Hello Nephew Berry,
your wife Di Anna and Tyler.

I want to condoleance you with your son Ryan David.

Can you please give me your emailadres.

So i can write you something.

Im Jos Story of Ome Frans in Rhenoy your place of birth.
Do you still remember the house on the hill ??

Please greet your mother tante Ali.

greetings Jos Story

josstory@planet.nl

Ryan,  things will be different this Christmas without you. Miss you and think about you all the time.  I know you are with your grandparents and my mom, dad and brother. Miss you all.  Merry Christmas xox
Aunt Georgi

A thought for today, miss you lots. 

Xo
Aunt Georgi

I've been thinking about you, and just wanted you to know. ((HUGS)) and prayers

It'll hurt like heck at first, but it will become bearable eventually. Remember that I love you.

I'm thinking about you and your family and wishing I could take away your tears. Prayers are being sent your way. Love you

My heart is full of sorrow for you DiAnna... I can't imagine what you are going through, the heartache and tears. You and your family are in my prayers.

Hi Dianna. I'm so so sorry for your loss!!! I wish i was with you to give you a huge hug and talk with you like old times. Please let me know if there is anything i can do for you or your family. Lots of love!! Patricia Gianessi Young

One day you will wake up and there won't be any more time to do the things you've always wanted to do, so do it now.  I think my son did a lot of "do it now", I just wish he had more time to do more.  Love you and miss you, Mom

Oh Di Anna I am so sorry for your loss, a parent should never have to bury a child. My condolences to you and your family at this time of sorrow. My heart is breaking for you and your husband and family. Prayers are being sent your way that someday your heart will heal.

Been thinking of you all. Words can't express how sorry I am for your loss. And the word "sorry" doesn't really cut it either does it? Just know you all are loved, just like Ryan was

I'll miss you Ryan/Nazrix/Thematrix...you were one strange, interesting, and remarkable guy

Rest easy old friend. Gonna miss you buddy.

Biographies are but the clothes and buttons of the man. The biography of the man himself cannot be written." -Mark Twain

I recall Ryan being in Finland for a month on 2009. I had an opportunity to show Tampere to him for a few days. He was a great person to have conversations with and gave me one of the most heartwarming compliments for my cooking skills. "Pexi, you are a chef." I will remember you with a sadness in my heart, yet I will always appreciate your company in conversations in person and over internet, even if those internet conversations used to be sort of competition to provoke each other. You were a dear distant friend who I was waiting to meet face to face again.

Man, you should've come to Finland to take it easy for a while, like we spoke about week earlier. Safe journeys friend, you will be missed and remembered with warmth.

I have so many stories, but here is my favorite.  I will be sending more as I think of them and as I look at the hundreds of emails we sent back and forth to each other, but I wanted to send this one first.  

One time while were were working together I hosted a BBQ at the house that I was living at in Santa Monica.  We had maybe 10-15 people there, and it was on a weeknight.  Around 11pm I was getting very tired, and wanted everyone to leave so I could go to sleep, but I didn't want to be a bad host and say anything.  Ryan, being always ever perceptive, could tell that I was ready for this to end by my body language and the look on my face.  So without me asking him to do so, he announced to the room that it was time for everyone to go.  One guy responded "well I'm not done with my drink yet."  Ryan walked over to him, grabbed the drink out of his hand, tipped his head back, and guzzled it down in 3 seconds flat.  Then he slammed the can back on the table and said "Good, now you're done. Let's go."  And they did.  It was a classic Ryan moment, fierce loyalty to his friend combined with his flair for the dramatic. I have told that story many times as evidence of what a good a friend he was.

There are no words to express how sad we were to hear the news about Ryan's passing.  Ryan and my husband Matthew went to law school together.  He was such a lively, smart and funny individual and we will really miss him.

Ryan and I exchanged hundreds of emails over the years.  We caught up on each others' days, sometimes argued, sometimes complained.  My favorite conversations though were the ones where one of us turned a corner in our lives, and in doing so, gave valuable insight to the other.

Following a conversation a few years ago where Ryan was very down about his job prospects, he had somewhat of an epiphany.  I woke up to a long message from him about how he was going to turn a negative into a positive.  We talked a lot about "choosing to be happy."  I always tried to get him to see that he could change his attitude and thereby change how he felt about life.  This was the first time I felt him really embrace that idea. It's funny, the last conversation I had with him a few days before his death had the exact same type of tone and character, full of hope, optimism and drive.

