Ryan Eldon WATSON

Ryan Eldon WATSON

Ryan WATSON Obituary

Published by East Valley Tribune from May 4 to May 29, 2011.
WATSON, Ryan Eldon 36, peacefully departed this life on April 26, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by his devoted family and friends, and by the boundless love of scores of those who gathered from all over the state and country to support him. Born October 16, 1974 in Mesa, to Richard Watson Gilda and Jane Lopez Rene, Ryan grew up in Mesa along with his siblings, Travis Watson, Beth Kelly Nick, and Jeffrey Watson Amadea, graduating from Mountain View High School in 1993. He later lived and worked in Phoenix, as an auditor with AIG. Ryan was blessed with insatiable intelligence, endless curiosity, wondrous imagination, and a unique, irreverent sense of humor. No person himself included, human foible, or political situation escaped his rapier wit, leaving us constantly laughing and shaking our heads. he loved the outdoors, hiking, exploring nearly every state, and especially enjoying the soothing beauty of the ocean. Ryan defined the word "friend" lived life fully, and loved his family and friends fiercely. He especially loved his nephews, Alex and Jack Kelly. In sharing Ryan's life and even his dying, he taught us how to live life generously, with humility, fun, compassion, devotion, integrity, courage, grace, and immeasurable love. Ryan, you set the bar high. We will honor you by doing our best to love life as you did, carrying our love for you in our hearts all our days. A memorial celebration to honor Ryan's life will be held at Stonecreek Golf Club, 4435 E. Paradise Village Parkway South, Phoenix, on Sunday, May 8th, from 5:00 - 8:00 Memorial at 6:00. Donations in Ryan's name may be made to Hospice of the Valley, and or to the University of Arizona Foundadtion/Arizona Cancer Center. Memories and condolences may be left at the Guest Book, [email protected] the Guest Book at eastvalleytribune.com
This obituary was originally published in the East Valley Tribune.

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May 15, 2011

Amy Karaffa posted to the memorial.

May 15, 2011

Matthew Carty posted to the memorial.

May 8, 2011

Someone posted to the memorial.

Amy Karaffa

May 15, 2011

Unfortunately, after high school I lost touch with Ryan. But what I do remember of him was his huge heart and quick wit. My heart goes out to the entire family. Ryan must've been so appreciative of his amazing support system.

Matthew Carty

May 15, 2011

I was stunned and saddened today to learn of Ryan's passing. As a former coworker, Ryan and I had similar experiences and shared the same friends. After that, it was always fun to bump into Ryan over the years. The thoughts and prayers of my family are with yours. Ryan will certainly be missed.

May 8, 2011

Jane,
Ryan sounds like he was a remarkable person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

With sympathy,
Christine

Luis Felipe Loera

May 8, 2011

My sincerest condolences for the entire Watson family and specially to you Rick. Lupita and I send our love and thoughts.

Jennifer Hooge

May 8, 2011

Ryan was never 'my' friend, but he was always very friendly, kind, sincere, and respectful to me, through all the years that Beth and I have been friends. I am heartbroken for his family and friends. Such a bright flame has been snuffed much, much too early.

Lisa

May 8, 2011

Jane,
It sounds like Ryan was an amazing person who powerfully and positively touched everyone he knew. I wish I could have met him but I'm sure I catch a glimpse of him in you and from that experience I can definitely imagine how awesome your son is. My deepest condolesences to you and your family. My prayers are with you all.

Jane Corwin

May 8, 2011

My thoughts, prayers, and love are with all of Ryan's family and friends. All who knew Ryan are blessed to have had him be a part of their lives. He was a special young man.
(Jane - I am unable to attend the service but I will be there with you in spirit and love.)

Donnie Beans

May 8, 2011

Gone but never forgotten.

Sharlene Keltgen

May 7, 2011

Ryan was sincerely one of my favorite people. Being Ryan's friend was an honor and a priveledge, being his cousin, priceless. I always looked forward to family parties and get-togethers just so I could hear him spew some funny rhetoric on the politics of the day or about another one of his hilarious expeditions. He could make me laugh like none other. I will miss him terribly. He was one of a kind.

Tawnya Wood

May 7, 2011

When we were kids, Ryan was my idol. As we grew up, I could never understand how he couldn't see how truly amazing he was. He's still that amazing, humble person whom I love and admire. I'm so grateful to be his cousin! I can't wait to see him again someday. My love to you all, Aunt Jane, Uncle Ric, Travis, Beth, and Jeff.

Art Jacobson

May 7, 2011

Ryan was a one of a kind. His outlook, wit, and humor always left laughing. It also left me questioning not only him, but myself. His Diet Mountain Dew comment was a perfect example.

I am sorry you lost your best friend, brother, uncle and son. I am glad you were all able to be with him at the end. You guys are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Remember him. Cherish him. Love him.

Kristy Jorgenson

May 6, 2011

Hard to say it better than you did Trav. I've never known anyone like him and don't expect I ever will. It is an honor to be considered among his friends.

Kara Byrd

May 6, 2011

My sincere condolences to all of Ryan's family and friends. Although I did not have the good fortune of knowing Ryan, it is obvious he was an incredibly gifted person who left things better than he found them and was adored by many. He lives on in each of you. From Jeff's extended family at the Defense Intelligence Agency

Rose Hogue

May 5, 2011

You are all in my thoughts at this time. It was a wonderful experience getting to know all of you at hospice, being around Ryan and all of the Love that surrounded him. He will live on in the hearts and minds
of so many!!! What a Beautiful Spirit!!!

Connie Sears

May 5, 2011

To my friend Jane and her family, my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. My heart is heavy for you all. The obituary expressed what an outstanding person he was. I'll be praying for God's peace and comfort.

Emily Myers-Rice

May 5, 2011

Jane and Beth, my deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.

Mary Lou Johnston

May 5, 2011

Jane and family,
I am so sorry to learn of Ryan's passing. I cannot imagine anything harder than losing a child. My heart goes out to you. I know that wonderful memories will help you through this difficult time. Much love to you.

Kathy Karaffa

May 5, 2011

My heart goes out to all of the family. I know that Ryan is at peace and hope the wonderful memories you have will help you in this trying time.

Jennifer Gibbs

May 5, 2011

Ryan will be dearly missed, but was a best friend to everyone, a father figure to many, a beloved son, brother, confidant, adviser, and cousin. We are all better for having the honor of having him in out lives. His wit and intelligence will live on through all of us forever. Love you forever cuz.

Heather Hook

May 5, 2011

God Bless you all!! May God keep you close and heal your hearts!

Brandi Oveson

May 4, 2011

Ryan didn't want me to put him on a pedestal, but he was truly a man among men. Still is.

Lisa Villarreal

May 4, 2011

We extend our deepest and sincere sympathy to the your family. We are thinking about you and you all are in our thoughts and prayers. We think about Ryan everyday...his smile, his laughter, his friendship...our memories of him will continue to keep his spirit alive and with us. He was a perfectionist and executed every audit with extreme courtesy and professionalism....he was truly devoted to his job! He will be missed.

Matt Meyers

May 4, 2011

No better friend..

Billy Stephen

May 4, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the Watson family, may God comfort you at this time of sorrow, Billy

Jesus Ortiz

May 4, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the watson family.Thoughts and prayers are with you. Ryan will always be a respected colleage.He will be missed by many whoms life he touched.

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May 15, 2011

Amy Karaffa posted to the memorial.

May 15, 2011

Matthew Carty posted to the memorial.

May 8, 2011

Someone posted to the memorial.