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David Ryder Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for David Ryder
Joseph Colon
August 10, 2021
Wow, lost for words! I remember David when I was stationed with him in MCAS Iwakuni! My he Rest In Peace!
ANTHONY BOOKER
February 22, 2021
OMG. I'm so sorry to hear you're gone. I've been looking for you since I last saw you in Japan 2002.
I'm hurt and saddened. You were a true friend that touched everyone you met. You made such an impression on my parents. They loved you.
You were the best buddy I could have. Our memories in Pensacola are legendary. I often pictured you living in Brazil after the Navy. You were a walking PDR. LOVE YOU BROTHER! I don't know what happened but you will never be forgotten.
October 11, 2017
It's been years since I have heard of your transition, and I still have trouble believing you are gone. We use to have some fun times at Kingsbay. You were like a mischievous brother. I remember when you told the cleaning lady (Ms. Ernistene) who was deeply religious, that ACDC was a gospel group. I think I laughed till I cried when she checked with me to see if this "gospel group " was really famous. You left many with a lot of wonderful memories and laughs. Although it is many years later I wanted your family to know people still think about you and we are still praying for them. Dee
Brandon Johnston
September 8, 2009
I met Dave while stationed in Japan in 2001. He loved life, and was one of the most outgoing people I met there. He would make the most amazing coffee from his room, and loved to cook on the grill and show of his skills at the BBQ. He was outgoing and had a great sense of humor, he will be missed greatly, I am truly saddened with the news of his untimely death and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and many friends.
HM2(FMF) Scott Reid
May 18, 2009
I met Dave when I got stationed back at 2D Dental BN. He was a very funny and outgoing person. He will be truly missed.
Norma Lane
May 2, 2009
Davids gift to all he encountered was his friendship. His leadership and guidance at Landstuhl, Germany during my second year while deployed there was truly heaven sent. He expressed his love for his family and shared his contagious happiness and zeal for life. My deepest condolences go out to his parents,sister and friends around the world.
Michelle and Robert Kent
April 28, 2009
I met Dave in 1996 when I sponsered him to Pensacola,FL. I worked with Dave as a dental tech at The Naval Denatl Center in Pensacola. Dave aslo lived with my husband, Robert, and I for a few months. Living together and working together every day, as well as hanging out in all of our free time my husband, Robert, and I became very close friends with Dave.
We have the same fond memories of Dave that everyone else has shared....he was very friendly and kind to all. I don't beleive he knew an enemy.
We moved from Pensacola to Panama City but maintained our close frienship with Dave. Later we moved to K.C. MO where we currently reside and have kept in touch with Dave ever since. We are still shocked by his sudden passing and can't believe we won't actually see Dave Ryder again. We do believe his great memories that he left with all of us will live on. He was definitely one of a kind a we will miss him!
We send our deepest sympathy to his family who we know he loved very much. You must be so proud to know he touched the lives of so many people. God bless.
Deborah Murphy
April 25, 2009
I also served with Dave in Landstuhl, Germany, and he was one of my neighbors down the hall on Vogelweh. I remember him fondly, especially his outgoing personality and special rapport with the patients at LRMC. Some specific memories I have are chatting while waiting outside of Bldg. 1039 every evening for that (AWFUL!) bus to go to the hospital, and Dave would take "dinner orders" on the night shift and run to the cafeteria to get the patients hot sandwiches because the dinner trays arrived to the ward at something ridiculous like 4 or 5 p.m. and the injured soldiers would be STARVING by midnight...He was very thoughtful and funny. He will be missed!
Nancy Matos
April 23, 2009
I was a total shock to me when I saw Davids’ picture on a board at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany announcing his death! I can’t believe he is gone! He befriended me when I was a sad and lonely patient at LRMC. David took such good care of me for the two week I sent recovering from my life threatening injury. He would even come in on his days off to visit his patients…. He was just that kind of caring guy! Thru tears I type this and hope the Ryder family can find peace knowing that David was the kind of professional that went above and beyond his call of duty by caring for his patients… I remember him gathering all of us patients to go for what he would call a “Field Trip” which meant midnight eating at the cafeteria in the hospital, that was always fun! I that God the after I was release from my 2 week stent in the hospital, David and I became good friend and went out to dinner with the new and still in-patients from the hospital. This has been really hard for me to know he really is gone! I looked at his phone number on my cell phone yesterday and just cried, but I know with his loving and caring heart, he has earned his place in heaven and I hope to see him there one day! To the Ryder family…. You raised a kind hearted son, which has for ever more changed people’s lives for the good no matter where he went. I know that this world has lost a true hero in David Ryder!
