Ryan Victor "Houdini" Monson

Ryan Monson Obituary

Ryan Victor "Houdini" Monson was born on May 31, 1988, in Kansas City and took his life at his home in Kansas City North, on October 4, 2005. He was the son of W. Victor and Kathryn J. Monson. Ryan was an honors student in the International Baccalaureate program at North Kansas City High School and competed in Cross Country for his school. Before high school, he attended Meadowbrook Preschool, Gracemor Elementary, and Maple Park Middle schools. Ryan was an excellent student and loved learning new things and challenging himself. He collected baseball cards, legos, and especially yo-yo's, which he used in regional, national, and world yo-yo championship competitions. He was ranked 19th in the country at the 2004 national competition in Chico, CA, and was an avid member of and contributor to the online yo-yo community. He is survived by his loving parents Victor and Kathy Monson; his sister, Katie, who is a student at Truman State University; his maternal grandmother, Veda Johnson, of Sumner, MO; his paternal grandparents, Bill and Jewell Monson, of Grandview; and many cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends who will sadly miss him. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Maxie, and cat, Allie. The family invites friends to visitation Saturday evening, October 8, from 5-8 p.m., at White Chapel funeral home, 6600 North Antioch Road in Gladstone. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., on Sunday, October 9, at White Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Ryan's name to Wayside Waifs, PO Box 9791, Kansas City, MO, 64134. (Arrangements: D.W. Newcomer's Sons White Chapel, 816-4528419)

Published by Kansas City Star on Oct. 7, 2005.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ryan Monson

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Not sure what to say?





Missing you today, man.
Keep it real, your magic lives!

John Narum

Friend

May 12, 2021

<3

Tifarah

February 20, 2021

15 years now. Still remember at IA states in 2005, laughing together about how both of our dads (who were very supportive and sitting towards the back) looked a bit bored waiting around (I think my dad was on his Palm Pilot...hard to think iPhones weren't even out then. Really was a lifetime ago). And how we were getting a little tired of hearing The Postal Service all the time.

I guess it sounds selfish, but being OK not being OK is still something I can't accept or get used to. Couldn't forget you if I tried.

Alex Willden

Friend

October 11, 2020

Tifarah

April 27, 2020

Not a day goes by that dont think of Ryan. He will live in my heart forever. His death has been so hard to accept, and the passage of time has not mended the hole in my heart left by his passing. I take comfort in knowing that I will be with him again one day.

Kathy Monson

Mother

October 1, 2019

Shawna Ferguson

October 4, 2018

Ryan would have been 30 years old yesterday, May 31, 2018. His mom and I miss him every single day, but even so it hardly seems possible that he could have been gone so long. And impossible for me to avoid asking, "What might have been?"

June 1, 2018

12 years bro but your memory still lives. You have made a life long impact upon the yo-yo community and Houdini Lives thru all of us. Will be neat to see what crazy combos you have when we get up there with you. Rest easy brother.

Rick Wyatt

October 4, 2017

I think about this kid every year during fall. Life has gone by but your memories are still here.

Tifarah

September 22, 2017

<3

TIFARAH

July 7, 2016

I cried on the way driving home from MN, to ND where I go to school yesterday. It was 10 years since Ryan left us.

You were the coolest dude, man. Your legacy lives on.

You're still inspiring kids to yo-yo Ryan! You would smile at all the people who learned to bind because of you.

Want to give your family a hug. We all miss you. But I know your showing the big man upstairs that crazy tongue string catch you came up with. Kohta threw it down in the World finals in 2010. You're legendary moves live on!

John Narum

October 5, 2015

Almost 10 years later and the legacy of Ryan lives. Us in the yoyo community know him as Houdini and always appreciated his incredible yoyo skills. A video popped up on my facebook page today and all I can think of is Houdini lives, the video has his amazing skills in it from 2004 Nationals. Miss you bro.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzuKSt1lZCM&feature=youtu.be

National YoYo Master Rick Wyatt

Rick Wyatt

June 20, 2015

Thinking of Ryan and Aunt Kathy and Uncle Vic and cousin Katie today.

