Dear JoAnn,
I am so sorry for this tragedy in your life. What a blessing to have raised Ryan. Please accept my prayers for you and Ryan
Amy Aldrete

I thank God for allowing us to cross paths. I’m going to miss your hugs and our laughs. You’ll forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

Ryan and I first met in high school through mutual friends, where we would get together at the PESH vs PSHS football game each year. When he and I were in the same freshman orientation group at SMU and lived in the same dorm hall, we instantly became close friends. 

He was a phenomenal tuba player, so we were in ensembles together a lot, but my favorite memories with him are from our brass quintet, which we were in for the majority of our college careers. Working and hanging out with him a few times a week alongside our usual Meadows rehearsals were always the best parts of my week. Ryan was a celebrity around campus, and could run into friends in literally every room he walked in to. In fact, we learned to set our quintet rehearsal start times about 10-15 minutes earlier than expected, so that we could account for him catching up with some of his many friends on the way from the instrument lockers to our rehearsal room. And the rest of us knew it was almost time to start when we could hear his laugh coming from down the hall.

Even after we both graduated from SMU, we talked almost daily to keep in touch as we started our lives in the real world. Whenever I was feeling down, even though we lived thousands of miles apart, he was always able to make me smile. I loved hearing his updates from work and his continuing tuba career. Seeing those little messages and hearing his goofy laugh will be some of the things I miss most. Ryan was an absolute joy to know, be around, and make music with.  He was funny, kind, creative, a role model, and always unapologetically himself. The world is dimmer without him. But, he left a legacy of treating his friends as family, and consistently pursuing perfection in his craft, and I live every day trying to follow in those footsteps. 

Ryan, I love you and miss you so, so much. I'm so grateful to have had a friend like you in my life. I hope I'm making you proud in the meantime until we see each other again.

I was deeply saddened by the news of Ryan's passing.  I remember him as a little boy at the Edo Heritage meetings in Mississippi.  May God grant him eternal rest.

I pray that God give you comfort, peace and strength during this time.  

Lynette and Adesuwa Ekunwe

When I first started attending SMU, Ryan was  one of the first upperclassmen music students  that I met. His kind demeanor, his joy, and his heart for people immediately made me feel welcome in a new environment. This picture was taken at one of my first wind ensemble concerts… I had sewn the red scrunchie as a part of concert attire (and was so proud of my mediocre work). Ryan (being the incredibly sweet, funny, and caring human being he was), offered to pose with my hand sewn creation. There were so many fun memories like this with Ryan—- high fives after concerts, chatting at the operations desk all the time at school, going to campus ministry events together, and rooting for each other during festival recording season. Another thing about Ryan is that his work ethic was inspiring. I stayed at school late to practice, and without fail, Ryan would be there, too. Over breaks, Ryan would be at school working on his craft. I miss Ryan deeply— and I know so many others do as well. He touched our lives with his diligence, kindness, constant encouragement, and joy.

This is Ryan and I after his senior recital in 2022 at Southern Methodist University. Ryan gave so much to many  during  his short time with us. I have never had a student that was more beloved during my time at SMU. We will forever miss him.

I met Ryan in middle school. He was such a kind soul. He was always smiling and laughing. He was always ready to have a good time with his friends.  He was very intelligent and a amazing musician. I am truly blessed to have met him and see him grow up into a wonderful young man. He will be dearly missed. His family will be in my prayers. Love you and miss you RyRy❤️

My heart goes out to your family Ryan, and I pray you are at peace. I’m devastated to learn of your passing, but I am praying for you never the less. You will be sorely missed.

My brotha was the sharpest, talented, and humble Man of God, this side of Heaven!

Ryan was always a beacon of joy. Whenever he was around, it was guaranteed that he’d raise everyone’s spirits. Even after long periods of not seeing each other, he could make me feel like we hadn’t missed a beat as we’d continue right where we’d left off. He was truly a special individual and I’m blessed to have gotten to call him a friend. May he rest in peace.

One of the best men I knew. No complaints. You had so much potential brother. Heaven cheered when you arrived.

Ryan was one of my favorite upperclassmen. He always  brought a smile to everyone’s face and could brighten the whole atmosphere with his jokes and laughter. If only he knew how much me and my classmates looked up to him you  would’ve thought he was a superhero. I pray he’s found peace and that we can continue to laugh like Ryan. Much Love brother - Caleb A.

An amazing human being. Ryan was kind, smart, and loved making others laugh. We hadn’t spoken in years, but I have nothing but fond memories of our friendship and know that the impact of his loss will be felt by many.

I first met Ryan at PESH and had the privilege to continue music with him at SMU. Ryan was always focused and prepared but best of all, he was real, genuine, and thoughtful. Ryan, you were the best and words can’t express how you will be missed.

Ryan and I always crossed paths during our late night festival recording sessions in Caruth. He was such a kind and talented guy, and this is such a loss to the world. Sending love and hugs.

Ryan was a light in the classroom and everywhere he went. These are some of the words I shared with Ryan when he "graduated" from my class during the infamous spring of 2020:

"Ryan, It is a blessing to work with a student like you who is always musically "awake" and engaging in the classroom. I was impressed by your performances every time you touched the keys. In short, you will be missed!"

I noticed how Ryan was always so kind and encouraging to friends around him.  Behind the scenes, he was lifting up his colleagues, even when they didn't realize it. I know he will be carried in their hearts.

As I said before, Ryan, you will be missed. I will be praying for your family.

Ryan and I were friends at SMU. He will remain in my memory as one of the warmest, kindest and most genuine human beings I’ll ever know. I’ll always remember his blinding smile and his ability to make anyone feel seen and welcome. He was an amazing musician and even better hugger. 

 We’re all so blessed to have known him.

Ryan was such a happy person and kind friend. He will be remembered for his big heart and contagious smile ❤️

Ryan was an amazing friend and colleague when we were at SMU together. He will be missed greatly by all he knew and loved! Rest easy, Ryan ❤️

OBITUARY

Ryan Iyobosa Ehigiator

20 September, 1999 – 20 December, 2023

Singing Hills Funeral Home

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