Ryan McElrath

Ryan Hughes McElrath

Entered eternal peace on Friday November 22, 2024, at the age of 49, after a difficult battle with mental health struggles. He leaves behind his beloved wife Tobie Marie Corban, and his adoring daughters, Sarah and Laurel Grace. Dear son of Margaret and Randall McElrath and son-in-law of Lieutenant Colonel William J. Corban, Glenda Corban, and the late Lynda B. Fowler. Dear brother-in-law of Jeff Corban (Ashley) and Gregg Corban, and uncle of Blake, Anna, Jake and Tripp. Loving nephew of Sarah DeForest and Thomas Rodman. Beloved cousin of Enrique (Jennifer) Breceda, Allisun (Scott) Morgan, Chris McElrath, Linda Call and cherished "Uncle" to Faolan Breceda, Micah and Aidan Morgan, and Erin Call. He is now reunited in Heaven with his loving grandparents, Mary and Thomas Rodman, and Joseph and Marguerite McElrath. Ryan will be lovingly remembered by his many wonderful friends and missed by a large network of very close, esteemed colleagues.

Ryan was born on May 9, 1975, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and he grew up along the shores of Lake Michigan in a small urban suburb called Shorewood where he made dear, life-long childhood friends. As the son of a successful concert promoter, Ryan naturally grew up going to (and working at) concerts and events, learning early on the joy and craft of curating memorable experiences for others. He graduated from Shorewood High School in 1993 and was captain of the tennis team. Ryan continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating with a bachelor's degree in political science. Following in his father's footsteps, after college Ryan began working in the music industry, starting at Cellar Door North Central, which was eventually acquired by Live Nation.

While at Live Nation, Ryan worked his way up in a variety roles and markets, including South Carolina, Washington DC, Chicago, and Pittsburgh before moving to the Live Nation corporate office in Beverly Hills, California. At the corporate offices Ryan started as a booking assistant to the then North America President, eventually joining the touring division, representing many of Live Nation's Top touring artists. He ascended to become one of the senior executives in the company and his most recent position was Sr. Vice President Touring where he traveled the world with many top selling musical artists and tours.

Ryan's family spent summers in northern Michigan, at their family's cottage on Glen Lake, swimming, hiking, sailing, waterskiing and playing in the beautiful outdoors. Ryan was a great athlete and tennis player with a power serve that bested his most challenging competitors, including his grandfather, mother and cousin Enrique. He loved family ping-pong games and had a deep passion for golf, especially playing rounds with family and close friends.

Ryan had a conversational gift that allowed him to command the room in many different circles. He was a leader, mentor and cherished colleague, serving as a catalyst for many industry careers. He was generous, smart, quick-witted and an avid Packer, Bucks and Badger fan, and always found joy in creating memories for those he loved.

Most of all, Ryan was proud of his beautiful daughters, not only for their athleticism in tennis (Sarah) and volleyball (Laurel), but also for the smart, kind, successful women they are becoming.

A memorial is being planned to celebrate Ryan's life that will take place at a date and location soon to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Ryan's name be made to the charity of your choice.