Remembering Ryan Silent thoughts, a secret tear, a constant wish that you were here. No need for words, except to say, we love and miss you every day. Always loved and never forgotten. Jodi's mom and dad. Hi Susan, We have so many more stories that we would love to share with you. Every day we talk about another one that we forgot about. Every night he would come into our room and we would talk or watch movies or play Sega (I kicked his butt at wrestling). He was such a character. We got together with Mark and Lillian for dinner and just laughed for hours- all from Ryan stories! Some are just plain crazy, others are just not really mom appropriate but you're cool so I can spill the beans (forgive me Ryan!). Its so strange that after living with someone for so long I do not have one memory of having a disagreement with him. The only thing that ever bothered him was when I would steal a bud light or wouldn't taste one of his yucky health shakes. And we would all LOVE when he went home to see you because we knew that we would get vacuum sealed food by the buckets when he came home- Thanksgiving was the best (He would ALWAYS share too). On the night before Sean and I moved out we all went out and after everyone went to bed Ryan and I stayed up for hours chatting away and drinking beer. We had some really serious talks that night. He was so happy for no particular reason ALL the time. I know most people talk highly about someone after they are gone but it is ALL TRUE!!! One of my best memories is from New Years 2000/ 2001. Ryan, Sean, and myself were all sick of everyone freaking out about what to do so we looked at each other and said "screw everyone- we want to have fun." Malene was being a total bitch (excuse the language) and so the three of us (leaving Malene at home) just jumped in a cab and went to a bluesy club in Cambridge, treated ourselves to a very expensive 3 course steak dinner, then danced the night away. It was by far the best New Years Eve I have ever had. Ryan was wearing his metallic and neon shirt and every girl in the place couldn't keep their hands off of him- which he loved. He kept saying "just don't touch the hair." One group of girls said they were dared to get his shirt off him and he just took it off right there so she would win (he eventually put it back on- reluctantly). We have some great photos from that night. I will make copies and send them if you like. My favorite is one where he took 2 of those horns you blow on New Years with the streamers on the end and put one in each ear. Then he held his nose and blew as hard as he could. It is so funny! One last memory that I want to share with you is this one time that Sean had gone off on his own to go fishing and got stuck (literally) on a jetty in the middle of the ocean. He was just missing all day and I was panicked. Finally he called from his cell at like 10 at night after being gone all day (he was too embarrassed to call sooner) and I was so scared for him and didn't know what to do. No one else would go with me to the beach where he was but Ryan. Ryan went with me when I was hysterical and crying and made me feel like it was going to be ok, which it was in the end. He helped Sean by verbally guiding him back to the shore, and then proceeded to laugh for about a year about what a dumbass Sean was. Point is that I will never forget about the kindness shown to me that night. You did a great job and raised a wonderful man. Take care of yourself. Maria	I used to work with Ryan back in the CTP days.... He was truly such a wonderful person. He always's had a smile, no matter what. I enjoyed the two years I worked with him, I always thought Ryan was just one of those people you always remember - he just made such an impression. The site you built in memory of him is such a beautiful thing.... I loved reading it, looking at the pictures. It is hard b/c I can't help but be overcome with emotion... he was so loved by all. He will never be forgotten. Thank you for making it possible for all of us who cared for Ryan, to share our stories, our pictures, our memories... to celebrate his life. Would it be possible to get a copy of the song that was written for him? I am more than happy ro pay for it as well as the shipping. I never had the opprotunity to meet Jodi, but I can't stop thinking of her. How is she doing? Thank you again for giving us all this gift. Warm regards, Kasandra Cackett	This Christmas is Different I didn’t see you very often But that doesn’t mean I didn’t think about you In the times in-between… The Birthdays the cookouts The parties & such ‘Til the next time I saw you We could still stay in touch ‘Cause all the while I would hear how You were always doing fine From You to your Mom And from your Mom to mine This Christmas Is Different I wish nothing had changed I wish You were still here Wish I could lessen the pain But God devised a plan Lord knows it’s still in the works So we must do now what we must- No matter how much it hurts Last time I saw you, told you I loved you I still remember your “fuss” But I’m so glad I let you know then- On Last Christmas Still This Christmas is Different The precious things that will help us through Your easy smile, your lasting laughter- Warm Heartfelt Memories of YOU. I didn’t see you very often Still I hope you know just what I mean When I say:“Love is forever Felt“- “Yet it can never….be seen.” Remembering & Missing My Cousin Ryan, Jill Blanchette