October 4, 2013

It has been 8 long years and many things have changed, but Ryan will always remain in my heart.

Julie Carleton

October 4, 2013

I talked to my elementary teaching staff about Ryan Monson last Friday. We begin another school year and not a year goes by that I don't think about Ryan and how he affected the start of my teaching career during those years he was with me at Maple Park MS. I told my staff to care deeply about the kids that walk through their doors this morning on this first day of school. To connect with kids by showing them they care. Each child has lonely thoughts - we just need to make sure that during their loneliness moment, they know that there is at least one person who believes in them, loves them and wouldn't want the world to be without them. I continue to think of often and pray for you Victor, Kathy and Katie....and of course I look forward to meeting Ryan again some day. He always made me laugh. Doug Barry, Maple Grove Elem Principal, Waukee IA

Doug Barry

August 14, 2013

I still remember the feeling I got learning through Ryans videos. A whole new world of yoyoing opened up for me. A feeling I still get when I decide to throw a yoyo around. Never met him in person, but I was lucky enough to speak with him on an old yoyo forum. Houdini will never be forgotten...

Houdini Lives!!

Poopie Pants

July 6, 2013

Ryan would have been 25 years old today. I don't know how to describe how much I miss seeing the transition from the boy I knew to the man he would have become.

Victor Monson

May 31, 2013

debbie king

November 2, 2012

little brother i miss you. these few years passed,have not diminished what you taught me.

kevin jones

June 2, 2012

I never knew him and i knew of him and heard so many great things about him its so sad to see thats this kind of this happends

Ryan Ayers

May 15, 2012

Thanks for all your great videos and your focus on the art of yoyoing and inspiring alot of us to strive for the smoothness!

Brian Chambers

October 22, 2011

Thank you for sharing your skill. You left much too early.

Houdini lives.

Florian Meyer

June 26, 2011

I remember when Houdini and I used to rant about smoothness to each other on skill-toys forum PM's.

Houdini Lives on.

Paul Zografos

April 19, 2011

Even if you aren't with us anymore "Houdini Mount" will go ahead you and still remain one of the most important yoyo basic mount.

Jekko

April 17, 2011

We still use the Houdini mount a lot, and through that, may your legend lives. Oh, I like your bind tutorials very much.

Houdini lives.
Thanks again.

January 14, 2011

We still use the Houdini mount a lot, and through that, may your legend lives. Oh, I like your bind tutorials very much.

Houdini lives.
Thanks again.

Andrew Tan

January 14, 2011

You are the bind master and will teach generations present and future. You were a great asset to the community and always will be.

Houdini lives.

Mack Geggie

September 23, 2010

Your videos are still alive. I live in the Netherlands and i used your videos to learn alot about yo-yoing. It makes me sad to know that such a driven person is no longer here. I hope you're doing well wherever you are and with whatever you're doing. You won't be forgotten.

Houdini lives.
Thanks for the knowledge you left behind.

Mark Timmerman

September 16, 2010

Ryan, I know i was just a little tyke when we met and became friends, but I just want you to know that I miss you, Houdini.
I know you're upstairs looking down, watching the world, and I hope you can see the wonderful things you've done for everyone.

Miss you man,

-John Narum, YYJ

John Narum

September 16, 2010

I started yo-yoing in 2007 so i have never met ryan however i have met the legacy and reputation he has left behind. Everyone speaks with respect when they talk about him. they all look up to him as a teacher and a friend. His videos have taught me a lot from binding to removing Freehand Caps. I wish he was still around so i could meet him or talk with him. Thanks for the videos and help you left behind because it means a lot to every one in the yo-yo community. RIP Ryan

Houdini lives

Jeremy G

August 13, 2010

I remember talking to ryan about dif-e-yo yoyos. it always seemed like we were the only two who focused on smooth play instead of pure speed. we had such a similar style of yoyoing and views on life. if daves skill toys was still up i probably have 300-400 personal messages back and forth from him on there discussing life and yoyos. I remember when i heard about this (from a text msg from someone) and wishing i could have gone to his service. I was reflecting on past events with my friend (who's brother just took his own life at 33) and i sent her a link about ryan to show how much people really support each other during times like this.