Anyway, this is my favorite quote he ever wrote to me.  I saved it long ago when he sent it to me, and often refer back to it.  He was one in a million and is really irreplaceable.

"Yeah so what, everyone has problems...you have two choices, let it ruin you, or let it fuel you to do things you never thought were possible."

Ryan, I have not seen you since you were a young boy. I am very sad for that. I have read what all these friends and family have written about you, and I must say, you sound like you have turned out to be an awesome young man. Your mom and dad couldn't be prouder of you. I am sad to have missed out on your growing up. I do know that your Uncle Karl will be with you to protect you. With love, Aunt Sally

Ryan, 

Before I officially met you through Hank, I remember your presence in the hallways of USC Law - your voice carried easily, your laugh even more. Over time, at Lindsey and Hank's apartment, we became closer friends.  I admired your quick wit and marveled at your insatiable desire to either argue or educate.  I could never keep up with you, and stopped trying early on - it was more entertaining to listen. The most meaningful conversations I had with you over the years were about the relationships we made during law school, our emotional well-being through various mini-crises, and personal milestones. I was always warmed (and admittedly sometimes overwhelmed) by your habit of promptly gchatting me to "hash out" whatever situation was unfolding. You were always there to offer advice and a healthy dose of humor.  Always.  

After you passed, I went into my gchat history and searched for records of some of our talks.  Zero results.  In that instant I was simultaneously so disappointed but also happy, because it made me remember the hilarious conversation about why you always stayed "off the record."  You were going to become someone very important, with many enemies vying for your power, and you weren't going to let them find evidence of the ridiculous things you said during law school. Classic Ryan - always thinking ahead.

Your memorial on Saturday was one of the hardest days I've had. I still can't believe you're gone.  I don't know what Heaven is like, but I know if I make it there you'll be waiting with that huge smile of yours, eager to give me a thorough run-down of how the place works.  In the meantime, I'm going to miss you.

xoxo

Ryan, I am lighting this candle to let you know I am thinking of you. 

Xo
Aunt Georgi

Attended your homegoing service on Saturday...It was a blessing to see all the people whose lives you touched in such a positive way. I watched you grow up at Los Altos and it's still hard to grasp that you're gone... now you're enjoying adventures and new wonders, and waiting to greet those who come after you

Will miss you my friend. Hope you are in restful and happy place now.

Dear Ryan,

I want you to know how honored I am to have crossed paths with you and to have been a part of your life.  I will forever miss our chats during our family get-togethers and other occasions.  I so enjoyed,and was captivated  listening to you speak about your lawyering experiences.  You spoke with such pride, enthusiasm, honesty, intelligence, dedication and integrity.  Did I ever tell you how proud I was of you?  Well, I am.   I just know you were destined to succeed in whatever area of the law or other profession you ventured into and in life in general.  I looked forward to watching you continue to grow in all aspects of your life.   Ryan, I last had the pleasure of your company at your aunt and uncle's anniversary party, where we celebrated a couple's life.  Today, Ryan, we celebrate YOUR life, your life here on earth and your new life in heaven, a life everlasting. 
The selfish part of me says, “NO, this can't be happening.”  But then I take comfort in knowing you are in a better place, Ryan.  You are surrounded by your Hailey grandparents and by my parents and by your Uncle Karl and even by my pups, Julie and Finbar (watch out for Finbar, Ryan, he can be an ornery little dude).
You are in a better place, Ryan.  I will miss you down here but will keep your spirit with me always.  Thanks again, Ryan, for our times together.  Thanks, Ryan, for sharing your life.  I'll see you later.  Until we meet again, take care nephew.

Love and God bless,
Mary Frances Guayante
XOXO

Prayers and love sent to the entire Story family.  Please know our family is keeping you and your family in our prayers.  May the Lord wrap you in His loving arms and bring comfort to each one of you. 
With deepest sympathy for your loss.

