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Ryan Townsend Obituary

passed away unexpectedly at his home in Cutten on Saturday evening, Nov. 13th, 2010, at the age of 36. His loss is a shock to everyone who cared for him, and his family sends out their hearts to all who are grieving with them. Ryan is survived by his young son, Miles; his parents, Elena & Bruce Pettit and Kent & Johnna Townsend; his siblings, Kellie Townsend, Alison Pettit, Luke Gretchen and Julie Gretchen Bailey; his grandparents, Clif and Alice Gomes; his uncles Gary Gomes and Lynn Townsend and aunt Lois Christie. Miles was the true light of Ryan's life. Ryan was a devoted father who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his little guy. Ryan was born San Diego, CA on Oct. 25, 1974, and moved to Humboldt County when he was just 7 months old. With legs built like redwood trees, he grew up running around in the woods near HSU with his older sister and the neighborhood kids. He was rambunctious, athletic and pretty much fearless, which led to a lot of adventures and a few trips to the hospital. He loved skiing and hiking among other things. Ryan's family remembers him as a tender-hearted guy, an amazing parent, a daredevil, a gruff sweetheart. Ryan attended Sunset Elementary School and Jacoby Creek before moving to Trinidad. He graduated from Trinidad School and McKinleyville High, where he lettered in soccer and baseball. Baseball led him to College of the Siskiyous and to a season with the Humboldt Crabs. He had recently reconnected with his love of the game through a recreational league. In addition to his family, Ryan has a enormous circle of friends that are mourning his loss. They unfailingly describe him as generous, sweet, kind, easy-going and family-loving. They say that he really cared about and looked out for his friends, that he talked about his mom a lot, and of course that he loved his son more than anything. He was also reportedly a terrible cook, but luckily, his friends were equally generous with him. A trust fund has been established for Ryan's son, Miles. Please contact Kent Townsend at 443-9848 or Elena Pettit at 840-0505 for information. A gathering will be held in Ryan's honor at 1:00 pm on Friday, Nov. 19th, at Marryman's beach house, Moonstone. Bring your open heart and your best Ryan stories. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times-Standard from Nov. 17 to Nov. 19, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Ryan Townsend

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Travis Fleming

November 16, 2021

Ryan was always so talented in everything that he did and true athlete in every sense of the word. He had the ability to make those around him better. I was blessed to be able to share many memories with Ryan on and off the ball field. Miss you buddy. Keep shining on us.

Carlos Urteaga

November 13, 2021

On this eleventh year of your passing . I still remember you and the epic moments we spent exploring every corner of the vastness that Humbolt County is ..hope your out ther looking down on all of us ...rest in peace my friend

Cindy and Ted Humphry

November 11, 2021

Have not forgotten Ryan, the boy, who played with our children. Always and nice to be around. So sorry for your loss. It is so hard and even time cannot make the hurt go away. Peace and Love, Cindy and Ted

Cindy Humphry

November 13, 2020

I remember Ryan playing with the Humphry children. He is the same age as Maria. Sunny days and toys and his beautiful sister. Fun. A sweet boy. I'm sure his family remembers him every day and knows they can talk to him whenever they wish. Heaven is everywhere. Peace, Cindy and Ted Humphry

Carlos Urteaga

November 13, 2019

To a friend who did a lot for others. Always bringing cheer and fun. I hope you have found eternal peace in those great blue skies beyond the great yonder .

Julian Calabrese

November 30, 2010

I respectfully send my condolences to the famliy left behind. Ryan, we'll miss you. Thanks for the fun times when we were kids. Rest in Peace.

November 28, 2010

Hello to Ryan's family and condolences to you. Losing Ryan is very painful and we wish you love and support during this time. We remember him as a young boy playing with some of our children. He was always sweet and a pleasure to be with.
The Ted Humphry Family

aimee knapp

November 21, 2010

he sounds like a hero that led a surreal life. i would like to know more people like the way this man is described.

Isaac Mosgofian

November 20, 2010

I saw Ryan up at the Brewery a month back and wanted to thank him again for something he did for me twelve years ago, but I was busy trying to wrangle my two and six year old sons out to the car and didn't get to. I assumed I'd have a chance to do it the next time I saw him.

It was December of 1998 and the Cafe Tomo staff Christmas party was in full swing. It was a private party and Ryan didn't work there but I'd known him since high school and knew he was a good guy and let him come in anyways. I had brought my little sister Noel with me and before long she was begging me to find someone she could dance with. I asked Ryan if he'd oblige her and he did. Next time I saw her she was beaming, she loved to dance and Ryan had been a gentleman. A week later she died of a mysterious and sudden physical ailment. I'll never forget the role Ryan played in my sister's last great weekend, I just wish I'd told him one more time how much it meant to me.

carlos urteaga

November 19, 2010

I only knew you briefly but you made a large impact on my life.My heart goes out to all his friends and family.
Carlos Urteaga ,Nanaimo BC Canada

carlos urteaga

November 19, 2010

bruce and elane i shared some good times with you guys and your son.he was a good friend and we went to college of the redwoods together.i went sking with you guys up to mt bachelor many years ago.i am so sorry for your loss.,Carlos from british columbia........

Gary and Linda Krela

November 19, 2010

Bruce and Elena,
We are sorry for the loss of your son. Our condolences to you and the family. Our thoughts are with you.