I hope all is well with the family.
regards,
~Paul

(if youd like to get ahold of me for whatever reason, my email is [email protected]

Paul Zografos

July 14, 2010

i was lokng around for yo-yoing vids to help me out and i found his a long time later i found out what happend i hope you guys get along ok

brent lambdin

June 23, 2010

I am just a mom who was looking for youtube videos to show my yo-yo novice child. I learned that the talented young man who we were watching had died some 4 years ago.

Kathy, know that your son will continue to instruct young children, and I will be sending thoughts & prayers for you and Ryan.

sara

February 25, 2010

Thank you Ryan

Filippo Dalla

January 28, 2010

Thanks Ryan for your inspiration. Wish you wouldn't have left so early. God bless your soul my friend.

Larry Grossman

January 6, 2010

I only knew Ryan passingly in high school, but he was always giving me compliments and trying to make me feel good about myself. I needed that. I was upset when this happened and I want to say that he had an effect on my life and I will not forget him, even though I've been out of high school for several years.

Stephanie

December 27, 2009

I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ryan "Houdini" Monson. Ryan was always so generous, and patient. Never failed to answer a question I had, as simple, and noobie as some of them may have been. I owe him a lot. I took a hiatus from throwing, yesterday I didn't know that he had passed. Today the sports doesn't seem as bright. The Yo-Yo community lost a great talent, and teacher.

R E

October 25, 2009

Thank you to everyone who has made a recent entry into Ryan's Guest Book. It is very meaningful for me to read your notes and to know that other people have not forgotten Ryan and still miss him. I love to hear the stories that you tell. They give me insight into a part of his life that I didn't know much about, other than the constant whirring of a yoyo string (which I so desperately miss) and his non-stop conversation about tricks and mods and vids.

Thank you all so very much for taking the time to write. You are very kind and I know it would mean a lot to Ryan to know how much he is loved and missed.

Kathy Monson

July 15, 2009

Just thought I'd say "hi" again...I appreciate y'all keeping Ryan's webpage up and hope y'all can continue to do so. I learned pretty much everything I know about yoyo'ing from his videos. I made a couple of trades with him too and still have those yo's...

He's missed...I am sorry he is gone and very sorry for your loss. :-(

T B

July 14, 2009

i met ryan at worlds,just before he passed. before that we kept in constant contact thru messenger. when i saw him he gave me a huge bear hug and said how happy he was to finally meet in person. we sat in the lobby..cases open have a huge trade session. he gave me one of his gto's when all was said and done.i got to hang out with him alot that worlds and had no idea he was so troubled. that kid was one of the best friends i ever had in this community. he has always been and will always be sorely missed. i still have that gto and i still think about him constantly.

kevin jones

May 31, 2009

Last summer I was picking up some mower blades/parts in preparation for the mowing season. Everybody else had the same idea as I, it would be a long wait. So I dug deep into my pocket, to help pass the time of my wait. After the crowd cleared out this young gal, new to the store, told me she had a real close friend who was a championship yoyoer. I asked her what's his name? She told me his name was Ryan Monson. For a moment I was frozen in my tracks. I walked closer to her & softly replied "everyone called him,,, "Houdini"".
At that point she was as stunned as I. Her & I spent the next 30 minutes or so talking about Ryan.

Ever though we haven't met, I've met you many times through your friends.
You taught me how to bind, easy triangle..... through your videos.
You were there for me, when no one else was.... thank you Houdini

U R deeply loved brother
Ab

Ab Jones

May 31, 2009

I met Ryan once at Worlds 2005 but he always impressed me as a real mover in the yo-yo world. I considered him a vanguard advocate for players metals, which are now ubiquitous. And he was only a teenager! Anyway, many fond memories of his posts, he seemed older than his years.

Tom Cunningham

May 31, 2009

your videos helped me get into yoyoing. Never got a chance to meet you, but thanks again.

Houdini lives

Jace Briggs

March 30, 2009

Thanks for helping me get into yoyo. RIP.

D Garp

January 26, 2009

Three Years have passed and although, I have never met you, I have always watched your yoyo videos. You were truly inspirational, and a wonderful person. You and your family are in my prayers.

R.I.P. Man
Houdini Lives

Ian Johnson

October 14, 2008

RYAN I miss hanging out with you at contests. I haven't been to a yo-yo contest since the beginning of this year, I don't even yo-yo very much anymore but I still miss you a lot and think about you a lot, I can't believe it's been over 3 years now! It seems like yesterday we were at a contest finding our dads and seeing how they entertained themselves on their laptops and PDA's because they were bored at the contests they took us to but were good sports and supportive anyways and how you'd put up stickers of Dave's on other people, how I thought it was sweet that both of us were on PBS and it was like really elite or something and how you were ALWAYS Houdini at every contest, it's everything I didn't think I would miss because I hardly noticed it was there and I always thought it would be there but it isn't now and it's gone but I'm just waiting to see and be with you again, to hear your laugh, I'll ALWAYS remember you.

Alex Willden

October 12, 2008

At my age(57) I have known alot of people that just memories now.. But some folks just stand out as leaving the Planet Earth sooner than expected. Ryan is right at the front of my brain as a guy that checked out wayyyyyyyyyyyy ahead of schedule. I Always think good thoughts for his family; hoping they can pass each day with some enjoyment in their own lives; remembering the great times they had during Ryans' life and knowing soo many of us also miss the kid... His legacy is the help he gave to the yoyo community and the videos we can rewatch until we eventually check out... I like to think;; think anyways; that I am part of the YoyoPuzzle. And if you ever messed with putting together a Puzzle; even one with 2500 pieces or more; you know that every piece is important in some way. The corner of a building. A piece of Grass. A little part of the blue sky. All the parts come together to form something complete. On this simple Planet; we have a WorldWide YoyoPuzzle. Especially with the evolution of the 'internet connection'. Soo many people that will most likely never actually meet in person still get to know each other; from a distance. But on the Internet; it's almost like we are 10 feet away. Sharing, laughing, teasing, learning, arguing. Trying to outsmart each other, etc. But all the time becoming friends to one degree or another. We have a bond or sorts. A common Ground. An understanding. Mostly we are all better for what we go through. Even if some are just passing through the Yoyo scene; they are better for it.

Ryan was an Amazing yoer and an Amazing person. It is said that 'there is a replacement for everyone. This is not the first time or the last time I will disagree with some old phrase. But that is just what I am gonna do about that one. Because in my view; there is No 'Replacement for Houdini. We still have a WorldWide YoyoPuzzle. And even though the World goes on and the YoyoCrowd marches on; the Puzzle is missing a very special piece. His name is Ryan 'Houdini' Monson.

It is said that,' As long as someone, anyone; remembers you or speaks your name; you are not forgotten. Forgetting Ryan won't happen any time soon or anytime ever. He was that kinda guy. That's all................................

Mo Chavez

October 11, 2008

Although I only met you once at Worlds 2005 - the thing that sticks out most in my mind is how friendly you were to me, and what a great teacher you were.

You are fondly remembered by those who knew you.

RIP dude

Luke Roberts

October 11, 2008

Gone but not forgotten. The yo-yo community sends love to you and your family Houdini.

Fred Pilarczyk

October 11, 2008

I talked with Ryan a lot of times on Daves Yoyo Chat Room, and the thing that I remember the most was how he was so approachable and willing to talk to anyone. Never met him in person but he was obviously a special person. I always recommend Ryan's videos to new players. R.I.P.

