Our Inspiration: Ryan

BORN: April 20, 1984
PERSONALITY: Caring and amazing
SUNSET: October 6, 2007

Ryan Ernest Cunningham was the third of my four sons. He was born on April 20, 1984 in Pasadena, California. Ryan was blessed with an amazing personality and the ability to attract others to him. He was a caring individual who loved people and interacting with them. Ryan was very gifted athletically and excelled in sports - basketball, football and track. The advanced level of Ryan’s natural giftedness unfortunately, lead him to a sense of complacency, lack of discipline and work ethic required to maximize and capitalize his talents.

Ryan had a unique ability to comprehend new concepts easily, however just as in sports, he never fully applied himself in ways that allowed him to excel academically. Ryan’s personality and ability to connect and relate to people was the only area he chose to apply himself. He always had an abnormal abundance of friends. His negative qualities are mentioned only to underscore the importance of doing what matters most in our lives. His ability to connect, touch and relate to people appeared uncanny. However, reflections almost 13 years after his passing, maybe not.  It seems his ability to impact others was his calling.

Early in the morning on October 6, 2007 at the age of 23, Ryan was tragically killed in an auto accident. Unfortunately, not until a person passes away do others get the opportunity to witness the impact of one’s life on others. Ryan was loved by many. In addition to his six pallbearers, Ryan had 24 honorary pallbearers and that number still excluded many very dear to him. The inspiring stories shared at his memorial service by friends, relatives, teachers, coaches and teammates demonstrated the positive impact of Ryan’s short life. The quality and contributions made in a life do not always come from longevity nor the person who passed. Sometimes the legacy comes through the work of others.

Ryan’s legacy will continue through Ryan’s Village through the work of family, friends and supporters to honor his memory. As Ryan did in his life, Ryan’s Village a non-profit organization will continue to positively impact and bless the lives of youth and young adults throughout the United States in their personal growth and development.