Ryan Bode Moriarty

1984 - 2018

Ryan Bode Moriarty Ryan Bode Moriarty passed away suddenly in Olympia, Washington on June 9, 2018. Ryan was born, June 19, 1984 in Cleveland, Ohio to parents, Patty Bode and Mark Moriarty. When Ryan was two years old, his family moved to Amherst, Massachusetts. He grew up in the Amherst community, which prized artistic expression, intellectual sharpness and political activism, indelibly shaping his life. Ryan was a music aficionado, a prolific visual artist, and a mathematical wizard. He played several string instruments, wrote and arranged compositions for jazz, folk and symphonic pieces, and was and avid music listener and analyst. Ryan graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 2002. He attended the University of Vermont, and in 2006 transferred to The Evergreen State College, in Olympia, WA, from which he graduated in 2008. At Evergreen, Professor Terry Setter inspired his focus on music composition, theory, sound experimentation and audio technology. In the past year, Ryan was studying electronic technology at Bates Technical College in Tacoma, WA with the goal of combining his creativity in music with the digital developments in the audio technology industry. In addition to his musicianship, Ryan was also a visionary and generous chef, whose elegant dishes were savored in the homes of his loved ones and by countless strangers who dined in the multiple restaurants in which he was employed. His passion for food, desire for community and pursuit of musical expression coalesced in his work at the Blue Heron Bakery in Olympia, under the remarkable leadership of proprietor, Evan Price and the camaraderie of the entire Blue Heron staff. He found caring friendships in those whose patience and clarity saw his unique gifts beyond his brain injury and subsequent mental health struggles. This compassion was demonstrated throughout the city of Olympia. Sky Cosby, Robert Ross and Jeremy Cooper at The Last Word bookshop on Cherry Street provided depth of conceptual conversation, comedic relief and a welcome stage for Ryan to perform. Kenny Trobman at The Gyro Spot on 4th Avenue provided a gallery for Ryan to exhibit his artwork, some of which is still currently on display there. Mike Burdoff who runs open mic at Hannah's Bar & Grille on 5th Ave SW offered a venue for Ryan's idiosyncratic musical expression. Former band mates from "Those Bottom Feeders," Mark Berger, Natalie Miller, as well as Nate Larsen and Johnny Dagger from the "The Hi-Liners" - and many others - collaborated with Ryan along his determined and innovative musical journey. These friendships and imaginative partnerships buoyed him through both celebratory and turbulent times. In family life, Ryan forever looked up to his older brother "Bobby," Robert F. W. Moriarty in all things music, Star Wars, comedy, political debates, literature and life. Ryan forged a deep bond with his foster brother Keo Nilrath Bun with whom he shared the pursuit of mastery in ceramic arts, appreciation of multi-worlds of visual arts, and played many long hours of card games, music and miniature golf in their teenage years. He was passionately appreciative of his dozens of aunts, uncles and cousins in their over-crowded, chaotic Irish-American families on both sides of his heritage. He held deep love for his Nana and Grampy Moriarty who he leaves behind. He now joins his GrandMa and GrandPa Bode in the spiritual world. Celebrations of Ryan's life are scheduled throughout the country. Here in Olympia tonight, Sunday, June 17 there is an Open Mic tribute to Ryan at The Blue Heron at 4419 Harrison Ave NW from 4:00-7:00 pm. Another event is scheduled on June 26 at 10:00 pm at Le Voyeur at 404 4th Ave in Olympia, when Pizza T presents The MOEmorial Show with Pizza T and the Z-Camp Ryunion Band. In the community of Amherst, Massachusetts all are invited to an open celebration on July 8, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Hampshire College Red Barn; bring your musical instruments and stories. Another event will be held in Cleveland, Ohio on August 4, 2018 at the home of his Aunt Becky Bode who held a very special place in Ryan's heart. In remembrance of Ryan's life, and with respect to his family's honor of education, gifts may be contributed to one of Ryan's alma maters. Donations to The Evergreen State College Foundation will support resources for future Evergreen students studying music, at this link https://tinyurl.com/ryanmoriarty or gifts to Amherst Regional High School may be donated at https://www.gofundme.com/remembering-ryan-moriarty and will be directed to the art department and library, with gratitude for the support that was offered to Ryan throughout his K-12 school years. Ryan's family will remain eternally grateful to the staff of Providence St. Peter's hospital in Olympia, including Nurse Nate Larsen, for their care and compassion in Ryan's final hours, and to the community of Olympia for embracing Ryan's constellation of stars that shine in multiple directions.