Brendan James Ryan

Brendan James Ryan

February 20, 1990 - October 21, 2024

Brendan James Ryan, 34, of Linden, MI, passed away on October 21st, 2024.

Brendan Ryan was born in Detroit to Jim Ryan and Lynne Standley. He was a lively kid who loved playing soccer and club hockey. After graduating from Churchill High School, Brendan got an Associate Degree in Graphic Design from Schoolcraft College. He then played ice and roller hockey at Grand Valley State University and graduated with a degree in Sports Management. Brendan served as an assistant coach for Schoolcraft College hockey and later became the head hockey coach for Saginaw Valley State University, where he won the Michigan Collegiate Hockey Conference Coach of the Year award. He kept his love for sports alive by playing volleyball, golf, and hockey with his friends.

Brendan was also a music lover. He started playing the drums in elementary school with the jazz band. He was the drummer and a founding member of the band Pangea in high school. He was also on the drumline at Churchill High School. Brendan also played in the jazz band at Grand Valley.

Working in sales the past several years, Brendan's amiable personality easily engaged his customers, a talent which was recognized by his colleagues.

Brendan is survived by his parents, his brother Matt Ryan, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and a multitude of close friends and colleagues. He was known for making friends with everyone he met and being the life of the party. Brendan will be deeply missed, but he'll always inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves.