Ryan William Thompson

Victorious in life and victorious in death our precious Ryan, husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend was called home to be with His Lord and Savior on January 31, 2012. He fought the good fight for almost 10 years since his diagnosis with leukemia and bone marrow transplant. The many challenges he endured and overcame were such an inspiration and blessing to all who met him and loved him. He brought together many people from different walks of life with his kind spirit, welcoming attitude and infectious smile. He loved sharing the great things God had done in his life.

Ryan was an amazing person with an incredible desire to live life to the fullest. While his body was tired, his spirit remained strong. Although he will be deeply missed, his family and friends take great comfort that he is now rejoicing in the Lord's presence. He has no more pain or sickness, and is finally free from all of the physical burdens his body had placed on him.

Ryan was born in Atlanta, GA, to Bill and Marian Thompson, and moved with his family to Morgan Hill, CA, Rumson, NJ, Concord, MA, and Scottsdale, AZ, before settling in Austin in 1991. He was a 1995 graduate of Westlake High School, and the University of Texas business school in 2000, where he was a brother of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and a recognized scholar. He worked for Broadwing Communications and Level 3 Communications in Austin. He and Vanessa were married in 2005. He loved his wife, his home and his dogs Chloe and Kody. He was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church and is survived by wife Vanessa Thompson and parents Bill and Marian Thompson of Austin; sister and brother-in-law, Denise and Steve Bell nieces Alexandra and Charlotte Bell and nephew Jackson Bell of Houston; and several aunts, uncles and cousins in Florida.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the many friends and family who have supported Ryan and us throughout this journey with prayer and so many other acts of kindness. We especially thank the doctors and caregivers both at MD Anderson, Houston and here in Austin, Texas Oncology and Seton Hospital for their wonderful, compassionate care.

A visitation and celebration of life will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Boulevard, on Friday, February 3, 2012, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, February 4, 2012, 1:00 pm, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3525 Bee Cave Road. Interment will be at St Luke's Lutheran Cemetery, Oviedo, FL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, or Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7