Ryan Cox! Thanks for the Ride

Ryan Cox at a Neighborhood Fourth of July Party

This morning I had to take the Jeep to Les Schwab. The night before, Sarah had expressed, more than once, how excited she was to sleep in this morning. When I left for Les Schwab, I did not wake her, but decided I would walk home and let her sleep in. It was a cold morning, but I really, really need the exercise and I was determined to get the exercise. I had barely began walking home when my neighbor, Ryan Cox, stopped to see if I needed a ride. I first told him I was getting exercise, but when he asked again, I accepted his offer for a ride. After all, I could always start walking tomorrow. He had his little daughter with him and she was still in her pajamas. They were going to get some donuts. I commented about how cool that was. One of my memories as a child was getting donuts with my Dad on Saturday or Sunday mornings. How cool that she will have those fond memories of her dad. We talked about business and vehicles for a few minutes in his truck while parked in my driveway. I was happy that he gave me a ride home. He is a great guy.

Katie, Zaya and Ryan Cox - Taken December 2007

Around 5pm tonight, Rob Casale, another friend and neighbor texted me looking for the Bishop's phone number. I immediately knew something was wrong. I texted the number, then tried calling him. Rob did not answer. I called Heidi, Rob's husband, because I had a feeling there was something wrong. She did not know anything. Rob called me a few minutes later and informed me that Ryan Cox was dead. My first thought was that Rob was pulling an early April Fool's joke and it made me mad. I did not think that was funny. Now, I wish it had been a joke. Rob and Ryan went to the sand dunes to ride motorcycles and Ryan went over the handlebars, hitting his chest as he flew over. By the time the paramedics arrived, he had passed on. This really sucks. Even hours later, I can't believe it. It really really sucks!

Ryan is a great guy. He is always happy and genuinely pleased to see you. I never heard him say anything bad about anyone. He always lived life to the fullest; motorcycling, off roading, boating, etc. He was the type of guy that was always loyal to who he was. He was not concerned with what people thought about him. He did his own thing and let others do their own things. He was a loving Father and a caring husband. He owned a successful roofing business at an early age and had so much more that he was certain to succeed at. He will be missed by all that knew him and those that didn't will miss out. He was a gem. Mine and Sarah's thoughts go to Katie and their three children.

Thanks for the example, Ryan. Thanks for the friendship. Finally and most recently, thanks for the ride. I am so happy to have those last few precious minutes.

At our neighborhood Christmas Party we locked a room from the inside. Of course,
Ryan was the first to come up with the idea to climb through the ceiling. Of course,
he volunteered to be the climber. Adventurous even at a Christmas party!