Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1948
DIED
2017
Ryan Butner Obituary
Ryan "Rick" Butner, 69, of Parker, CO, passed away September 30, 2017 from ALS. He was born to Charles and Kathryn (Kline) Butner on September 5, 1948 in Reading, Pennsylvania.
He received a B.S. from Penn State and served in the U.S. Army. In 1979, Ryan married Mary McMahon in Greeley, CO; they lived in Ft. Collins, CO for 20 years with their children. An HVAC Technician, Ryan enjoyed woodworking, hiking, camping and skiing.
The family moved to Salem, OR in 1997 and returned to Colorado in 2003, Ryan devoted time to telemark skiing and improving their home. Unaware that he had ALS, he climbed Pikes Peak, went hang-gliding, and trekked in Costa Rica with his son and daughter to celebrate his 60th birthday. Ryan accomplished many items on his bucket list, including trips to Alaska, Maui, Mexico, Civil War sites and in September 2017, Yellowstone National Park.
Ryan is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary McMahon; children Matthew (Jackie Zappala) and Erin (Tyler Stubbs), and a large extended family.
Donations can be made to the ALS Association, a local humane society or the US National Park Service. Visit his website at ryanbutner.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ryan Butner
3 Entries
Phin Ththill
March 3, 2018
Dear Mary,
I was shocked to read of Rick's passing in the Penn Stater and so sorry we never got together after we met in '78.
I first met Rick our freshman year at Mont Alto. We were then roommates our first year at U.P. and both joined Delta Sig that year.
Glad that Rick seemed to fulfill a lot of his bucket list goals.
My sympathies are with you and the rest of the family. Best wishes in the future to all of you.
Phin Tuthill
Virginia Davis
October 15, 2017
Mary and Family,
I was so sad to read of Ryan's passing. I send my love and sympathies to your family. May God comfort you at this time of sadness in your life. You will be in my prayers that God will sooth your pain.
Formerly from Salem, Oregon now live in Idaho
S. B.
October 10, 2017
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear one. May the " God of all comfort " be with you and fill your hearts with wonderful memories of Ryan to cherish.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Ryan Butner's name
Memorial Events
for Ryan Butner
How to support Ryan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ryan Butner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
