Philip Ryan Olson Gonzales

Philip Ryan Olson Gonzales, of Edina Minnesota, passed away on July 21, 2022. He was 23 years old. Our family is in deep sorrow. He was our everything. He was born on November 23, 1998 in Minneapolis Minnesota to Philip Agustin Gonzales and April Beth Olson. Philip Ryan is survived by his older sister Alanna Paloma Gonzales and his grandmother Sandra Olson ("Peeta"). He lived in a loving family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is predeceased by his grandfather Richard Olson, his grandfather Federico Gonzales, and his grandmother Anna M. Gonzales.

After graduating from Edina High School in 2017, Philip Ryan attended the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind (2017-2020), with music as his main focus. He excelled in Special Olympics, winning gold medals in track and field, as well as bowling. He used a wide variety of musical styles - from Stevie Wonder to Beethoven - to communicate his inner joy in life. Philip Ryan played beautiful harmonica, drums, and brass. In high school Philip Ryan was a joyful participant in unified theater - Theater for All. Despite suffering from a rare congenital Muscular Dystrophy disease, Philip Ryan always found joy in life. In this way, he generously gave his spirit to everyone around him, making us all better people; truly a master teacher. His determination and strength emphasized the importance of life itself.

Philip Ryan was a kind, sweet, loving son. He was a devoted brother, and a friend to all. He had an easy, bright smile and a sophisticated sense of humor. Philip Ryan helped everyone around him keep a youthful vision, experiencing the world with wonder. He knew that being different takes courage.

His passions are God, family, friends, peace, making his own music, listening to Bach, and animals. Philip Ryan was a faithful, devout Catholic disciple. Psalm 47:1 describes his view of life, "Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout unto God with a voice of triumph."

We invite you to remember Philip Ryan, the most amazing son, a passionately loving brother, and friend to many. If you can attend, save the date. If not, please think of him and us during this time.

Friday, August 12, 2022 there will be a service. Visitation at 10:00am, Funeral Mass at 11:00am. Basilica of Saint Mary, 1600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55403. Web site: https://www.mary.org/

Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55408. Web site: https://www.lakewoodcemetery.org/

The reception will be at Thomson-Dougherty Funeral Home, 2535 Park Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55404. Web site: http://thomson-dougherty.com/web/Receptions.htm

At the service, we suggest wearing comfortable clothing in light colors.

We strongly suggest COVID tests the day before.

In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations.