John Robert Barany

John Robert Barany, 25, died Wednesday, May 16, 2012 from complications of a stroke suffered two days earlier. He was known for always being late, but now, too early. Robbie, as he was known to us, was the cherished son of Dr. John Stephen and Carol Ann of Yakima, and the beloved brother of Alison Claire of Olympia and William Stephen of Seattle. He is survived by both of his grandfathers, Robert Sahnlein of Buffalo, New York, and William Stephen Barany, of Spokane, Washington. Additionally, many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins survive him, and he will especially be missed by his Aunt Audrey Sahnlein of Yakima, who loved him as her son. He is preceded in death by both of his grandmothers: Johanna Louise Barany of Spokane, and Helen Rita Sahnlein of Buffalo.

Robbie was born August 7, 1986 in Yakima, 21 days overdue. As a boy, he enjoyed playing soccer, basketball, and air guitar. He graduated from St.Joseph/Marquette School, but just barely, having faced suspension shortly before graduation after being identified as the ringleader of a plot to distribute fireworks at school. He went on to graduate from Eisenhower High School, where under the mentorship of Coach Phil English and his staff, and with the support of exceptional teammates, especially Charles Cummings, he cultivated his gift for distance running. In his senior year, Robbie was a Footlocker Cross Country All-American, and represented the Western region at the 2004 Footlocker High School National Cross Country Championships in San Diego, finishing eighth. He held the Valley Best All-Time Fastest 3200m from 2005-2012, a mark that was bested by another outstanding Eisenhower athlete on the night after he died. Don't tell Robbie. He was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a degree in History and was proud to be part of the Fighting Irish. He enjoyed woodworking, particularly making birdhouses, and generations and generations of birds to come will never want for housing arrangements. Perhaps most importantly, he was a registered organ donor, and his family is comforted by the fact that recipients in the Pacific Northwest have benefited from his amazing gift to them. Well done, Robbie.

While we are devastated by his death, we continue to thank God for giving us Robbie. Robbie will be remembered for his million idiosyncrasies, and for the million inside jokes that each of us shared with him. He was a bright, creative, passionate, and courageous human being, and performed a rendition of "Puff the Magic Dragon" that still leaves his siblings in hysterics. They will run the upcoming Seattle Rock n' Roll Half Marathon in his honor, with the full knowledge that Robbie will undoubtedly criticize their slow times and poor form, but that he is thrilled by their tribute to him. "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint". Isaiah 40:13. The family is especially grateful to the Yakima Chest Clinic, Memorial Respiratory Therapy, and the nurses of the Memorial ICU and Life Center Northwest, who cared for Robbie with extraordinary skill, professionalism, and love. This gives the family great peace and satisfaction.

Mass of the Resurrection will be held at St. Paul Cathedral on Friday, June 15, 2012 at 11:00 am. A reception will follow at the family home immediately afterward. All friends of Robbie and his family are warmly invited to share in this celebration of his extraordinary life. The family respectfully asks that those who wish to honor his memory make a donation to a favorite charity, in lieu of flowers.