Ryan Christopher Higgins

Ryan was the best of friends. My memories of the times spent with Ryan are amongst the fondest memories of my life. He was always there for me, and he will be with me forever. He lives on in our hearts and in our stories. I'll never forget Ryan.

Rest In Peace Ryan, I love you. -Dan

Ross, I am very sad for you and your family. Although we have lost contact, you all remain as part of my life and my special memories. Stay positive, take care of your family and when you are ready, let's get into contact with one another.I'm sorry. Your friend, Dan Pena

You don't know us but your father-in-law, Dennis, is an old friend of Jim's since second grade I think--- and we found out at our wedding that Dennis and I are cousins! We met Margaret when Danielle was only 9 months old and they came to see us in Montana and we have visited them several times when we came back to California. Dennis told us of the loss of your brotherand sent us the link to this website. Both Jim and I have lost brothers and totally can understand what you are going through now. Like your brother they all died untimely deaths. Our hope for you all is that the pain will lessen over time and that your painful heart will instead be filled only with the thankfulness for having known and loved your brother even for such a short time. YOu will always miss him of course but the memories will keep him always in your hearts.
Sincerely, Kathi for Jim who is on a National Guard Reserve drill weekend and myself.......we will pray for you............

Thank you for sending the web site in memory of Ryan.
Words can not express our sympathy or even begin to know the grief and sorrow all of you are feeling.
He was such a good looking guy, son & brother. Someone to make you all very proud of.
You have all been remembered in our thoughts and prayers.

Ryan is my best friend. I write "is" because eventhough he is no longer among us I still consider him as such. I am sure we will meet again, and pick up right where we left off, joking about how neither of us could catch a fish.
I will truly miss my friend and I know he will be there with me whenever I am fishing saying "no bait no fish amigo". Ryan will forever hold a special place in mine and my family's heart.

Ross this site is a beautiful dedication to Ryan. I have so many wonderful memories of growing up with Ryan and you. You both will forever have a special place in my heart as well as my family's.
Sincerely
Jennifer Trammell-Haag

We have never had the pleasure of meeting Ryan; however, we are friends of Paul and Mary. They have spoken of Ryan often with such pride and love. Our hearts go out to Ryan's friends and family and know that his memories will always put a smile on their faces.

Ross, thank you for providing this gift of love. I am Rachel Tew's uncle Richard, living in Georgia. I met Ryan when he and Rachel were visiting for a weekend in Utah. He shared some pictures of his and Rachel's visit to Portugal. And he made me smile.

Grandma and Grandpa Madrigal send their love and condolences.

Ryan was an extraordinary person. He gave me the gift of laughter in our short time of knowing each other. I met him in business, but always felt he was more of a friend. I'm so sorry for your loss. Plase know that I'm thinking of you and your family. He is already missed, but I will never forget him.

The website is a wonderful way to honor your brother. Your courage is evident. I have known your mom professionally for forty years and my heart goes out to her and to all of Ryan's family and friends.
Sincerely, Janet Campbell

I just wanted to leave a message, I am so glad that Ross set this up. I don't know how to express how much I loved Ryan. He was my daughter's "love of her life". I was looking forward to my curly haired grandchildren. Ryan was the world to us, along with Rachel. We love you Ryan! Love, Lauretta (Rachel's Mom)!

I deeply regret the tragedy that has befallen your family and anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting Ryan. It is a complete shock to hear. I am lucky to have met Ryan though and have fond memories of hanging out at Kyle's party, where he was playing the air drums. I'll always remember the good times as I'm sure all his loved ones will. He will be profoundly missed by all and I will celebrate the memory of a man who loved to make people laugh and smile.