I miss you Dave!
April 22, 2009
I can't tell you how sorry I was to hear about Dave. My heart, sympathy and prayers go out to you all. I only knew Dave for short time but always loved his zest for life and sense of humor. He always made you feel comfortable and relaxed when he was around....especially in the dentist chair! I know he will be missed by many.
May God Bless You,
Pamela Peaks
OHSU Det C, Raleigh, North Carolina
CJ Strange
April 21, 2009
Dave,I am saddened by your passing but happy that I had the pleasure and the joy to know you. You will be missed by all. My condolences to the family. Know that your son did a wonderful thing, not only in the Navy but to those around him. He was a wonderful friend and a caring person and touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with.
Goodbye Shipmate and Friend
Bob Etheridge
April 20, 2009
My sincerest condolences to the Ryder family in the great loss of Dave. My heart and my prayers go out to all of you.
I first met Dave in 1991 when he was a young, goofy E-3 in the Navy at Kings Bay, GA, and was always entertained by his stories of his loving family and of his exploits.
I was reunited with Dave in 2004 at Camp Lejeune, NC, and was very pleased that he had matured, had become a second class petty officer and was an empathetic leader who was greatly respected by those with whom he served.
Everyone who knew Dave has a multitude of stories to tell about him. The common thread seems to be that he was funny, friendly and fair.
My favorite Kings Bay story involved me driving his pride and joy. Dave was very proud of his car and made the mistake of insisting that I drive his "souped up" Talon. At first I really babied it, but put the pedal to the metal when we hit the interstate cloverleaf on-ramp. Dave turned white as a sheet as the tires squealed and the engine revved. He had no idea his car would corner like that! He never asked me to get behind the wheel again, for some strange reason.
I am honored that Dave took his time to befriend me and will miss him very much.
I know you will miss him greatly, but please be comforted by the fact that he had a positive influence on the many folks with whom he came in contact and that he will be missed by friends all over the world, attested to in part by these guestbook entries.
May God bless your family.
Stephanie Murrel
April 20, 2009
My deepest prayers and condolences to the Ryder family. Dave and I came into contact in the early 90's at KingsBay Ga and we crossed paths again at Camp Lejeune. Dave was always fun to be around and he always had something to say that would make me smile. I will definitely miss him.
Christina Gamez
April 20, 2009
The loss of David Ryder saddens me deeply. I will never forget how he truly loved life and lived it to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My deepest condolences to the Ryder family.
Peggy Brooks
April 20, 2009
I can't help but to remember what a great friend and colleague Dave was. If it had to do with work or with my personal life, he was always there for me. He was there for me though the most difficult times of my life. He was always willing to listen. Thank you Dave!
I truly welcomed his raw honesty, advice and the ability he had to speak his mind. I admired that he always lived life to the fullest.
When he offered to lend a hand, it was definitely from his heart but, with some humor along the way of course!
I remember the time, I had Orthonathic Surgery. While he waited, he wandered the hospital hallways, spoke to a few nurses and made a friend or two. For the people that knew him...you know this is true! I can picture his blue eyes, his smile and the little giggle behind it all...
On the way to Monika's house, he stopped at Burger King to buy me a milk shake...doctor?s orders. I asked him if he had a paper towel because I started drooling. Knowing him, he didn't want me to get blood on his leather seats. He reached back inside his gym bag and pulled the first item that was on top. I have to say, even though, I was still groggy and out of it, I managed to ask him if his underwear were clean. Dave, of course, gave me his famous smirk and giggled!...
When we arrived to Monika's house, he fed me crushed Percocet along with my milkshake for the pain and gave me the nick name.....Angelina Jolie...because my lips were swollen.
After that day, he came by to see me everyday after work to feed me crushed Percocet and to be my "Personal Corpsman". We laughed so much about this story??
Dave had the ability to make you laugh no matter what. I loved that about him. All I had to do when I was having a bad day is call Dave.
Time and time again, he managed to touch my heart in one way or the other. I will continue to tell his stories so, he will always be remembered. We have a lot of funny ones?..
I feel very privileged to have met Dave. He definitely touched my life in many ways and I will cherish every moment we spent together. I will always remember him as a good friend that was always there for me in good and in bad times. He will always have a special place in my heart and will be truly missed. Thank you Dave for being you and for having such a huge heart! I miss you!
Ray Brandt
April 19, 2009
Dave was more than one of my fellow co-workers he was one of my dearest friends. I served with him in Camp Lejeune and will never forget how much of a friend he was. I am in disbelief that it could happen to such a friendly and outgoing person. My condolences to the Ryder family. I will miss you Dave.
