RYON DAVID OWNBEY

Ryon David Ownbey, age 50, of Olympia, Washington, passed away on March 14, 2026, at Providence St. Peter Hospital.

Ryon was born in Moscow, Idaho, and grew up in several cities and states as his family moved over the years. He lived in Washington, Utah, Illinois, Tennessee, and Idaho.

More than anything, Ryon loved his family and his roots in Idaho. He knew that no matter where he lived, he could return to Potlatch and feel like he was home. He had the kindest heart. He was always caring and supportive of his friends and family and always had positive words of encouragement for the people he loved. Though he did not have children, he spoke about leaving a legacy through the stories he created in film and books.

He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Watkins College of Art, Design and Film in Nashville, Tennessee. His passion for the arts was central to his life-more important to him than any traditional career path-and he dedicated much of his time to pursuing them.

Ryon was an artist. A filmmaker, a painter, a photographer and a writer. He dabbled in all the arts but his true and first love was making movies. He chased his dream of making himself immortalized with his art. It's the fantasy of many that few even take the first step in trying. He allowed himself to be vulnerable, which takes courage.

In 2013, Ryon created the documentary Singles in Seattle, a two-volume series exploring what it means to be single in modern society. Through interviews with singles and dating professionals, the film examined whether true love is meant for everyone or if some people are destined to walk life's path alone.

Ryon's love of filmmaking extended far beyond his own creative projects. He often had a camera in his hand, documenting countless moments in the lives of family and friends. Thanks to his dedication, his family has a rich collection of memories preserved on video-moments that might otherwise have been lost to time. Ryon also shared his talents with the community, filming the Junior Miss pageant for many years so participants and families could relive those special occasions.

Ryon also wrote several books. Among them was I Was a Teenage Know Nothing, a reflection on his teenage years in the 1990s and the lessons he learned growing up. He collaborated with a good friend to write Involuntary Warriors: The High School in the Sky. He also wrote Three Evil Ghosts, a story about infamous villains from history returning in spectral form with a diabolical plan that has far reaching consequences. Recently, with the availability of AI tools, Ryon also enjoyed creating and illustrating a playful cat book series called Pawsitive Poems.

One of the books he created that was closest to his and his family's heart was Little Dog Terpy and Hobyahs, inspired by a story cherished by his mother's side of the family. It was one his maternal grandmother, June Warner, told many times to Ryon and all her grandchildren.

Ryon also had a lifelong love of motorcycles that began in childhood. During one family Christmas at his paternal grandparents, Ralph and Phyllis Ownbey's home, he received his first bike-a Honda 80. He rode that motorcycle every summer for years, developing a passion for riding that stayed with him throughout his life. Not long after high school, he made his first motorcycle purchase. One of his latest and most memorable adventures included acquiring a 2005 Honda Shadow Aero 750 cc, riding it home from Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and documenting the journey on video. Ryon loved to be at peace and in recent years, often found that riding his motorcycle along the backroads around the Olympia area, enjoying the solitude, scenery, and sense of adventure that motorcycles always brought him.

His employer shared with the family that Ryon was a valued member of their team. He was known for his compassion, especially in serving veterans and the Olympia community, and for consistently trying to do the right thing. He made a meaningful impact, and he will be remembered.

Ryon's life reminds us of the importance of pursuing your passions, embracing your creativity, and deeply loving your friends and family. His stories and the memories he captured will be cherished for many years to come.

Ryon is survived by his mother, Trixie Harmon; his father, Duane Ownbey; his brother, Cameron Ownbey; his sister, Nicole Antich; and his nephew, Beck Antich, along with many extended family members who will miss him dearly.

A Funeral Service will be held at Freeze Church in Potlatch, Idaho, on March 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Following the service, Family and friends will be gathering at Aunt Irene Bain's home for refreshments. Her address is 310 Cedar Street, Potlatch, Idaho.

Ryon's burial will take place at 10 a.m., the following Sunday, March 29, at Freeze Cemetery, Potlatch.

If you desire to order flowers, please order them from NW Pharmacy & Floral at 208-875-1212 no later than Thursday, March 26.

Kramer Funeral Home, Palouse, WA is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at www.kramercares.com