I only knew Ryan for about 16 months He was an awesome boss! I was one of his loan officers. He hired me …knowing I new nothing about home loans. I would call him all the time, late at night, week-ends, when ever, he was always there for me. He was more of a friend then a boss. Ryan was such an honest and caring man!!
I am a 52 year old man. When I would call him late into the night to an answer a question…I would tease him about being up so late & about sitting on the couch in his cowboy pajamas with his feet not touching the floor. He would laugh and say he had on his superman pajamas.
I remember the first time he came to my home to meet my wife and family; we stayed up talking until 3am.
We last spoke the Friday he left…it was a talk I will never forget…we both talked of our personal lives, how he had his condo rented, and that I was a gifted man. We laughed about the market & how we both owed more than our properties than they were worth.
Ryan’s death has really touched my heart. I felt we had a terrific friendship for only knowing each other for such a short time. I will truly miss his kindness, his smile and sense of humor. Most of all I will miss him…rest in peace my friend.
Lov ya man!!!!!!!!!
Dog

I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Ryan at IMS Lending before he opened his own mortgage business. He was very caring and always willing to help out in the time of need. I will always remember Ryan as a person who was always smiling and laughing. Ryan, family and friends will be in my prayers.

Shelly

Mary, Paul, and Ross, you are in our thoughts and prayers every day, with much love and sadness over the death of your dear Ryan and his friends. Thank you for posting the website so we could know more about the fine man whe grew from the boy we remember. We will be leaving for Chicago the day of the memorial service, and cannot be with you. Please post an address where memorial contributions can be sent.
Love, Jean & Norm Katz

Ross and Danielle, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I lived closer to you. You and your family our in our thoughts and prayers.
love, Joe, Melissa, and Elliot

Ross & Danielle, having lost 3 brothers and a son at such untimely deaths, I know the pain you are undergoing at this time. Memories of Ryan will always be with you as will my prayers. Karen Strasheim cousin of Dennis

Words cannot express the sorrow we feel. Although we haven't seen your family regularly as of late, we go back so far in time with all of you. Raul said, "Ross and Ryan were my first kids." He has such awesome memories of his time with you both when you were young. And we have such awesome memories of your whole family and we owe so much to you all. This is a beautiful tribute to Ryan. He would be pleased. He will be remembered, he will be missed and he will always be loved. Our hearts are with your family as you go through this fire. And we wish you peace and give you love.

We are sending our regards from Nebraska. Bob and Dennis are first cousins. I recently lost my mother in April and some days feel deeply her loss. It doesn't matter if they die young or older like my mom we still have those memories and happy times they we spent with our loved ones. Always remember the wonderful times you had with your brother. We had a little 4 month old die in our community and I know those parents are wondering why the Lord took one so little. We know not why but know that those loves ones that have died are forever in the palm of the Lord's hand and held in his love.

My heart goes out to all of you. I can not even imagine loosing one of my children or grandchildren or great grandchildren. I am fortunate enough to have the love of my two boys so I know how you are trying to cope. My thoughts and prayers will be with you at this your time of loss. May God bless you and be with you at all times.

Paul and Mary,
Remembering the joy that you felt when Ross and Ryan were born and now, as a parent, feeling how deeply the loss of a child must hurt makes us weep for what you must be going through. No one can truly understand what you are feeling but you can be confident that those who love you and loved Ryan are sending you all the energy and love that you can absorb. Based on the comments of all those that loved him, we will all be poorer for the loss of Ryan. Please try and focus on the love and light that he so clearly left behind and the light that will burn forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

with love and support, Mark, Tonina and Dane

I met Ryan when he first startd dating Rachel. Ryan was an inspiration to me from the moment we met. He used to come into my office where I worked with Rachel and tell me that I needed to follow my love for sales. He encouraged me and showed me to take risks with my career. Ryan was a friend and an example to me in work and in life. Ryan passed on his love for fishing to my husband, which I will always remember him for. My husband who only had the opportunity to know Ryan for the last few months said " I have never met someone who loved to work and play equally, as hard as Ryan did." Ryan's memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the wonderful opportunity to know him. My prayers are with his family and loved ones.

Conoci a Ryan hace 25 años atendiendo un negocio con sus padres, de donde nacio una amistad entre esa familia y la mia que perdura al dia de hoy, no entiendo como puede morir gente asi, si mi dolor es grande no puedo imaginar el de sus padres y hermano, deseo que Dios los ayude a superar esta tragedia.