Obi

October 11, 2008

We haven't forgotten about Houdini.

Josh Comeau

October 10, 2008

Houdini, we really miss you buddy.
Though time heals all wounds there is still an empty spot in the yoyo community without you bro.
You are forever missed and we will never forget.

Rick Wyatt

October 10, 2008

Houdini lives on - I have visited his site a few times in the past year, and I just wanted his family to know that although I never got to meet him in real life, he lives on, impacting people he never got to know.

Jake Willis

August 22, 2008

wow, just how much of an inspiration to me when i started...

Rest In Peace

N C

July 16, 2008

Ryan would have been 20 years old on Saturday, May 31. I woke up that morning at the time when I gave birth to him and spent a lot of time that day thinking about my life with Ryan, the kind of memories that mothers keep close to their hearts.

Ryan's dad and I tied a "Happy Birthday" mylar balloon to the bud vase on his niche and we also tried to "celebrate" his day at his favorite restaurant. We will make a donation to Wayside Waifs, a safe harbor for lost and abandoned pets. Ryan cared very deeply about animals and we would have had many more than his beloved Maxie dog if we would have let him bring home all that he saw and said were "lost" (some were walking on leashes with their owners, that was Ryan's sense of humor).

I still feel a tremendous need to mother my son and there is so pitifully little a parent can do for a dead child.

Please remember Ryan.

Kathy Monson

June 6, 2008

You know, I found HHs' website several years ago when I just started getting interested in yo'ing. It is a true testament to his skill and teaching ability that I could learn tricks over the internet with no help in person.

You're missed, Ryan...very sad that you're gone.

J M

June 5, 2008

R.I.P man, your tutorials live on

Travis Owen

June 1, 2008

Thanks you Ryan. Your videos were very informativ when i just start playin'.

R.I.P

kef

May 11, 2008

Just stumbled upon your son's video on the web. Shocked by your loss - what a creative young mind. Peace

Alexis

March 6, 2008

You were an amazing thrower Rip. Houdini May your name live on.

Ghostie577 Not saying

February 25, 2008

RIP Ryan Victor "Houdini" Monson

Dmitry Kvochkin

February 14, 2008

Wow. Didn't know he passed on. As many others said, Harry has taught me many yoyo techniques. Not only that, but he showed me that practice does make perfect as seen from his videos. I am sorry to hear that he is gone, but his spirit will live on.

Louis D.

January 22, 2008

wow.. I never knew ryan...not on the forums or anything i didnt even know he was dead until 10 minutes ago :[ he taught me everything in the basics of yo-yoing through his videos without him i would have quit yo-yoing months ago :[

houdini lives RIP

Matt

January 1, 2008

Houdini, your the best. Rest in peace.

Jin Chi

December 28, 2007

We miss you Ryan, I wish we could hang out again.
I still send people to your site on a regular basis. I wanted you to know they really appreciate your help.
You were so patient with all of your new friends as you helped them learn, even in your videos that patience still comes through.
I think you give people the feeling that it's okay to mess up, but keep trying and you'll get the hang of it. I don't know how you captured that feeling on video so well.

Doc Pop

November 28, 2007

Your videos are amazing. I think you were the greatest yo-yoer I've ever seen. The yo-yoers miss you, as me, too. I think you still live. Rest in peace.

Thomas Iklódi

October 11, 2007

Our daughter, Natalie, and Ryan were in the same class at Maple Park, and I believe they were in SAGE together. Natalie went on to Winnetonka, and I believe Ryan went on to NKC for the IB program. Ryan was a very smart, nice person, and I know Natalie enjoyed having him for a friend. She, and all of Ryan's classmates, were crushed when he died. We were blessed to see Natalie graduate in May, and we know that Ryan would have also graduated. I am sure that Ryan was at graduation in spirit! We hope that your family has begun to heal. We have prayed for you, and will continue to do so. God bless you all. Sincerely,
Jim, Marla (and Natalie) Edwards

Jim, Marla, Natalie Edwards

October 10, 2007

I have been disregarding signing this guestbook for a very long time....about a year and a half actually. I never had any emotional strength. But now I am pretty sure I do.

