Mitchel Ryder

Mitchel Glenn Ryder died on June 2, 2025, after battling years of congestive heart
failure, abdominal disease, and in the past year Dementia. Mitch passed peacefully at
home at Carpe Diem farm in Oregon City, Oregon.
Mitch was born December 17, 1951 in Boise, Idaho, as the third child of Naomi and
Glenn Ryder. The family moved from Boise to Portland, where Mitch graduated from
High School and Community College. After working at a print shop for a few years,
Mitch joined his father and uncle as an owner-worker at the Lynnton Plywood Mill, on
the Willamette River. He credits his time at the Plywood Mill for teaching him to respect
the danger in running equipment, resulting in his strong practice of caution. Mitch loved
working with and operating machinery, always in the process of fixing some piece of
equipment.
In the late 1990's Mitch took a strong interest in genealogy, which grew into a full time
hobby. Days were filled with work on Carpe Diem farm and evenings with extensive
research. Mitch credited his study of genealogy with supplying him research tools that
revealed the stories behind his Grandpa Wilson's experiences in World War I. Mitch
discovered many fascinating stories revolving around his Grandfather Wilson, including
his involvement in the famous battle at Belleau Woods where he was severely wounded
with mustard gas. Mitch and his wife visited the Belleau Woods forest in France, a trip
that was dear to him. Mitch eventually became a "go-to" expert among amateur
historians of the First World War, with his website on the 2nd Division being admired by
many. During his last days, Mitch passed on the years of collected information to a
nephew.
Mitch was a calm, quiet individual with a strong presence. He is greatly missed. Mitch is
survived by his wife, Michele Pouliot, his son Troy Kunz, his daughter Monique Baker,
his older brother James Ryder, several grandchildren, and numerous nieces and
nephews who held him dear.