Ryan Christopher Nuttall

Our sweet boy, Ryan Christopher Nuttall, also affectionately known as “Buddy”, “My King” and “Ry Guy”, was born in Calgary, AB, on May 8, 1985 and passed away suddenly on September 28, 2021 at the age of 36.

Ryan was put on this Earth to make a difference in the lives of those he touched. He kept all of us humble, patient and he inspired the love in all of us that he showed to everyone he met.

Though he may have seemed shy at first, once he met someone new, they became his friend for life. His empathy granted everyone the gift of “being his best friend.” This extended to all the animals at the Zoo that he proudly knew by name and always let us know that they loved him, as we are sure they did.

Ryan always made a point to make sure that he was around wherever the action was. He kept up to date on all of his interests and loved to talk to people about each and every one of them, from animals to Survivor, he was always passionately sharing stories and facts to help make other people feel happy and connected.

Though he loved everyone he met, his family was the most special thing to Ryan. He especially loved his mom and dad, his brothers, Corey and Nick, and his little sister, Emilee.

Those who have the pleasure of knowing our family know it is one where the titles blur together and love is always abundant.

Auntie Debra was not only Ryan’s Auntie but also a second mother. Ryan would always call her “my Queen” and, in turn, he was “her King.” Auntie Debra remained Ryan's very best friend, confidant and rock since as long as we can remember. In the past year or two, Ryan would call her every night at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., without fail, to talk about anything and everything that was on his mind. We could always hear him from the other room making sure that Auntie Debra was staying awake when the two were talking; his giggle teasing her through the phone. Their bond, like so many others, would never be unbroken.

Then there’s Traci, another maternal figure to Ryan. They had a very special bond that started in Germany and really grew when Ryan was diagnosed with Leukemia. Traci, known back then as “Frace”, was an integral part of the beginnings of his treatment and comforted him through songs, stories and all kinds of hugs. This bond continued to grow for all of Ryan’s life. They had many magical adventures at Stampede, the Zoo, concerts, and anywhere else they happened to go.

Ryan was always seeking the next adventure and loved bringing his cousin Haley to any and every event he could rope her into. Haley loved it right back, making sure to get him in as many pictures as she could manage.

When Ryan was 18, he got to go out to Nova Scotia on his own to spend the summer with his Auntie Sandra, Uncle Sandy, and cousin Robert (on the Nuttall side of the family) as well as “Barry the dog”; Ryan’s dog. This trip was an extremely precious memory to Ryan and he treasured the photo album that Sandra had lovingly created from that summer. He has worn away the pages from flipping through it so often.

All of you aunts, uncles, and cousins on both his “Nuttall” and “Janzen” side were people he loved with all his heart and soul. He was extremely proud to be part of this big family and he was always so excited to see and spend time with you at whatever large family gathering was next. Everyone was special to him in their own unique ways and your impact was not lost on him.

Ryan went through an awful lot in his short life. He had great sickness and struggles his whole life, though he never saw it like that. The life he lived was full and bright and beautiful.

Although his passing feels sudden to us, we all know Ryan was on “borrowed time” for a very long time and we loved every moment that we got to spend with him.

Ryan had a pure, innocent heart, that will continue to inspire us all to always look for the simplicities in our own lives that would make it beautiful and so worthwhile. He would never let someone else’s beliefs in our own abilities stop us from doing exactly what we want to do, when and how we want to do it.

Ryan was undeniably passionate about many different things such as the animals at the Zoo, country music and Children’s Cancer to name a few.

While proudly working at the Scotiabank Theatre, Ryan’s boss, Dino, quickly became one of Ryan’s biggest cheerleaders. Ryan was like a son to Dino and he made sure Ryan felt that. No matter how challenging Ryan was, Dino always thought Ryan was a superstar and he did his darndest to make Ryan feel like he was the most important person working there.

Recently, Ryan met Sarah, with the help of PDD and Inclusion Alberta. She quickly signed on as his support worker but she seamlessly became his friend. It was apparent, almost immediately, that Sarah and Ryan had many things in common and an instant connection that started long before they even met each other; shared many interests that make us think “what a small world.” Ryan was elated at the thought of going and doing absolutely anything with “His Sarah.”

Please know that it is impossible for us to name all of the special memories that you have all shared with Ryan, and we invite anyone who wants to share a story to please do so, either through email, voice call, or over a cup of tea.

We will also have a microphone available at the coming “Celebration of Life” gathering on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 in Nose Creek Park, Airdrie, AB, where everyone will be welcome to come and share their stories. Details regarding the Celebration of Life are on Facebook under “Ryan’s Celebration of Life.”

Ryan has touched the hearts of everyone in such a special way and we will continue to look for reminders and signs of him and his love and hold him in our hearts for all of our time to come.

Ryan is survived by everyone who knew and loved him so dearly. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Howard and Jean Nuttall, Peter and Nadene Janzen, great-grandma Clara Nuttall, Uncle Denny (“Doodle”) and his special furry companions, Lily and “Barry the dog.”

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in Ryan’s name to his very favourite places, The Calgary Zoo, The Children’s Hospital Oncology Ward, or Inclusion Alberta.