest point to the terrorist attack.
What many people may not know is the sense of duty that Ryan had. He wanted to be where the action was and wanted to volunteer for potentially hazardous missions.
Once Ryan was discharged, Ryan's journey took him to Riverside National Cemetery, where he found rewarding employment. Part of his duties included burial detail and support for the families of the Fallen. During those holidays, including Veterans Day, Independence Day, and of course, Memorial Day, it was all hands on deck. Ryan wanted to be there for those families.
A former Caretaker stated this when asked what it was like to work at Riverside National Cemetery:
"This is a place where you can go to work and know that you made a difference for someone. Where the employees have the honor and privilege to lay Heroes to rest and provide their families with heartfelt service”. Ryan felt this every day he came to work.
Though Ryan spent many years serving others at Riverside National Cemetery, he wanted to try something new. Ryan transferred to the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System. Part of his job was repairing the large outside water valves. He loved this work and he was very good at it.
We were blessed to meet most of his fellow workers at the funeral ceremony. They knew exactly where Ryan would want to be laid to rest. He spent every afternoon under a tree by the lake, enjoying his lunch. His coworkers said that he would be well taken care of from here on.
Ryan was buried with full-military honors with Marine Veterans performing the 21-gun salute. It was an extraordinary private ceremony we will not soon forget.
We are now a family of four. Our son, brother, and uncle, Ryan, will always be in our hearts and we will never let his memory fade away. We love and miss you forever…
Please visit www.22aday.org to learn more.
More to come in the months ahead…
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More Memories …
--Ryan.jpg)
Ryan Sperry
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June 11, 1979 to August 7, 2022
Family Portrait
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1999
Father's Day 2010
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Sedona ,AZ
Ryan and Rick
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2006 - Broken Arrow Trail
San Diego - Coronado Island
Adeline - Sheri - Rick - Ryan - Ricky (in front)
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1983
Disneyland - Thunder Mountain
Adeline - Sheri - Ryan - Ricky - Jack
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1981
Ryan's 40th Birthday
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2019 ~ Palm Springs ~ Roy's
Mouth of the Grand Canyon
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Lake Mead - 1997
Sperry Family - Sedona
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Thanksgiving - 2017
MaMa's - Maui
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Oct 28, 2005
Lake Mojave - 1982
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Ryan - Brian - Aubry - Ricky - Sheri
Thanksgiving
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2016 - Uncle Ryan and Tristan
Elmer's - Palm Springs
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2019 - Ryan's 40th Birthday
One of Sheri's Favorite Images
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1981
U.S. Marines
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1999
Bye Bye Uncle Ryan
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Until we meet again…
God Bless You
Map of Riverside National Cemetery
Ryan's Gravesite
Map of Riverside National Cemetery
Gravesite Location
A Special Lakeside Location
The courage of life is often a less dramatic spectacle than the courage of a final moment; but it is no less a magnificent mixture of triumph and tragedy.
John F. Kennedy
~ ~ ~ 22 A DAY ~ ~ ~
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