I walked through the door of my new college dorm room close to 10 years ago to meet my new roommate Ryan. He wasn't too happy to have a new roommate since he had lucked out the first semester with having his own room. That first weekend we realized we couldn't have found better roommates. From that time on we were bonded as family, two rowdy brothers finding ourselves always in the middle of fun and good hearted mischief. We found ourselves roommates again after the college days and shared the cold hard reality of truly growing up and facing the world of adults ,of course still rowdy, just rowdy adults. We have grown through the years finding our careers, our 1st homes, and the wonderful women in our lifes, Rachel and Saira who have helped tame the wild men. We went from fishing for trout to catching our first tuna together on board captain Ryan's ship. (I got sea sick for the first time probably due to his big swell speed boating, then he checked on me three times the following week to make sure I was ok). I have a lifetime of memories of my Good Time Buddy that will continue to impact the direction of my life. I know he will continue to be there for me when I'm in need.
Find us some good fishing holes up there Ryan.

Love, Brian

We never had the opportunity to meet Ryan personally, but feel we know him through our son, Gene, who was a good friend. They just loved to do things together,
especially heading south of the border to the Mexico beaches. Ryan and Gene had similar interests which probably brought them together from the start.
Although we mourn the losses of all these great guys. The memories, the pictures of all their adventures, the many friends they touched in their professional and private lives will live on forever. We loved each and everyone of them through our own sons and know they lived their lives with a passion. I beleive they are together planning their next business venture or a trip.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We will truly miss them.

Although I never met your Ryan,my Ryan seemed to have so much in common with him. One of the last comments that my Ryan made to a friend on that tragic Friday was the he had a happy life, doing happy things, surrounded by happy people!! Your son and brother must have been a happy person. All of these boys (men) loved and lived life on their own terms. While I grieve for my son, I also grieve for yours. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

We only knew Ryan for a short time, however he made one of our dreams come true. He and Rachael spent a saturday with us in Temecula looking for a home. After looking at 8-10 properties, he told us that was all he had for us today, But that we should stop by some of the open houses in the area. We did that and the first house we looked at we like. We immediately got on the phone to call Ryan. Thank goodness Rachael was hungry. They were still in the area eating. He always had a smile and a was willing to go that extra mile to help. He will remain in our heart forever. Only time passes on.. Memories remain in the heart forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

"Favorite cuz" was what Ryan called me. I was one of his lucky cousins from Michigan that really got to know him and his family. In 1997 I moved in with the Higgins family for a short while. Ross and Ryan became the best older brothers anyone could ask for. Ross took me to my first concert and Ryan, well, he taught me a lot of other really important things, like driving my first stick shift, smoking my first cigarette, and seeing the Vegas Strip. We also went on a lot of great trips to Mexico, up the East Coast from Washington DC to New York City, and back to Michigan. Some of the best days of my life were with Ryan. He was so full of life and always wanted to make everyone he was with have the best time. I truly appreciate the wonderful time I spent with the Higgins family that summer. Great talks, fun times, and the best memories. Love, Kelly Acre aka Your Favorite Cuz

I remember being in highschool and only knowing Ryan from my friends who were obsessed with him. The first time I actually met him was when he was doing co-ed dance on drill team. But later after highschool I really got to know him when he was hanging out with Bryan Ross and Michael Barr. He was such an awesome guy always so positive and willing to help his friends out. We have lost touch since and I never knew that he was only living 20 minutes away from me, and I am sad that I never got to see him again. I know how hard it is to lose someone so close to you and how painful it must be right now. Please just try to remember all the great times you had with Ryan and all the love and happiness that you felt because of him because the happy times will outweight the hard times that you are going through. I am realizing that now as I am planning a wedding without my mom. Its so sad when someone is taken from us too early and there is no reason for it. My heart goes out to all his friends, family, and girlfriend and this site was such a great idea to remember him by. I'll miss you Ryan! Rest in Peace...Sara

Dear Ross, establishing this website is such a wonderful way to reach people who feel close to your family. Paul and Mary, we are stunned by this news. We cannot begin to know the depth of your grief. It was fun reading and reflecting over some of the other postings. He must have inherited his love of fishing from you, Mary! Your family shares so many wonderful memories. Our thoughts and love are with you.

It has taken me a while to be able to contribute to this website. At first, it was too difficult to realize that Ryan is gone. We have so many good memories of him, together with you, Ross, from your years in Claremont. I drove to Hollywood to bring Mary and Ryan home from the hospital on a sunny December day in 1976, so I was one of the first to get to hold him and share the joy he brought to his mother and father and big brother. Over the next 18 years, we so enjoyed sharing times with your family -- in Baja, around your swimming pool, and having a personal visit from Santa on Christmas Eve. And even as you and he went off to college and grew into fine young men, our family has felt a special bond and interest in what you were doing and becoming. We are stunned to think that we will no longer have the opportunity to see Ryan's smiling face. But we are very thankful that we shared the time we did with him and your family.
With love, Teris, Mark, Loren and Marisa (Schery) Lipsey

Dear Mary,
I never had the opportunity to meet your son, but you and your family are very blessed to have him and Ross in your lives. I lost my dauther to a tragic accident in 2000; she was 25 yrs. old. I know what it feels like for a child to pass before you. Dont hold back the tears. It's okay to grieve. If you need someone to talk to please feel free to e-mail me or call me. you can get my phone number from El Camino. My prayers are for God's comfort and peace to bless you and your family at this time. Hold on to the good memories and bear no guilt or blame. Our past, present and future are in God's control and He knows what he's doing. Just have Faith in God and lean not to your own undrestanding.

God Bless and keep you and your family during this time and always.

Keep Faith in God Always,
Jacque Downs

I would like to start this dedication by saying that Ryan Higgins was the sweetest, happiest person I have ever known. I have known Ryan for such a long time. He was very good friends with my brother. Every time I would see Ryan, he would always greet me with "Barnacle", which was nickname I was given by Bryan Ross from that group of friends. It would always make BOTH of us laugh. I will always remember him; Claremont High parking lot after lunch, working on cars, and New Years Vegas trips.
Ryan I will miss you very much!!
Love Always,
Nicole

I worked with Ryan at Ims lending ,he always was more than willing to help me, and always was a good friend to talk to, He will be greatly missed and always remembered.

Dear Higgins Family,
I was a friend of Ryan's and we have all met. My name is Tammy. I just wanted to let you know I am so sorry for your loss. I especially wanted Ross to know how extremely fond Ryan was of you and your childhood summer's together. He loved telling stories about the both of you and your different foreign nannies.
Ryan loved the beach house and entertaining his closs friends. He was so blessed to have such loving parents who always made sure he tried new things and allowed him to persue his interests.
Ryan's presence will surely be missed but I hope you are able to feel him with you all everyday.

Lamento la p貤ida irreparable de un joven talentoso y brillante en su profesi󮬠en su familia y en la vida misma.
Que Dios lo tenga en su Gloria.
Y deseo que mis amigos Paul y Mary Higgins encuentren la paz espiritual que representa la p鲤ida de su hijo.
Carlos y Betty Arroyo

I had the opportunity to work with Ryan when he was first starting out @ IMS Lending..he was a client of mine and truly one of the best I have ever had, so appreciative, so willing to learn anything and everything, and so grateful for any amount of energy that one focused on helping him become successful. He will truly be missed, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Melissa

I was lucky enough to have Ryan as my good friend. We shared lots of memories growing up as kids to hanging out in Mexico and sharing laughs. I will never forget all the times we had spent together and all the phone conversations about growing our mortgage companies.
I still have memories of the fishing trips Ryan and I did in Mexico and him doing a front flip down the steep ice plants of the Mexico home. He will always be remembered and loved by my family and me. Thanks again for posting this site enabling all of us to share our memories, prayers and love for my missed good friend.

-Mike Barr

Dear Mary,Paul and Ross

We lived in your family for a year each of us when Ryan was about 3 years old. You have all meant a lot to us and you are still in our hearts. Ryan was our first baby and both of us, mothers now, are crying for you. Words can not express the sorrow we feel for you. Even if we have not seen the boys since you where teenagers when you visited Norway, you are still part of our lives and it is unbelieavable that Ryan is not longer with us. Our thoughts will be with you through these hard times. For us it has been very good to see all the beautiful pictures of Ryan. We both remember him as an honest, open and happy boy, we will always love him. Your babysitters from Norway, Marianne and Ida

Dear Paul, Mary, Ross, Danielle, and Rachael,

As you read the many messages sent to you from family, friends, and loved ones, one can see what an extraordinary person Ryan was to everyone who knew him.

Those messages inspired me to write this poem:

His life was cut short,
such an untimely death.
An angel was with him,
as he took his last breath.

Only here for a while,
yet accomplished so much.
Every soul that he knew,
their lives he had touched.

He inspired his friends,
had compassion so pure.
A heart filled with love,
and handsome for sure.

His smile, his laughter,
now wispers in our ears.
"Weep not for my loss,
let me dry your tears."

In the arms of an angel,
his life does not end.
For he lives in our hearts,
...his family and friends.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Love, Bonnie & Otto

Dearest Paul, Mary and Ross:

I can not find the right words to express my sorrow, not even the passenger of the years have erased the good memories I had when Espy and I were taken care of your little boys. Ryan, being the youngest was very special. I told Espy the sad news, she also sends her condolences and we were talking about the day when she had made "sango de atun" Ross had two helpings, Ryan having had FIVE did not want to quit eating and cried when we said "no more", we were concerned the next day he was going to be sick, Thank heavens he did not! He had such a personality and a mind his very own.
May the Lord be with you all and help you find confort at this trying moment, as I am also sure He has put Ryan on a very special place. Love you all.
Mina A. Marmol
Mina

I was fortunate enough to have known Ryan during our high school years. Over the years, unfortunately we had lost contact. I am sorry to here about this great loss. Ryan will be missed. May his memories be remembered by his family and friends.

My regrets Erik and Holly Englyng, Trinidad, CA

I will remember Ryan for his gentle heart and his honesty. He was always there with a smile and a kind word. Although he was a bit younger than I was, I looked up to him. Ryan lived his life with a joy and gratitude that inspired me. I feel that he lived with the knowledge that life is short and that every day should be treasured. I only hope that we all can find that peace and reverance in our lives before we pass. You will be surely missed my friend and I will always honor your memory.

THINKING OF YOU WITH CARING
AND SYMPATHY

Ross, Paul, Mary and Rachel,

I am so sorry for your loss. Ryan was a great man and I will miss his friendship dearly. Many of my fondest memories included Ryan and he will be thought of frequently with love and respect.

Thank you for the effort each of you put into this past weekend. It was a beautiful celebration of Ryan's life.

Dominic Picone

Dear Mary,
I am so sorry for your loss. I've been thinking of you so much since I heard. I know you were very proud of both of your sons. I remember the last time we spoke you talked of how well they were doing. We were working together at San Jose School when my father passed away in his accident and I'll always remember how caring you were with me. I lost a boyfriend some years ago to an accident and that was very hard as well. I will continue to pray for you and your family. We must believe that the Lord will give us strength.

The office sent a card to your family, but I wanted to send my personal thoughts as well, even now that it's October. I only knew Ryan for three weeks before the accident, but he has touched my life through his example. He was a gentle, caring, honest, hilarious, adventurous person. He lived his life how we all should, and that is why he is such a good example. He was my mentor as I start my career at PSW Lending, and I only hope I can have the same personal relationship he had with those he came into contact with in the business. Then I'll be the "super star" he saw in me! You have a beautiful family, and raised a wonderful son. It has been a pleasure knowing Ryan and getting to know your family. I wish your family all the strength and comfort needed at this time, as I am sure you are providing for each other, and wish you the best for your futures.

Dear Mary,
So many happy memories of our time spent in Redlands Calif, all those years ago when we first met. The pleasure of meeting Paul(cooking Thanksgiving dinner for him, as you had left town not bad for a mere Limey!) The happiness for you both when you married in Mexico, and the joy I felt for you when your 2 boys were born.
Subsequently meeting Ross and Ryan when you all visited us in England, and later staying with you in Baja with our 2 boys.
Our love, thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all.
God Bless, Carol and family.

Uncle Paul, Aunt Mary & Ross:
This site was just shared with me when mom and dad returned home. Thank you.

First, I know we had very little contact, but my memories of Ryan start with that summer (1979?) Lora and I spent with your family in Northern Michigan and babysitting the boys at your home. I remember washing Ryan's hair in the sink at the house up North, such curls and such a smile! I remember playing "horsey" and giving the boys rides on the floor. I know we "met" again years later as adults but that didn't change my memories of "such curls and such a smile!"

I also wanted to share the sense I had that Grandma was watching out for your family that weekend. Early in the weekend (I can't remember exactly when) while praying and remembering Grandma, I felt as if Grandma was asking me to pray for you, Uncle Paul, and your family. I had no reason to understand this but have learned never to ignore such messages. Little did I understand at the time the importance of her directive. Now, I take peace and offer it to you - grandma is there for Ryan but more importantly she is watching out for you in your grief and loss, still being a mother.

God bless you with his comfort and peace. You all remain regularly in our prayers.
-- Leah and girls - Kelly and Alicia

Uncle Paul, Aunt Mary, Ross and Danielle,

I too just found out about the web site. It is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man.

I vividly remember the bath in the sink Leah describes, Grandma's updates of the boys' adventures, walking to a movie with Ryan and Uncle Phil, seeing the whole family at Grandma's 100th birthday.... all great memories of my "little" cousin.

May God fill your hearts with His strength and His peace.

Lora and family

Dear Paul & Mary,

Please accept our sympathy on the loss of your son.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Ann & Greg Irelan
Bradenton, Florida

We are truly Sorry to hear of the Loss of Your Son and Brother.Our sympathy and prayers are with You EDWARD & CLAUDIA DANIELS In Tool TEXAS

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Family & Friends of Ryan. I work at a Credit Union where Ryan & I would talk and share the latest in our lives with each other. He was a very unique individual as even at the Bank it wasn't about business it was about building a relationship and he would often spend 30-60 minutes in the branch just talking to me and the staff about good times, friends, opportunities. Always a pleasure to see Ryan and we miss him deeply. He was truely a blessing, his charactor, caring, humor, understanding and passion left us all with nothing but wonderful memories.

I wanted to say how saddened I am for the loss of Ryan. I went to Claremont High School with Ryan and we played on the football team together. I remember sharing many laughs with Ryan. He will be missed and my heart goes out to his Family and Friends.

My deepest sympathy goes out to Ryans family, friends, and to Rachel. His loss has been extremely difficult for me to come to terms with and continues to bring tears to my eyes. My friendship with Ryan began in junior high. We spent our freshman year of college together at San Diego State where we shared many unforgettable laughs and memories. Ryan was one of the most genuine and thoughtful friends a person could have and he will be missed. Although I never had the opportunity to meet his family, I feel as if I knew his parents and brother. He always spoke so highly of his family and would always update me with all the family news. I remember when he first meet Rachel. When he spoke of her I knew he had found his love. He will always remain in my heart.

As the year comes to an end, I find myself thinking of the major events that took place in 2006. One of which was so shocking, the loss of Ryan. I can only hope you are grieving less everyday, I know he would want that. I had the opportunity to work with Ryan, I say work but, it seemed like play, were always having a blast. Ryan touched so many people in such a short span of time, more than any other employee in our organization; he will be remembered forever by all he met.
I recently read this poem and it seemed to give me some peace.

Sincerely,
Trilogy Financial

God Bless,

I'm Free
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard him call;

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way;

I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss;

Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savored much;

Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seems all to brief;

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.