Melinda and Michael Maggio

November 19, 2010

Our dear friends Elena and Bruce, and all of Ryan's family: We are so very sorry about the loss of your dear boy. It never matters how old or "grown-up" a child is; he will always be your boy. I know how dearly loved he was by you, Elena, and I am certain he knew it as well. This is a terrible loss, and our love and prayers are with you.

Barbara & Chuck Giannini

November 19, 2010

To the Petit and Townsend Families; We are very sorry for the loss of Ryan. I remember him so well from all the sporting events in grade school and high school. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bob & Gayle Busby

November 19, 2010

We are so very sorry to hear the passing of your son. Memories of our loved ones are treasures time cannot erase. May you find comfort and peace in your memories.

Sequoyah Hudson

November 18, 2010

wake has been moved to Moonstone Beach House -- Still friday @ 1:00 -- we will always hold you in our memories -- never to be forgotten -- you were a GREAT friend -- LUV U FDR -- Ronnie & Sequoyah

November 18, 2010

We feel so lucky that we could see and spend a little time with Ryan and Miles this last summer. We will always remember Ryan's smile. He lives on through Miles. We will always remember him. So sorry for your loss. Wish we could be with you at this time. Love from Mikki & Stan Vincent in Yuma, Az

Travis Fleming

November 18, 2010

Rest in peace my friend. Your memory will live on in the stories that all your friends share. I for one have a million stories that will be told whenever someone will listen. Throughout my life I promise to keep an eye on Miles. My heart truly goes out to all that are sharing in this loss.

James Lawrence

November 18, 2010

Can't say how much I'll miss Ryan. Always genuine, always true. Truly loved his family, never resisted reminders to call Mom, always smiled with updates on Allie... and, of course, Miles his son. Love, JL

Karl and Jen Fritzsche

November 18, 2010

My fondest memories of Ryan were of the days exploring our neightborhoods and forests on California Ave. It was a great time and a great place to grow up as a kid. We went our seperate directions as we all got older, but whenever I'd run into him as we got older, we always had that childhood connection. He will be missed. My thoughts go out to his family, friends and his son.

Al & Terry Tomlin

November 18, 2010

We were so sorry to hear about Ryan's passing. We remember him from high school and all the energy he had. Great kid! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Lila Bollmann

November 18, 2010

Dear Kent, Johnna and family~
Holding you in thought and prayer during this time of profound loss.
May he rest in peace and may you find comfort in his memory.

Woody and Alicia Watson

November 18, 2010

Ryan spread a special light on those who knew him. Our family grieves his loss, and we grieve for his family's loss. May his light stay in our hearts.

David Cavaness and Sharon Mozzetti

November 17, 2010

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Ryan. He was a very special young man and a wonderful friend to us even though we were the older generation. We are honored to have known him and cherish the memories he brought into our lives. Our deepest sympathy to all of his family and friends and our hearts are grieving for Miles. Rest in Peace dearest Ryan. You will be deeply missed and by all who loved you.

November 17, 2010

I am so sorry to hear about Ryans passing. I hadn't seen him in years until we ran into you Elena with Ryan and Miles at the fair this summer. It was nice to see him all grown up. He was such a proud father, you could tell Miles was his pride and joy. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. My heart is truly breaking for you all.

With much love,
Nancy Boyd

Cas and Debbie Austrus

November 17, 2010

So sorry for your loss...I didn't know Ryan but my son met him two years ago and became very good friends. Ryan and Miles were at our house visiting my son in late October. My son remembers him as a hard working, good friend that loved his son and family. We'll keep his family and friends in our prayers.

November 17, 2010

I fondly remember playing with both Ryan and Kelly on California Ave...He and Kelly loved each other so...evidence of a loving family. Peace and blessings be with you all.

~Mary Ann (Lahr) Loch

November 17, 2010

Ryan was a true friend to our whole family. We love him and will miss his bright spirit and loving smile beyond words. If life was measured by how much someone is loved then Ryan would have lived forever.
Bill, Amy, Pj, Jacquie, Danielle and Jake

Barbara May

November 17, 2010

I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember Ryan and Kelly when they were little and you were Welcome Wagon President and you welcomed us to Arcata. I was so impressed with what a sweetie your Ryan was I named my son Ryan. Then I was lucky to teach your baby Alison at Trinidad. You are in my prayers and I send you much love and respect. Barbara and Bill May and our Ryan and Lynne

Mika Spanso

November 17, 2010

I have so many great stories about Ryan as I'm sure anyone who was touched by his life does. He was a very special person

November 17, 2010

Our family would like to offer our deepest condolences. We are so sorry for your loss. We are devastated at the news of losing Ryan, our dear friend. He was, and always will be, part of our family. We met Ryan many years ago, I think he was probably 21 or 22 years old then. We had two little boys then and Ryan ALWAYS wanted to play! He would bring down all, well most, of his sports gear, ready to tear it up. Whether we would play baseball in the field or catch at the river, he was up for a game. My boys always thought it was cool that Ryan played with the Crabs baseball team! He's kept in touch with my boys through the years, 3 boys now, and would stop by to see how big they are and to check in on how Arcata High School was treating them... One of my biggest memories of Ryan was when he got his motorcycle, or T100, or whatever that thing was. I just don't think that it was meant for taking jumps out on rim road like he would :) I would worry like a mother when I would hear him take off on a ride. We will miss him terribly, we already do.
All of our love,
Kathleen and Michael
Eli, Justin, and Nathan

November 17, 2010

I am so very sorry for the loss of your son, Ryan. I did not know him, but know you, Elena and Johnna, and my heart breaks for you both. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. With love,
Laura Middlemiss

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