Ryan HAALA

1972 - 2023

Age 50 of Taos, NM Passed away on February 10, 2023 from leukemia in Albuquerque, NM surrounded by the love of his family and close friends. Born in Sleepy Eye, MN, on April 22, 1972 to parents Charles and Denice Lee Haala. After the divorce of his parents, the family moved to Woodbury, MN where he attended Woodbury schools. Ryan was an adventurer. He lived and worked in NYC as a bicycle messenger for many years. He traveled and lived in Quebec City, Canada, learning to speak French. He lived all over the United States, making lifelong friends. His passion for life and adventure was a driving force. If Ryan had one last dime, he would give it to you. His generosity knew no bounds. Ryan will be greatly missed by his dog Loki, his mother, Denice James, River Falls, WI, brother Shawn (Joana) Haala, Mesa, AZ, niece Cecilia Haala, Eagan, father Charles (Lorrie) Haala, Mankato, stepsister Mandy (Mike) Storlien, Lake Crystal, brother Jeff (Kim), Eagle Lake, and many aunts, uncles and cousins; dear friends Aro (Michael) Cirnigliaro, Lilly Blecher and their son Max of Taos, and Nick Nordquist of Grand Junction, CO. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Duane and Harriet Lee, paternal grandfather Larry Haala, aunt Mary Haala and stepfather Gary James. Ryan shared with everyone he met his philosophy of life from Neil deGrasse Tyson: The Meaning of Life is to Create Meaning IN Life. We miss him terribly but his spirit lives on. We are deeply appreciative to Taos Whole Health Integrative Care, Rust Presbyterian Hospital ICU and Oncology staff in Albuquerque for their care and comfort to Ryan and his family. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.