Two years ago, on October 5th, 2005, I discovered that my best friend had killed himself. I fell to the floor and I cried for months after that day; I still think about him today and tear up. I guess you could say I couldn't handle it very well. Ryan had inspired me though. He put so much hard work into every little thing he ever did, and his death forced me into the harsh realization that I won't be here forever. Thanks to him, I am a better person, I work a lot harder toward my goals, and I appreciate every second I have with everyone around me. Life can end in a split second whether you expect it or not and now I understand that.

Now that two years have passed, I've come to terms with his death, but it was a freakin trip to get to that point. I still think about him EVERYDAY, but I can finally look at a picture of him and smile. But no matter what I ever do I will never ever forget him. He made a huge impact on my life.....

To his family, I would like to say I'm very sorry for the loss, and I really really really wish I could have done something. Anything. I would have jumped off a bridge for that kid because I loved him very much. I know its still hard but I hope you guys are okay. Including the dog and kitty, Maxie and Allie.

???Tifarah Alijanovic (AKA: Tif/Tiffy)???

Tifarah Alijanovic

October 9, 2007

Houdini,

Your legacy has inspired me in every way to the culture of yo-yoing. I'm glad that it meant so much to you.

Blue

October 4, 2007

Thinking of you . . . today and every day.

Anita McReynolds

October 4, 2007

Wish I could talk to you, and let you know how much we all miss you! I though of you first thing this morning, when I woke up and shed another tear. You never met me in person, but you have taught me more about yo-yoing threw the videos and hard work you did when you were with us. I am still learning from you.............I hope you are in a better place and at peace.
Houdini Lives!...........Jim Fleischmann

Jim Fleischmann

October 4, 2007

Thanks for the memorys

Nam Nguyen

September 16, 2007

I've never had the pleasure of meeting Houdini, which I regret. You have been a HUGE influence to the yoyo community. Ryan will be forever in our prayers.

Zach Matsumoto

September 1, 2007

I found this website by accident, you do not know me but after reading this i just had to sign his guestbook. What a wonderful young man Ryan was. I cant imagine how heart broke you have been, Wow, he was loved and always will be. I have tears in my heart for anyone who has had to go through this. I hope and pray that you are doing better. May god bless you all. I hope this little note gives you a small smile and good memories about Ryan,Sincerely

a mom in the midwest

Penny

August 16, 2007

Ryan's 19th birthday was yesterday. Thanks to all of you who remembered him in your own way.

I spent my day driving to and from a meeting, and I reflected on his life from his birth to his death. I have so many good memories of Ryan. He was everything to me that a son should be and I continue to love him more each day, even though he is gone. He lives in my heart and always will.

Kathy Monson

June 1, 2007

I still think about Ryan a lot. I like showing off how many tricks I can do on my houdini modded fixed axle butterfly. It seriously kicks butt. I love telling everyone that it was modded by Ryan too. It is one of two yoyos I carry in my case to every contest that remind me of Ryan. The butterfly, because he gave me the sweet modded axle, and the vertigo FH2, which I know was prized by him. I'm still not sure what prompted him to give it to me, even when I refused to take it.

I haven't ever talked much about Ryan's death, or how I knew him. Everyone posted a comment in one of "those threads", but I don't think I ever did. It's just been to close to home for me. I was probably one of the few people who called him "Ryan", and not "houdini", at least among the yoyo community. And I never realized how much I meant to him as a friend and roll model until after he passed away. That has kinda scared me, wondering if I was one of his closest friends. Even though that would be an honor, I am not good enough to be one of his close friends. I hope he had more good friends.

