After a courageous 21-month battle with cancer Ryan Brown, age 50, passed away peacefully, on April 25, 2022, in his home surrounded by family and friends.

Ryan will join several family members in the Kingdom of Heaven: His mom, Doris Brown, his paternal grandparents, Robert and Kathrine Brown, his maternal grandparents, Francis and Patricia Bippes, and James and Anne Bell. He will also be reunited with other family members that preceded him in death.

Left to cherish his memory are his husband, Stephen Canova, his dad, Daniel Brown, his Arizona dad, and mom Dwaine and Janet Canova, his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Carri Brown, his sister-in-law Laura Canova, his brother-in-law, Ryan Canova, his nephews, Tyler Brown and Zachery Brown, and his nieces Hannah Brown and Kallee Joy Whitson. He will also be missed by many uncles, aunts, cousins, and countless friends.

Ryan was born on December 5, 1971, in Pasco, where he lived until the family moved to Spokane in 1979. Ryan graduated from Shadle Park and then from Eastern Washington University with a degree in Finance. Shortly after graduating from Eastern, he moved to Phoenix to join the compliance department at Charles Schwab. While in Phoenix Ryan met his soul mate Stephen Canova. They were together for 17 years before recently getting married on January 7, 2022. After spending many years in Phoenix Ryan and Stephen moved to Portland, Oregon, where they eventually purchased a home together after spending time living the condo life. While in Portland Ryan moved on from Charles Schwab to join Umpqua Bank as a compliance manager. When Umpqua Bank sold its investment banking division to Steward Partners Ryan was one of the few employees they kept on.

Ryan had a host of interests including food, travel, and more recently being quite the handyman. He was very curious about everything and loved to take apart things just to see how they worked. He had a sly sense of humor and was very quick-witted. His favorite places on earth were Cannon Beach, Priest Lake, and home.

There will be a gravesite memorial service on Saturday, May 14th at Spokane Memorial Garden 5909 Cheney Spokane Rd, Spokane, WA. Followed by a celebration of Ryan's life held at 9619 Woodridge Drive.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on May 11, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Ryan BROWN

11 Entries

Kerry Litsman

September 5, 2024

Remembering Mr. Ryan John Brown. He will always be remembered, and never forgotten. Hoping that Steve is doing well.

Otto W.

January 25, 2024

Ryan Brown is missed very much indeed...Almost 2 years now since he left us...I think of him so much, and the nice and caring man he was...In fact, I did love him years back, but it was not meant be.......Thinking of him alot, his close friend, Otto Wirthenburg, Az.

Aaron Laudendale, Milwaukie, Or.

September 11, 2022

Thinking of Ryan John (Brownie) and his forever husband Steve Ross Canova....They will forever be together in heart, mind, soul and spirit....The good Lord shall bless them both and will give Steve the needed strength of continue on without Ryan's physical presence.....My deep love to them both.

Gracie Bartholomew

September 3, 2022

Remembering Ryan Brown as a dedicated employee of Steward Partners in Portland. He really "knew his stuff", and had a good "head on him". His name came up recently at the office, and I just had to remember him on here....With much love, Gracie Bartholomew, secretary at SP.

Bobby Nettles

August 30, 2022

Thinking of Mr. Ryan Brown as I sip my lunchtime classic dry martini at Hercules bistro in Center City Portland. He often would join me here at lunchtime. I will never forget that lovely man. He was, and is yet, and will always be, a true inspiration. Love to Steve and all his family. Bobby Nettles, a friend of Ryan's.

Tom Breidinger

August 9, 2022

Just seeing the obit of Mr. Ryan Brown...We were school buds in Spokane years back...I remember his folks and brother and sis. Time sure does pass quickly...I have many fond memories of them all at their home and elsewhere...Belated condolences to all of his loved ones.........With cherished memories, Tom Breidinger, now of Nampa. ( Mr. Brown---I was the kid with the purplish color hair and baggy pants!.)

Tara and Lonn Ostlind

June 16, 2022

Sending thoughts and prayers to the whole family. Ryan & Stephen so much fun to hang out with. RIP Ryan, sweet soul!.....We love you and Steve.

Kitty Canova

June 10, 2022

I am an Aunt-in-Law of Ryan's. I always like him. He was a good spouse for Stephen, my nephew. I know that they loved one another very much. Rest in peace, dear Ryan, as you will be forever in the hands of The Lord.

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Jordan D. Bauer

Sent Flowers

Lonn and Tara Ostlind

May 12, 2022

Sending thoughts and prayers to the whole family. Ryan & Steven so much fun to hang out with. RIP Ryan, sweet soul!

Charlotte Clark

May 11, 2022

I´m so sorry for your loss, although I never got the chance to meet Ryan, I knew him through your messages and my girls. I know he was a wonderful young man who will be missed. All my thoughts are with you and the family during this time. I know Ryan will be looking down on you and maybe he will meet my Don and they can share stories.

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