Ryan Wesley Kendall, “The Ryan” age 32, of Helena, MT passed away unexpectedly due to diabetic complications November 23, 2020. Ryan was born December 2, 1987 to Ron and Julie Kendall in Newton, KS. Ryan and his family resided in many places through his childhood including Goessel, KS; Seabrook, TX; Jonesboro, AR; and Palm Coast, FL. Ryan graduated from Flagler Palm Coast High School with honors in 2006 and pursued and received a Civil Engineering degree at University of Central Florida from which he received his Bachelor’s in 2012. Ryan enjoyed traveling and seeing new places. Throughout his career he worked for Stahly Engineering and Associates in Helena, MT; Matthews Design Group in St. Augustine, FL; Flagler County Government in Palm Coast, FL; Greene and Bradford Engineering in Springfield, IL; and Illinois State Highway Department in Springfield, IL.
Ryan was a free spirit who had a passion for the Great Outdoors. He and his loyal dog, Jimbo Thrasher were always planning for their next outdoor adventure. It didn’t matter if it was hunting, fishing, or hiking less traveled paths. Some of these recent destinations include Devil’s Creek, Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, and Page Creek in Montana.
Ryan had many life interests. He had passions for science, technology, and woodworking. He also found nutrition and cooking fascinating as he began to explore new recipes after being diagnosed with Diabetes. He and his mother spent hours creating new dishes, often adapting recipes to make them healthier.
Ryan was full of life and loved by many. He was the life of the party, evoking a smile from everyone in the room with an unexpected joke. His loyalties and dedication for his friends and family always shone through his actions, whether it be for helping his grandmother with her computer, pausing college to help his father in his battle with Pancreatic Cancer, or making sure to take his oldest nephews to NASA before he left Florida.
Ryan had a special relationship with his father, they were also ‘Dos Amigos’. This was evident when he left his job to move to Springfield, IL with his father when he was temporarily assigned there.
Ryan is survived by his parents Ron and Julie Kendall, his sisters Aimee (Billy) Kirksey, Sarah (Mitch) Short, and Melanie (Ben) Marshall along with 4 nieces and 4 nephews of Palm Coast, FL. Other survivors include his grandmother Juanita Kendall of Grantville, KS, and many cousins, aunts, and uncles from near and far.
Ryan is preceded in death by his namesake, his great-grandfather John Wesley Kendall, grandparents John Kendall of Grantville, KS and Effie & Joseph Heller of Holton, KS.
A celebration of Ryan’s life will be held at a later date. Donations can be made in Ryan’s name with the American Diabetes Association. P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or www.diabetes.org/donate.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Paul Gorsuch says
This is Paul, my wife Kluane and I were Ryan’s diagonal upstairs neighbors. We just moved to Helena in April, and Ryan was one of the first people we met. We got to know him eating dinner on our stoop, when he would often be on his stoop taking a smoke break and drinking a beer. Although everyone in our building is really nice, Ryan was one of the few neighbors who really wanted to get to know us, and he was always interested in having a conversation about his latest adventure, engineering and architecture, his fondly held conspiracy theories and internet groups, but maybe most often how we could figure out better ways to reach our goals.
Kluane spent the summer studying for her architectural licensing exams, and whenever she was having a particularly rough time of things, Ryan always had a nugget of advice, and even more importantly, always expressed a quiet, steady belief that she would get there, and pass her tests. I honestly can’t tell you how much that meant to me, and to her. He had an aphorism that he made up, that he would always finish with: “Perseverance through adversity instills greatness.” I always hoped I’d get to quote it back to him one day.
Other fond memories of Ryan include running into him while walking our dogs (he gave me some great dog training resources when we first got ours), a trip to the shooting range where he taught me how to shoot his deer hunting rifle (despite the fact that he was still new to the sport himself, he was already an excellent teacher), and a few late nights spent bullshitting with him and our fellow neighbor Vijay on the front lawn. We were looking forward to seeing him become an adept hunter and mountaineer, passing his PE exam, and perhaps more than anything, enjoying some winter BBQ’s outside with him.
Earlier this fall, Ryan gifted me a bottle of Agavero Tequila (which was far too generous) after I watched Jimbo for a weekend. We’ll remember Ryan and his kindness, enthusiasm, and just basic aura quiet goodness every time we partake.
With Love,
Paul and Kluane
Jeff Hudspeth says
I grew up with Ron Kendall. Although I havent seen him in years, my condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rhonda says
Every once in a while an obituary for someone you didn’t know touches your heart and soul. The obituary combined with Paul’s tribute were very touching, and made me want to reach out to express my condolences to you all. I’m sorry for your loss, as well as the loss to the world of a good human being. May many happy memories carry your heavy hearts.
John Birney Jr says
I met Ryan in an AP US History class in high school. He was one of the friendliest people I knew and he brought me into a new group of friends, many of us still keep in touch to this day. He helped me “break out of my shell” back then, and even 15 years later, I was running into him at Young Professionals networking events and reminiscing on how far we’d come. I was shocked to hear about his sudden passing, but I know that he enjoyed the time he had with all of us. We’ll always remember him fondly. My deepest condolences go out to his whole family. Thanks for everything, Ryan. I love you man.
Michelle Holt says
Like Rhonda, I also didn’t know Ryan. I wish I had.
After reading Ryan’s obituary and Paul’s memories, I feel he was source of light and life.
I am sorry for the depth of your grief.
Michelle
Rebecca R says
I have recently gotten to know Ryan through Toastmasters here in Helena. He was a delightful character at our meetings and regularly spoke up and took leadership roles. He was so much fun to listen to – a natural story teller! Our Toastmasters club is a close group, and his absence is going to be very noticeable for a long time in our meetings. I am really sorry about his death, and what the world won’t get to experience because he’s gone. He was a very fun club member and I would consider him a friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Erin Olson says
Ryan was a beautiful person and a kind soul. He will be forever missed.
Kellie Decker Hundley says
Julie and family,
My deepest sympathy. My heart hurts for you, your husband and family. May God wrap his arms around you all during this difficult time.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Patten says
Jeff Patten
Ryan was such a blessing for our Toastmaster group. He was full of so much fun and energy. We only knew him for a very short time, but his involvement in our Toastmaster group will be felt for a long time. We made a donation to the American Diabetes Association in his name.
I pray for peace and comfort for Ryan Family.