Their is nothing I can do for Ryan anymore, but I wonder about his family all the time. I cant describe what it was like meeting them at the funeral. I have never felt more helpful in my life. I still remember the face I got from Ryan's dad when they saw me and seth for the first time there. I have never seen anyone more shocked in my life. So glad and appreciative to see us. They where amazed that we drove "all the way from Iowa." It seemed to me like such a small thing, and the least we could do.

I wonder all the time if there is something I can do for the family still. Send flowers, send a card, anything. But I worry that bringing things back up would only bring hurt back up with it.

I loved Ryan, very much as a friend. I miss him at every contest I go to. I will never in my lifetime forget him. And even now, I somehow still feel blessed to have been his friend.

My prayers are still with you guys (Ryans family). If you, or anyone, ever wants to get a hold of me to talk more, I would be glad to. My email address is [email protected].

You are also, always welcome at Iowa States. This years will be held June 16th, in Ankeny Iowa again.

-David Poyzer
Pretty Boy Spinners

David Poyzer

May 21, 2007

Wow man. More than a year already, and I'm still crying over what happened. It's hard to think about, but whenever I throw down a Dif-eyo, there you are, waving to me, happy as ever. It makes me happy but yet very sad to know you're gone. So much has happened and I wish I could talk to you about it all. Your family is everyday in my prayers, and RIP man. Your spirit lives on.

John Narum

April 15, 2007

I just started admiring Ryan's talant, then I found this site today. I never knew. I am so sorry. I will pray for you. Please know that he touched me with his talant.

Sincerely, Joe E.

Joseph Emanuele

March 21, 2007

Now, every time I throw my yo-yo I will be thinking of Ryan...my heart goes out to his family.

Steve Hartle

January 30, 2007

you were truly a great person and yoyoer, i am soory you chose this path we all miss you.
rip

ian

January 20, 2007

I only knew of him through his posts on Skilltoys.com but I knew he was a highly respected person that loved to yoyo. I'm saddened to hear about what happened but Im sure that he is now in a better place. R.I.P

Matthew(YOmemphis)

Matthew

January 16, 2007

I never knew him personally but I know he was very well respected by many, including me. R.I.P. Houdini. Much love.

CJ Hood

November 21, 2006

Not many teenagers have touched so many people, in so many ways, all over the world. Ryan was a very special person to many people and will never be forgotten. I read these postings frequently and it still amazes me to think of the reach of Ryan's life.

I think of all of you constantly and pray that somehow we'll make it through OK.

Much love,

Anita

October 6, 2006

Dear Friends of Ryan, Thank you so much for remembering our son. It is so painful for me to think that one day his dad and I and only a few relatives may remember him. This website has been paid for and will stay up forever, so you may write a message to Ryan whenever you like. I sincerely believe in what Ryan's email sign-off used to say,"Houdini Lives," because he does live. He lives in my heart and the hearts of others who loved him. Thank you all for remembering Ryan.

Kathy Monson

October 5, 2006

Wow Its been a year already
Everyone still misses you with out u there wouldnt really much of anything in the yoyoing community I really would have liked to say this to you in person but I can't so all i have to say is this R.I.P. Ryan everyone misses you

Eric Tranton

October 4, 2006

Hello there my friend. Today will be 1 year since you have been gone. It's funny how I remember, but I forgot my anniversary with my girlfriend of 2 years a few days ago. I miss you a lot, Ryan. So many things have happened in the past year... Well, not really, but I got a job, I'm excited about that...

I really wish I could visit your headstone one day.. So I could say this stuff out loud to you... If this page stays up, I will write in it every October 4th. I'll never forget what a great person you were.

Erick Phommavongxay

October 4, 2006

Wow....



I never knew he was dead for almost a year! I loved his yoyo instructional videos, they were awesome. And if he were to make any new ones, i will never be able to watch them ever.



Rest in peace my friend...

September 17, 2006

I never did or will know Ryan "Houdini" personally but he taught me so much about the mysteries of yoyo. I will miss him.