Lindsay Montgomery
April 19, 2009
It is very sad to hear about Dave. My prayers go out to his family. We will miss him so. When I was stationed with 2D Dental BN at Camp Lejeune, NC it was a pleasure to serve with Dave. He always had a smile on his face and made sure others did too.
HM2 Albert Rocker
April 19, 2009
I served with Ryder at the end of his tour at New River. I cant possible say how great a person he was to everyone he came in contact with. I will never forget his smile and sense of humor. Dave was a great friend to all those that knew him and he leaves a great void in the hearts of all of us. I wish I could be more like you Dave and I will never forget you.
Carlston Daniels
April 19, 2009
My deepest condolences go out to the Ryder family. I worked with David while he was stationes at 2D Dental Battalion, Camp Lejuene, NC. He was a great person. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
Brenda Muscella
April 17, 2009
I had the pleasure of meeting Dave, when I took his spot over at Camp Johnson. From then on we had formed a friendship, he is one of the only people that I know who wasn't afraid to be himself and didn't care what anyone else thought. He was someone that I admired and had many strong points, he will truly be missed. My condolences go out to his family and I will keep them in my prayers.
AMIRO ROMAN
April 17, 2009
APRIL 17,2009
I HAVE THE HONOR TO SHARE GOOD MOMENTS WITH
DAVE SINCE I CAME HER TO JACLSONVILLE NC,DAVE WAS THE FIRST FRIEND THAT MEET I JACKSONVILLE AND WE SHARE GREAT MOMENTS
TODAY I WAS INFORM THAT DAVE PASS AWAY AND IM TAKING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS PARENTS AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS,DAVE WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND LEADER FOR MOST OF THE PEOPLE LIKE ME, THAT HAVE THE GREAT PLEASURE TO KNOW HIM,I ALWAYS GOING TO REMEBER YOU AS GOOD FRIEND.
Sandra Tisdale
April 17, 2009
My deepest condolences. Ryder and I worked together at both New River Dental and Camp Johnson Dental. He was always willing to lend a hand when needed. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
Samuel Ramos
April 17, 2009
Dave, to a great friend and neighbor, you will always have a place in my heart. When I think about all that you had accomplished here in Germany, I smile. I am glad that you were a part of my life in Germany. My condolences are to the Ryder Family & all his friends round the world. I only know him for a short time and I feel like I have know him for my whole life. To a brother, friend and shipmate.
Boyd Trammell
April 17, 2009
You had a great impact on all you came across with and always shared a smile and caring attitude. You are truly missed round the world. Thank you for sharing your time with others!
Dena Wolfe
April 17, 2009
My heart aches for the loss of our friend, shipmate, brother, son, and companion. We suffer a loss, but God has gained a Saint to sit beside him.
We will all miss you, my friend. We will miss your funny laugh, your generous nature, and your zest for life. I will always remember what you did for our wounded warriors and patients, especially our Marius.
May God be with your family and friends. We all know you are just fine, beside the Lord, waiting on the rest of us. Bless you, my friend.
Helena Hassan
April 17, 2009
I am saddened by the death of such a wonderful person. I worked here at the Landstuhl Hospital in Germany with Dave and everytime I saw Dave he always had something nice to say and he was always in good spirit. Thank you Dave for always putting a smile on my face and for being such a wonderful person....my condolences to your family...you will be missed.
John Hughes
April 17, 2009
I am truly saddened by the news of Dave's passing - I was deployed to Germany with him as well and had the privilege of working alongside him on 10C/D and seeing firsthand the caring and compassion he had for his patients and shipmates. His personal attention was responsible for one patient's remarkable turnaround and eased the stay of many others. He was my friend and will be sorely missed, but I know he has a special place in Heaven.
LT LaTrice Fowler
April 16, 2009
I served with Dave in Jacksonville NC. He was so funny and clearly loved life. He would tell the funniest stories that had everyone dying at the front desk. I remember him and HM3 Moore constantly arguing at the clinic and then we would meet at Prada's later and be there until 3 the next morning just hanging out...I can honestly say that he helped me so much when we worked together at Camp Johnson. Dave brought energy and life to anyone he came into contact with and I can attest to that personally. There were times when I had duty for 24 hours and he would keep my boys for me. I am so thankful to have known him for those two years. He's the type of friend you wish you could have around always. I am constantly praying for your family and I hope God blesses you all.
