Ryan Lee Ranger

After years of fighting, our beautiful son lost his battle with addiction. Ryan came into the world on August 10, 1981 and departed it on December 10, 2023 at the age of 42. From the time Ryan could express himself, we knew he had a strong will. When Ryan was in the room, everyone knew he was there. He was often compared to Kramer or his favorite star, Larry David, with no filters. Ryan had a childlike smile and a contagious laugh. Like so many who struggle with addiction, he was brilliant, creative, spiritual, and highly sensitive. We could see Ryan had a passion for music beginning with his Fisher Price xylophone and his hippopotamus piano, but after trying music lessons to harness his passion, he quit and instead taught himself to play, learning Beethoven on the piano. He taught himself the guitar and later became proficient on the pan drum which he played publicly at the Portland Art Museum, Saturday Market and for hospice patients. Until the end, his neighbors could hear beautiful music coming from his apartment. He took the time to write to all the neighbors in his building to let them know if his music was ever too loud, to contact him. Ryan’s passion for music was surpassed only by his love for his family, many of whom he bonded with through live music shows and thoughtful listening sessions.

After finishing high school, Ryan traveled Europe on a solo expedition. He hitchhiked across the US and Canada and made several trips to Maui where he thrived in the sun. He always desired to see more of the world. Ryan was a vibrant and passionate soul who loved very deeply and was very deeply loved. He was a treasured and irreplaceable part of his family and he will be forever missed.

Ryan’s reason for fighting was his beautiful daughter Sequoia, born in 2004. Until the end, his love for her kept him going. Ryan is also survived by his parents, Vince Ranger (Stephanie), Susan Gonzalez (Sal), his sister, Jennifer Beaini (Nisan) and nephew Benji, his brother, Connor Williams and niece Blakely, his grandmother, Pat Idlewine-Morton and the love of his life, April Garrett. In addition, Ryan is survived by many cousins, aunts and uncles who never gave up on him and loved him unconditionally.

We will honor Ryan with a Celebration of Life at at Amaterra Winery on Saturday, February 24 at 1pm.

8150 SW Swede Hl Dr, Portland, OR 97225

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in Ryan’s name; a cause very close to Ryan’s heart.

Do you have a loved one dealing with addiction? Our advice is to love them and let them know often. Try not to get angry or judge as they are their own harshest judge. Most likely they are doing the best they can. Do not give them financial resources, but provide the best treatment you can afford. Do not be ashamed of them. Most likely, they are also smart, creative and sensitive. The world is a harsh place for such precious people. Contact Al Anon for family help or intervention.