RYAN PATRICK CHARLES OWEN

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RYAN PATRICK CHARLES OWEN It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and tragic passing of Ryan Owen on August 1, 2017, at the age of 35. Ryan will be lovingly missed by his mother Patricia; stepfather Richard; brothers, Brydon (Joy) and David; sister Cristine (Alex); nephew Kaden; niece Zolie, as well as countless friends, loved ones and extended family. He was predeceased by his father Robert, in 2015. Ryan had an incredible and rare gift of boundless charisma and an infectious personality. He was also very much a restless soul, and over the years those who had the pleasure of knowing him witnessed and lived through many incarnations of Ryan, from the wild youngster with near limitless energy, the 1980s era Def Leppard/Aerosmith mega fan, the teenage angst-ridden grunge aficionado, the urban hip-hop rap connoisseur, and the dedicated sports fan from whom no door is safe if the Montreal Canadians are not winning by at least two goals. But strip away all these layers and you find yourself knowing and admiring a simple man with an incredibly loving heart whose passion was truly his greatest strength and one of the qualities we most admired about him. From that passion flowed the nearly unlimited dedication and generosity that Ryan bestowed upon friends and family. From the countless nights of babysitting for his nieces, nephews and godchildren that he adored beyond measure, the support provided to friends down on their luck and in desperate need of second chances, the willingness to give without question even when there may not have always been much to be given, and the ability to see past a person's flaws without a quick rush to judgment that we are all sometimes guilty of making. These essential elements represent the true Ryan that all of us will remember with great fondness and whose absence will make the room a little less bright no matter how much time passes. We all wish him the peace and serenity he was not able to find in life. The family is eternally grateful to the staff at St. Boniface Hospital and all the other individuals who over the years did everything they could to help Ryan, including all of the members of the Cox family who were like a second family to him, especially his dear friend and roommate Willy. Special mention also goes out to Michelle Owen, once his loving wife, who remained good friends with Ryan, provided continuous care and support throughout his struggles, and who will miss him greatly. A service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, with Patrick Woodbeck officiating. This is to be followed immediately by a reception, where family and friends are invited to celebrate Ryan's life and the impact he had on so many people. Flowers are gratefully declined. If so desired, donations may be made to the United Way or another charity of your choice. 1 Corinthians 13:7, 8 and 13 (NSRV) It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca (204) 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 05, 2017