Ryan Patrick Quinlan

On February 21, 2019, Ryan Patrick Quinlan, died from an accidental overdose. It takes months to get the results from the coroner, but his addiction was to heroin. He was only 30 years old. We, his family, want to share his story in the hope that lives may be saved and his death will not be in vain.

Ryan came into this world loved by his dad, Mark, and mom, Kim. He was a happy beach baby enjoying all that Florida had to offer. He had sun kissed hair and a deep, golden tan. Years later, he had the joy of becoming a big brother as baby Kara came into this world.

Ryan had it all – he was intelligent, a natural born athlete and was an amazing musician. He excelled in any sport he played: football, baseball, basketball and hockey. He was a self-taught guitarist and had a soultry voice for those who were privileged to bear witness.

We all loved Ryan with all of our hearts, our support and our souls. And now, because of his addiction, we are left here broken. No one plans to be an addict. Addiction can affect any one. Heroin is a demon that will take over your life, destroying families and friendships.

The day Ryan died, a part of us died with him. We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives. The pain we feel is heart wrenching. The only way we can conquer the heroin epidemic is to share his story and raise awareness.

Ryan, words cannot convey how much your presence filled our hearts with joy and how much your absence has now devastated us. We know that you had a relationship with the Lord and that is one of the few things that can bring us peace; the fact that you are up in Heaven free from your earthly chains of addiction. You will always and forever be our Ryan.

Ryan’s memory will be cherished by his father, Mark Quinlan of Woodstock, Georgia; mother, Kim Quinlan of Ballground, Georgia; sister, Kara Quinlan and her fiancé, Matt Randall, of Ellijay, Georgia; aunts, Colleen Joers and her husband, Mike, of Iowa, Barb Kube and her husband, Joe, of Michigan and Jacki Demello and her husband, John, of England; uncle, Jeff Kaul and his wife, Katie, of Wisconsin; cousins, Jennifer, Tim, Stephanie, JJ, Adam, Samantha, Danny, Abbie and Hannah; and his faithful canine companions, Ace and Carmen – both gorgeous healers.

Ryan’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Woodstock Funeral Home 8855 Main Street Woodstock, Georgia 30188. A Celebration of Ryan’s Life will follow at 6:00 pm in the Reece Memorial Chapel with Pastor Mike Thompson officiating.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord you God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” –Deuteronomy 31:6