Joe inclan

September 12, 2006

i'm sorry 4 you'r loss

lex peterson

September 10, 2006

I never knew Ryan in person. I had talked to him over the yo-yo internet related forums. Ryan was such a great guy to all, a real nice kid. He had helped people whenever they needed it. A legit guy when dealing with trades and sales. Ryan is missed by all, very much so.

Kyle Bowersock

July 12, 2006

It's been awhile... I don't know why today of all days you came to mind again... I never knew Houdini and never will... and as far as people online go I wasn't that close to him. But I still think about him more so then I do anyone else... He still gives me strength, whether it be in yoyoing, or life.

I don't think it'll ever set in who we lost. We didn't lose Houdini the yoyoer... we lost Ryan, a great kid, who as everyone else, had something to do in life... and as a world wide community we carry that on for him, never completely replacing it.

NM

April 25, 2006

I never knew Houdini personally, and I just recently found the Dif-Spinners site. But I have seen what an inspiration he was to all players and he will be sorely missed.



Rest in Peace Houdini. Your finally home.

Ryan Malloy

April 4, 2006

Well, i didn't know houdini that well but i always went to dif-spinners to check and see if he posted any new videos. When i did meet houdini at worlds 05, he was very nice about everything and let me film some footage of his tricks.

Then the day i went to nationals 05 i was wondering where he went. Two days later i found out he was dead. I didn't know him that well but he was still very cool about everything. God rest his soul

Ky Zizan

March 16, 2006

Yesterday, I saw my Duncan Freehand 2. In the bottom of a can with all of my extra parts and convered in dust, it was beautiful. I picked it up, cleaned it off, and started using it. I got back on Dave's Skilltoys, and looked in the forumns for a Houdini post, they always helped me out with any questions but I didn't see any. I checked Ken's World on a String, it's gone. Then I remembered dif-spinners. Remembering the tongue suicide video, I went to the videos to watch it and other videos for new trick ideas. When I saw there were no new video's, I checked the front page. I was stunned. HH, gone. He will always be an inspiration to me for yo-yoing. He has become one of those people that seems almost legendary to beginners. Your never gone untill noone can be aided by you anymore. I think as long as his site is still up, Ryan will be alive.

Alex H.

March 10, 2006

Ryan Victor "Houdini"... I've talked with him on various internet forums... Helped me with yo-yo'ing, with a great attitude...a great person. A kid with crazy talent. May god be with you...Thankyou...My two cents...

Sevada Nazaryan

February 12, 2006

Dang...I didnt know him the best in the world but Id jsut like to say thank you because you teached me so much on all the videos youv made and even though iv never even talked to you,you will alway have a placein my heart,





Jeff

Jeffrey Pang

January 29, 2006

I saw a video clip on my yoyo forum I go to of Houdini. It helped me out a lot:) I then went on to find out that he was gone:( I wanted to email him and tell him thanks & how much his video helped me out. Well, here's my thank you man. You were far-out man!!! God bless you:)

CC Mullins

December 14, 2005

Sunday will be 2 months and even though life has continued on, for many of us we still grieve and cry for the one we lost. Ryan was a very gifted and special person in our families lives. My heart is heavy for his mom and dad, my aunt and uncle, and I wish I could just take one ounce of pain away especially during this month that has so many wonderful memories. Like I have said before Auntie K you will always miss Ryan but time will heal, I promise.



I love you

Julie

December 2, 2005

I had just found out about Ryan's passing recently. I had Ryan in my 5th grade social studies class. He will be missed deeply. He was always a kind and bright student. I am very sorry that he will no longer be part of our community

Shon Adamson

November 17, 2005

Ryan was a great kid. Always seemed to enjoy himself whenever I saw him, which was at yoyo contests. I'll definetly miss him the next time I'm at a yoyo contest and I'll continue to refer people to his wonderful website to learn some yoyo stuff. He will be greatly missed.

Nate Shurilla

November 14, 2005

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