Matthew Van Ryan

Matthew Van Ryan, at just 19 years old, Matt was an unforgettable soul who left this world far too soon on January 11, 2026. Matthew was born on December 13, 2006, in Highland Park, Illinois, to Martin and Sacha (nee Hepkema) Ryan. He is survived by Parents, Martin Ryan, Sacha (nee Hepkema) Ryan, his Grandparents Wally Hepkema and Kristine Reis, Aunts and Uncles Bryan Hepkema, Jennifer Ryan, Michael Ryan (Christine), William C. Reis IV (Jamie), and Cousins Kristen Ryan, Kevin Ryan, Bea Hepkema, Luke Johnson, Isaac Johnson, and William C. Reis V. Preceded in death by Grandmother, Sam Hepkema, Grandfather, William C. Reis III, and Uncles Matthew Ryan, and Mark Ryan.
Matthew grew up in Glenview, Illinois, and graduated from Glenbrook South High School.
Matthew was a people person, loyal friend, an athlete and loved music. He spread happiness to those around him with his radiant, joyful smile that made others want to smile too. He was a passionate teammate and gifted competitor while speed skating, playing basketball, baseball and soccer, making friends wherever he went.
Matt lived life with passion and intensity, loving hard and giving fully to everything and everyone he cared about. Music was his heartbeat - he had a gift for words, he wrote rap lyrics that reflected intelligence, intuition, and insight far beyond his years.
Matt was a genuine and loyal friend - the kind who truly listened when people spoke, and who showed up without question. Funny, spicy, and full of personality, conversations with him were never dull. He loved talking with people, connecting deeply, and making others feel seen and heard.
Matt was smart and remarkably intuitive, he had an ability to read a room, understand emotions, and offer wisdom in moments it was needed most. His laughter was contagious, his loyalty unwavering, and his love fierce.
"There are special people in our lives that never leave us, even after they are gone."
Matt will be deeply missed and forever loved.
A Celebration of Life will be held at N.H. Scott & Hanekemp Funeral Home, from 2:00-6:00pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Glenview, Illinois. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northbrook Speedskating Club.