Melissa Osburn
April 16, 2009
I was shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. May the Lord hold you in his hands during this difficult time.
Dave and I met while working in the New River Dental family. He treated me as a member of the group from day one. I later learned this was his norm as he was a man of great character who quickly became a friend to everyone he met. He loved his family and friends and showed it by the way he lived. A sweet, generous man, he will be sorrowly missed.
For all of the good you brought to everyone who knew you, Dave, thank you...you are an inspiration!
RP2 Alice Jones
April 16, 2009
Dave,
You were a true friend to me when I needed one during the last few days of our deployment. I know we didn't know each other for very long but I will miss you always. You were right...everything will be OK. Thank you again for your stories, advice, and a lesson on how to drive crazy on California highways.
Alvin Mondragon
April 16, 2009
Dave my dear friend I will truly miss you. You were always there for me even during my darkest hrs in Germany. You were always willing to listen and make me laugh. I will miss and you will always be in my prayers and your parents.
Alan Huessy
April 16, 2009
Dave and I worked together last year at an Army Hospital in Germany. We didn't socialize much off duty because I am an officer and he was enlisted. On the job, however, he didn't let my being an officer get in the way of his being my friend. We had numerous long and pleasant discussions. We shared so many common viewpoints that I can truely say "he was a man after my own heart". He was honest, upbeat, direct, and fun to be around. I missed him when he left Germany at the end of his tour, and it saddens me that now so many more people will be missing this genuinely nice and good man.
Cyndi McKenzie
April 16, 2009
Ryder you were a great friend to me. You was always there to listen to me whenever I needed to talk. You made it known from day one that you were my new neighbor and that I could always count on you. Words can not even express how I'm feeling right now. Your work here on earth has been done. We all love you here but God loved you more. You will be truly missed. To the family, friends, and shipmates of HM2 Dave Ryder, my condolences are with you.....
Lois HM1 Rodriguez
April 16, 2009
We will all remember a great shipmate.
Linda Harris
April 16, 2009
The time we spent together in Germany caring for the wounded....the mark that we made together will last for generations. Dave, the conversations, the laughs, we shared will be a part of me. I will remember my neighbor, just two doors down (at Vogelweh, GE), fondly. My condolences to his family and friends, my prayers are with you all.
Angelyn Lincey
April 16, 2009
My deepest condolences to the family of David. I met David through my husband, Lincey. My boys instantly fell in love with him. He had my boys calling him Uncle Dave. They were so young at that time, I don't think they'll remember, but I'm sure their daddy will help them to remember their "Uncle Dave". May God continue to keep you in palm of his hands.
Mildred Owings
April 16, 2009
We will miss a great Sailor. My prayers go out to the family during this time of sorrow.
Dorothy Ecaldre
April 16, 2009
Dave is a remarkable person. He's always ready to lend a helping hand to anybody.
Dave, in the short time that we've spent together you gave me the respect and courage to believe in myself. You once told me to make the best out of each day and never worry about the future. So, I know that even though you left too soon, you did just that. You lived your life to the fullest and made a difference in the lives of the people you met, cared for and loved.
My condolences to his family.
HM1 Calvin Griffitts USN
April 16, 2009
Shipmate, you will be missed.
To your family I pray that God will grant you peace and calm through this storm. Try to look beyond the grey shadows and look to the light of God's love and the memories that will bring a smile of love back to your faces.
Jerry, Agnes & Debra Oden
April 15, 2009
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Monique
April 15, 2009
I am deeply saddened by the death od Dave. I was deployed with Dave in Germany. He will be missed greatly. Whenever I saw him he always had a smile on his face. My deepest sympathies go out to his friends and family.
Jeanne Downey
April 15, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of need. He will be deeply missed by all.
michelle khouri
April 15, 2009
My sincere condolences to Dave´s Family and friends. Thanks Dave for always be there for me and gave me the support I needed at Jackson Ville, NC.
Siempre estaras en nuestros corazones.
Kris Willard
April 15, 2009
I am so very sorry to hear of your great loss. I worked with Dave at Camp Johnson Dental Clinic, but you would have thought Dave was working for me! He took such individual care with each one of us. He always made you feel you were important to him, when truly it was the other way around. His kind personallity allowed him to make friends easily and he always spoke with happiness about his family and friends. We knew that as he began his next adventure in Germany, we also would be remembered thru his stories! May you, his family be wrapped in our prayers.
