Ryan Hernandez

Ryan Joseph Hernandez, 53, passed away on February 16, 2025, in New Town, North Dakota. Born on June 24, 1971, in Bakersfield, California, Ryan lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and an unwavering belief in faith and perseverance.

Ryan began his education at Richland School in Shafter, California, before attending West High School in Bakersfield. He graduated in 1991 from the Kern High School District and later earned numerous job-related certifications that enabled him to pursue various career opportunities. His industrious nature was evident from an early age-he started working in the grocery industry while still in high school before becoming an independent carpet cleaner. When he became a father, he sought more lucrative opportunities in Bakersfield's oil industry, taking on roles in sales, rig work, and truck driving. In 2016, he moved to North Dakota to work in the booming oil fields and eventually achieved his dream of owning his own business. He founded Braxton Transportation Service, named after his grandson, and took great pride in running his own oil field trucking company.

Ryan's love for sports was lifelong. As a child, he excelled in baseball, football, track and field, BMX bike racing and skateboarding. He won many trophies including first place for breakdancing. In high school, he excelled in basketball but his competitive spirit led him to the state championships in wrestling. Later in life, he enjoyed golf and surfing but always maintained his passion for skateboarding. A dedicated fan of the LA Chargers and NY Yankees, he also remained health-conscious and invested in gym equipment to maintain his fitness.

Faith played a significant role in Ryan's life. Raised Catholic, he was baptized at St. Joseph Church in Bakersfield in 1971 and completed his First Communion at St. Therese Church in Shafter in 1979. As an adult, he attended Christian non-denominational congregations and deepened his spiritual beliefs through daily scripture readings with a Christian mentor. He often shared these scriptures with family and friends and expressed great joy to his mother upon being saved.

Ryan was known for his loving and affectionate nature. His smile and distinct laugh could fill a room with warmth and enthusiasm. He cherished his family beyond measure and took immense pride in his children's resilience and accomplishments. As a hardworking blue-collar man, he especially loved his grandchildren and found great joy in watching them play sports. He was a loving son, brother, nephew, and uncle. Generous, brave, and driven by ambition, Ryan never wavered from what he believed was right but never failed to recognize his mistakes and seek forgiveness when needed. His belief in faith extended beyond religion-he had faith in restoration, faith in others, and faith that harmony could always be achieved. His message to those around him was one of holding onto beliefs while never forgetting the importance of forgiveness.

Ryan is survived by his son Brock and daughter-in-law Samantha; grandsons Braxton and Brooks Anama; daughter Taylor and son-in-law John Grealish; daughter Jaidyn Sallee and grandsons Zekiel and Zayne Rodriguez; mother Sandra Florez; father Joe Hernandez; sister Micaela Hernandez along with nieces Rheanna Hernandez and Jerika Prado plus three grand-nieces; brothers Matthew Garcia and Jason Hernandez with a host of nieces and nephews; as well as three aunts, two uncles, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Stella and David Florez and Marcelino and Jenny Hernandez; uncle Robert Florez; and cousin Greg Breedlove.

A memorial service will be held on April 4, 2025, at Family Community Fellowship located at 10700 Brimhall Rd., Bakersfield, California 93312. The service will begin at 10:30 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location at 12:00 PM.

Ryan's legacy of resilience, faith, and love will live on through those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to all who were touched by his life.