My name is Mandy Morgan, and I live in Sydney, Australia with my partner, Chad Loxsom, who was great friends with Ryan. I met Ryan once, on my first visit to the USA in December 2002. In that short period of time, Ryan's energy, positive attitude, love for his family, girlfriend, friends and life in general just shone through. What an amazing guy. I am glad that I met Ryan, albeit for such a short time. Chad found this passage (below), and sent it around to a few people last keep it in your guest book as well. From my too brief time with Ryan, and all the stories Chad has shared, I think it sums up the story of his life. In summary, it says... Happiness is a journey, not a destination. Work like you don't need the money, Love like you've never been hurt, And dance like no one's watching. To Ryan's family, partner and friends - lots of love from a girl from 'Down Under' who may never meet you, however you will at least know of another person who Ryan touched. Mandy Morgan FULL PASSAGE... HAPPINESS We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that we're frustrated we have teenagers to deal with, we will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire. The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D Souza. He said, "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life." This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment that you have. And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with... and remember that time waits for no one... So stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you are on welfare, until the first or the fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you've had a drink, until you've sobered up, until you die, until you are born again to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy... Happiness is a journey, not a destination. Thought for the day: Work like you don't need the money, Love like you've never been hurt, And dance like no one's watching.	The site is unbeleivably put together. The dreams page is gut wrenching. Thank You for sharing it with us. He seems to have lived every moment he was here. Todd	I took a look at this site and think that everyone should know out there who is who and what fun and enjoyment life brought them, I am so sorry for the loss of Ryan, he seemed like he was full of life by the pictures I saw, that is a great way to remember him. A friend of mine put up a tribute site as well and I think it is great to remember the good times we had with them. Learn to love and live life to the fullest, be good to yourself and others..... If you guys want to check out the website... www.mattypickett.com It's a great tribute to him. Wendy Weinberg
A message from Shawn Corbett, who lost his brother Ed in the fire. Dear Chad & Kris, Hello: I added his (Ryan's) web address to the (Ed's) site (see link for Ed's site under the "other links" tab) if you know any of the other victims that have a site let me know and I will post them too. I went to your site and seen what you did for ed and, let me tell you, I have been so depressed lately and that really lifted my spirits. Thanks again, you made my day. Too bad there isn't more peeps like you in the world. It's the little things that count the most in life. Thanks again and I so much appreciate what you have done. Shawn Corbett May the memories live forever and then some. P.S. Tell his mom that she is in our prayers. My mom is taking it pretty bad and i know how she feels. No parent should outlive there children and I feel that it's the worst thing that could happen to any parent. So just let her know we are thinking of her. Peace	I am from RI, and I want to say that this website tribute to Ryan was beautiful and very touching...I am SURE Ryan is looking down and flashing that big beautiful smile of his...I lost my brother (tragically ) last August, and I will never be same the person...but I will say as time goes on, we are slowly able to smile when speaking of the wonderful memories we have and shared with him. It never gets easy, BUT your love, faith and memories somehow give you strength...Best Wishes...and PS...."Ryan, I wish I knew you. You certainly were a handsome, intelligent, fun-loving person...I KNOW you are in a better place!"..All my love and prayers.....Diane from RI Diane	I just wanted to let you know what a great job you have done. Ryan would be proud! My wife and I are expecting our first child any day now, and if its a boy he is to be named Ryan. If its a girl, Reanna. Either way its a tribute to him. Sue already knows and is thrilled. Mike from Chicago
I am Melissa Davis (Bonin), class of 1991 Tourellotte High School, and I knew Ryan quite well. He was in my brother's class, Matthew Bonin. He was such a thrill seeker & lover of life. It is such a tradgedy that he has passed on, but he will be missed by many. He was a great person. Melissa E. Davis	oh my god, the shock i felt when i received the phone call....my little cousin ryan was gone. every day i feel the loss. i wish i had a magic wand and could go back in time but that's not possible.....ryan was magic, pure magic. a truly special person and his loss is felt every single day. his cousin karen	Like so many others, I'm still trying to deal with the huge loss from the Station fire. Although no relation that I am aware, I have a son named Ryan Morin, who is 8 and two other children. Part of my job is fire safety and my kids know how serious I am about this. I made it a point for the kids to know what happened so they could understand. I happened to also be involved with some of the recovery and investigation following the fire. I sure hope the new laws get passed and prevent something like this from happening again. I also love to kayak. Prayers to Ryan's family and friends. God Bless. Kayakdude (Stephen Morin)