Ryan William Turman

With deepest sorrow, we announce that Ryan William Turman, age 25, a beloved Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin and Friend, passed away suddenly on Friday June 12, 2020 at Overlake Hospital. Immediate family were at his side, holding his hand and showering him with love as he departed this world peacefully. A gift.

Although only 25 at the time of his death, Ryan affected many people in his lifetime. Those who knew Ryan lost a shining light in their lives.

Ryan will be missed every day by his Mother and Father, Tracy and Chris Turman, his twin Brother Evan and his younger Brother Tyler, his grandparents Betsy and Dan Downing, his loving Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, girlfriend Katie, many, many great friends, and his puppy Dino.

Ryan was greeted in heaven by those he knew in his life: his loving maternal grandparents, Velma and Bill Aiken, maternal Great Grandmother Delores Green, paternal grandfather Gerald Turman, paternal Great Grandmother Viola Bird, and other relatives and friends. Ryan is surrounded by love.

Ryan was born on September 3, 1994 at 11:52 pm. He was the second born of twins (Baby B). It has been said that Ryan was tired of sharing the womb with his brother Evan (Baby A), he wanted more space. That is so Ryan to want a bigger pad. After a few swift kicks, Evan had enough and was born while Ryan decided, to his Mom’s and doctor’s dismay, to just chill inside this expanded space for a bit. About one hour and forty-five minutes after Evan was born, Ryan was literally forced to make his entry into the world. He had to do it his way in his time. Even at that early time he was fighting for his independence to have a separate birthday so he did not have to share with his brother. Ryan was about 1 ¾ pounds heavier than Evan, likely because he took first dibs on the food in the womb and gave Evan the leftovers. Again, that is so Ryan. If you shared food with him, you will understand. A testament that certain habits start really, really early.

Ryan was an athletic kid from a very young age. His initial entry into sports was on the Diamondback T-Ball team when he was five years old. After realizing that playing around in the dirt was not part of the game, he lost interest quickly. That is when his interest in football started. Influenced by his Dad and paternal Grandfather, Gerald Turman, Husky alumni and avid Husky football fans, Ryan’s interest in football took off and never stopped. He was hooked! Ryan played football on the Bellevue Bears alongside his Brother, Evan all through middle school, then all four years for the Interlake Saints where he also ran track. Prior to and during playing football for the Bellevue Bears, Ryan played chess and acquired a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do where he learned the tenants of Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit. Unconsciously, he tried his best to live his life according to these principals. Ryan was a true competitor.

Ryan attended Bennett Elementary School, Odle Middle School, Interlake High School and Washington State University, making lifelong friends along the way. At the time of his death he worked for an internet finance marketing firm in Renton, Washington where he was regularly acknowledged for his work. He was exceptionally proud of his work achievements, which enabled him to purchase his current dream car all on his own, maintain an apartment, and have fun. Ryan enjoyed the fruits of his labor and shared with others abundantly.

We will miss Ryan’s beautiful eyes, his infectious smile and laugh that brightened the room, his generous and giving nature and his sense of style. Ryan was always fitted. He mastered the art of color coordination when it came to his wardrobe. His shoe collection was pretty impressive; he always had to have a complete look from head to toe. His favorite color was red. Ryan was always welcoming and made people feel comfortable. When he was your friend, he was a true friend. Ryan’s body was his art canvas, which is reflected in his tattoos. Many are beautiful works of art. Each of his tats had symbolic meaning. In addition to Ryan’s love of various sports that he and his brother Evan shared, another love Ryan had was his boundless love for his little Bro Tyler. While Ryan was not always verbally expressive, he showed his love through his actions. He attended Tyler’s football games, Tae Kwon Do competitions and belt promotions and bought Tyler a car for his 18th birthday. He was incredibly proud of Tyler’s academic accomplishments and college options. Knowing that Tyler had decided to attend the University of Washington was the source of so much pride for Ryan. Although he initially thought USC should be Tyler’s school of choice, having Tyler be close to home became of paramount importance to Ryan. He even talked about the possibility of sharing an apartment with Tyler. Yeah, right… Between the two of them it would have been a literal “funk” fest.

While Ryan encountered some adversity in his short years, he was an enduring warrior. He lived life with zeal, passion and faith in God. Although Ryan was baptized as a Catholic as a baby, he truly accepted God later in life on his terms. He was baptized at Churchome in Kirkland, WA last year. Ryan walked in faith.

We are all blessed to have had Ryan in our lives. He will remain with us in spirit and we will carry him in our hearts forever.

Quote from one of Ryan’s tats:

“He who kneels before God can stand before anyone” Ryan, you are standing.

Thank you Lord for the gift of Ryan’s life.

A most sincere thank you from the Turman Family for the love and support from family and friends. It has been incredibly humbling. The intentions are truly felt. The resounding message from Tracy’s (Ryan’s Mom) family, “We are holding you up.” It is felt.

The Turman Family also wants to thank Ryan’s friends who arranged and attended an impromptu park gathering and candle light vigil on Sunday, June 14th. It was a wonderful event and meant so much to the Family, more than you know. There was so much love for Ryan. The stories were special. Thank you.

A memorial service is being held on June 20, 2020 at Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Funeral home in Bellevue, Washington. Due to COVID 19, in person attendance is very limited. Therefore, to permit the participation of friends and family near and far, the service will be webcast. The link is below. There will also be a Celebration of Life event at a future date. Ryan’s body will be cremated and his ashes dispersed at a private gathering at the family’s cabin on the Washington coast.

In lieu of flowers or food, please recognize Ryan in a way that brings joy to your life, eat one of his favorite foods (Mexican), listen to his favorite songs, do his signature dance (the squabble), or wear his favorite color (red).

If you desire to make a contribution of some kind, please remit proceeds to Hopelink in Ryan’s name, a charity his Mother supports.