April 27, 1979 — March 12, 2016
Shocked and Devastated
Jill and I had just returned from having dinner at Bambara’s, and I got a telephone call that there had been a medical emergency at my mother’s house. She lives only about two blocks away, so Jill took me down just after I got the call. When I entered the door, my mother was standing at the top of the stairs–in tears–and told me that Ryan had passed away… I was shocked and devastated, to say the least!
Ryan George LeBaron
I have some fond memories of Ryan and will miss him. I extend my sympathies to my sister and his mother Dian and to my mom Virginia; who raised Ryan for most of his life. I didn’t speak at the funeral service, but Jill did, and I will include her talk in this memorial post since it was so appropriate and fitting. It went as follows:
“Ryan George LeBaron was the firstborn child of Diana and George. He was the first grandchild of Duane and Virginia and one of the younger grandchildren to the LeBaron family. He was a beautiful baby that brought so much love and joy into the lives of the respective families. He was followed shortly by his only sister, Ashley, then came his brothers; Jeff and Tyler.
“Ryan grew up going to schools in Springville, Utah, and was very close to his siblings. Ryan was a good older brother; full of energy and fun. He was a skinny, wiry, and cute little boy.
“One of my favorite memories was riding and playing around on Ryan’s red 3-wheeler; and when I say me, I also mean; Steven, Doug, and Ryan. I think I had more fun than the kids did. This one night we were playing on it in the dark and were having so much fun. Well, Grandma “C” came home and said Ryan had to leave. I asked, “Why? We are having so much fun!” Besides, the 3-wheeler was his, so if he left, the fun would be over! I had the same feelings on Saturday evening when he left, “No, not yet! We are having so much fun! We still want him to stay!”
“I have spent a lot of time, these past few days, reminiscing about the good times I’ve spent with Ryan. One of my favorites and I’m sure he would agree, would be the 4th of July at Grandma and Grandpa Carlson’s. Grandpa Duane and Uncle Mitch would bring fireworks from Wyoming (all illegal of course), and we would set them off. Ryan was the oldest grandchild, and he loved lighting the fuses on them. He would get so excited he couldn’t stand it; as did all of the grandkids. The only one not having fun was Grandma “C”. She was afraid someone would get hurt, and yes, someone usually did.
“Ryan, like most guys when they get older, liked fast cars, motorbikes, fine clothes, family, and friends.
“I was blessed to spend some time with Ryan that Saturday afternoon before he died later in that evening; I am so glad I did. I talked with him for a while, got him a weight set, and talked with him about his future; I will never forget that day! For the most part, my relationship with Ryan revolved around chocolate and pudding. I made it for him on special occasions–he loved it, and I loved the big hugs and kisses and many words of praise that I received from him for it. It wasn’t really about the box of instant Jell-O or a bag of Oreo cookies; it was a way for us to express love, appreciation, and concern for one another. I will never again make chocolate pudding without thinking of him.
“I was talking to my son Steven a few evenings ago about some of the memories he had of Ryan. Steven said his fondest memory of Ryan was spending a week out in the oil fields, with Grandpa “C,” shooting a .22 semi-automatic rifle at pot-guts (squirrels). He said they had so much fun hiking in the mountains and hunting anything that came their way.
“I know Ryan loved his parents and his siblings; Ashley, Jeff, and Tyler. I know he loved and missed his son, Jaden. I know Ryan loved his grandparents. I know Ryan loved his nephews and niece; River, Carson, Jagger, Sade, Braston and Kagan.
“I know that he loved and appreciated all that Grandma Carlson did for him. I know he had a big heart, and he loved his many family members and friends.
“I know that God lives, and I know God loves his children and wants us all to be happy. I know that we can find comfort in knowing that Ryan is not gone forever, but is in a different place… a better place. We will see him again someday in the future.
“I pray that we can all love and forgive one another and live our lives filled with good memories and kind acts towards each other. Ryan, we love you, we will miss you, and someday we’ll be together again!”
In Memoriam Ryan George LeBaron
Included below are Ryan’s Funeral Services Program and Obituary:
Obituary:
Ryan George LeBaron, age 37, of Spanish Fork, Utah died Saturday, March 12, 2016, at his Grandmother’s home. He was born April 27, 1979, in Payson, Utah to George and Dianna (Carlson) LeBaron.
He attended school in Spanish Fork where he graduated. He was very skilled in working home construction, which he enjoyed.
Ryan was an artist; he loved to draw. He loved cars, fishing, and dirt-biking. His favorite thing of all was playing with his nephews and nieces which he loved very much.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jaden; his brother, Tyler; his grandfather, Duane Carlson, and grandparents, Wendell and Nelda LeBaron; an aunt, Dana LeBaron Draper, uncles, Jon Carlson and Scott LeBaron, and a cousin, Jeff Swenson.
He is survived by his parents, George LeBaron, and Dianna Carlson; his sister, Ashlie Youd; his brother, Jeffery Lombardi; grandmother, Virginia Carlson; his nephews and niece; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 19, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 S. Main Street, Spanish Fork. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Burial will be in the Salem City Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at Walker Funeral Home.
Works Cited
Image and Obituary – Post and Rich Snippet image, and obituary: Ryan George LeBaron, Herald | Media heraldextra.com, 15 March 2016, online archives (http://www.walkerspanishfork.com/obit/ryan-george-lebaron/: accessed 20 March 2016).