Sabrina Cromratie-Harris
April 15, 2009
I want to express my deepest condolences to the Ryder family. Dave and I worked at Camp Johnson Dental Clinic in Jacksonville NC for over two years. In those two years of my life, I embraced a friend and a big brother. Dave will truly be missed. My prayers are with you
April 15, 2009
April 15, 2009
I want to send my deepest sympathy to the Ryder family. I met Dave at the New River Dental clinic in Jacksonville NC during his tour. He was joy to work with, he always spoke his mind and I really enjoyed that about him. He will truly be missed by all of us that knew him. He always talked about how much he loved his family. God be with his family and friends.
~ Jackie James, Jacksonville , North Carolina
Garnett Lincey
April 15, 2009
Dave, I met you September 7, 1991 at Kings Bay Dental dental clinic. We became very close over the years. I remember hiding Dr. Wolfgangs bicycles for our own enjoyment. We even switched cars when we wanted to go other places and not get caught.
I remember when Captain Ethridge took your Eagle Talon for a spin and you admitted to me a year later that you were scared of his driving. Man we have laughed until we have cried at some of the things we have done. But like we promised we would never speak of those things.
Dave remember the trip to Atlanta, I began to call you my brother of a lighter color. We never had a problem because of our race we just did things together to laugh. Dee's little sister became a great driver after you spent time with her in Atlanta she has always talked about that. Dave I could go on and on but I can't keep it together always remember your bro G.T.
Bruce Doll
April 15, 2009
For over a year, Dave volunteered to be separated from the family and home he loved. He served honorably with other Navy, Army and Air Force personnel caring for the wounded who arrived from down range. His efforts significantly impacted the lives of those he cared for and those whom he served with. Serving with him was an enriching experience. Please accept my condolences.
Very Respectfully,
Kera Mayfield
April 15, 2009
Dave, I met you in Jacksonville and you knew you were my favorite at dental. I'm glad I got the chance to have you touch my life. My condolences to all his family and friends. You will be missed.
Anastasia Brown
April 14, 2009
I want to give my sincere condolences to Dave's family. Dave was a very good friend to me, as well as a shipmate. He was always willing to give me a helping hand when my husband was deployed, when I lived in Fayetteville. I will always treasure the times went spent together. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Love Anastasia
Paula Hernandez
April 14, 2009
Dave, although i only knew you for a short time it felt as if we had been good old friends. Thank you for your advise and for listening whenever I needed a friend. I will miss you.
Keyla Cooper
April 14, 2009
Dave, you will be missed. Good times with you at Emerald Isle & at Peggy's house. Thank you. My deepest condolences to all who knew you. Cuidate mucho y que Papito Dios te tenga en su Gloria.
Michele Cole
April 14, 2009
I met Dave in Germany, Dec 2007. I am an Australian Air Force nurse who had gone to Germany to organise for the repatriation of one of our Army members. On the way up to the hospital one morning, I got hit by a car while crossing a street and ended up as a patient with pretty serious injuries on the ward where Dave was working.
There were a number of memorable people working on that ward, but Dave was one of the top memorable people for me. I have a number of stories that I could tell you about Dave in that short time I was there but I will keep it short. I had only been in Germany 2 days prior to my accident and had only really had the time to get some sleep and organise the retrieval for my patient. Being a single mother with 2 teenage boys, Dave took the time out to do some souvenir shopping for me so I had something to take home to my boys and wouldn't take any money from me to cover the costs. The outstanding gifts that Dave got for me included a coffee cup that has "I survived Germany" stencilled on it. We laughed a lot over it and it has continued to cause laughter from everyone who knows the story. He and Edwin Singh also took me (helped me escape!!) out of the ward when I was well enough to get hot chocolates at the hospital cafe.
Dave was a very generous soul and I am very sorry to hear of his death.
Please accept my condolences.
Amy Johnson
April 14, 2009
I will miss you. I don't know if I could have made it through the Germany deployment without you to keep me even. I don't think there was much time off duty that we did not spend together. I have gotten many phone calls from others on NEMU 08. They all expressed simalar sentiments. I will miss you...end of story.
LeeAnn Weeden
April 14, 2009
It saddens my heart to see such a beautiful person leave us so soon. Dave was a wonderful friend and sailor. Although we only knew each other for a short while, I saw how he touched the hearts and lives of many. I pray that all of our wonderful memories with Dave will give solice to everyone who knew him, during this time of sorrow. I will miss our talks, his hugs, his upbeat look on life, and is goofy little giggle. My deepest condolences to all who knew him.
Liz Hicks
April 14, 2009
PAT,
I am truely sorry for your loss. I for one can tell you I know your pain.My sympathy to all of your family. You are in our prayers. liz & family
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