On the Friday before he passed, Ryan and I visited our favorite local bar after work to share a few of our favorite beers. At some point in the evening we were approached by someone sitting at the table next to us. She was from France, and was spending the evening at the bar with four of her French friends, all enjoying their vacation to America. They wanted our help. The group was attempting to recall from memory the 50 U.S. states. They had 49 states written down on coasters that they had collectively remembered and needed our help in identifying the 50th. So Ryan and I worked geographically from West to East and named all the states we could recall, with our new French friends marking off each state on their coasters with a nod. When we could not recall any more states, they said, “That's only 49. We're still missing ze fiftieth.” Ten minutes of naming random states and checking the list, then recounting the list, ensued. When we had all nearly given up on the 50th state, Ryan suddenly exclaimed, “Georgia! We forgot Georgia! Check the list.” Our French friends quickly confirmed that Georgia was indeed the missing state. The group celebrated with cheers and high-fives. At that moment--in his idiosyncratic fashion--Ryan proclaimed: “I am like General Patton, sweeping in at the pivotal moment to rescue the French!” I removed my hand from my forehead in time to see that, fortunately, the smiles had not faded from the faces of our new friends. And with one last cheers, we went back to our table and closed out the bar.
 
I spent many hours in the past few years with Ryan, at work and at our favorite local bar. I think this story summarizes his personality. His analytical mind, incessant opinion, candor, and sense of humor will be greatly missed.

This world has lost someone very important.  I will always wonder what could have been. Everyone knew you were smart Ryan, but some of us knew how tender hearted and kind you were inside.  I am praying for you and your family.  I know you are with God and now at peace in his love.

My dear, dear friend Ryan…I was already missing your smiling face around here at the office and was looking forward to our “past due Christmas lunch” with you and Daniel and catch up on your next greatest adventure plans when I was told of your passing.  It is hard for me to believe you are gone now.  My simple words here do not really express how very sad I am that you are.  I will  miss those bright eyes and that infectious smile of yours.  You always made me smile and laugh.  I so enjoyed being your secretary and working with you for the little time that I was allowed while you were here.  You were by far my most easiest attorney to manage and I always enjoyed our chats about all manner of subjects.  I will miss those even more now.  I can just see you now - sitting amongst the greatest scholars and philosophers of all time relishing in the lively conversations and enjoying your favorite frosty beverage.   

Rest in peace my friend and God Bless you.

For a little while - Secretary to Ryan D. Story

As we read the other messages it comes as no surprise to us that Ryan has touched so many lives.  He was very special and we will miss him.

Ryan,

I was just thinking the other day about how you're the only one of us that actually finished college. I was looking forward to reconnecting with you at some point.  I am so sad that i did not reach out sooner. 

DiAnna, Berry and Tyler, i am so very sorry for your loss. We cannot make it too the funeral, but please know that we are praying that you will find peace during this trying time. 

-Lenny & Nora Story

I am so saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Ryan. Although I did not know Ryan personally I know how proud di Anna and Berry were of him and his accomplishments in life. When we learned he had been accepted into the USC school of law we cheered on his behalf.

You will be missed, Ryan.  Prayers for your loving family.

We're shocked and so sad to learn of this loss and are praying for you Diana, Barry, and Tyler.

Ryan, i dont want to believe that you are gone. Education wise you always led the pack of the Story family. I will remember all the fun times playing video games when we were kids. God has a plan for you and i believe its to watch over Tyler Uncle Berry and Aunt Di Anne. Say hi to Opa for us.

I remember watching Ryan David Story grow up. I always admired his intelligence and his smile. He will truly be missed, but I know he is in a much better place. My heart goes out to Barry, diAnna, and Tyler.

I was honored to see Ryan and his brother grow up in church,and in the Lord. I am proud of what he became, and I am truly saddened at his passing.  The world has lost a light, but God gained another angel.

My prayers and thoughts are with his family.  Know that God is faithful, and will get you through this time of sorrow.

I knew Ryan for sometime--he was a intelligent & bright young man with a great future ahead. To not see the wonderful things he would have accomplish is very sad. My heart goes out to the family & my prayers. Their are no words to express how to explain why something like this happened. But I have to believe that God has a purpose for our lives & He knows Ryan. God Bless you.

I've known Ryan for some time-he was a intelligent young man   & very pleasant. My prayers are with the family.

Ryan was a very special young man.  
We will all miss him.

Jene & Sheila Spivey

I appreciate realizing how much you have done, and how many lives you touched, and more. I remember your generous presence, and warmth. I am grateful for your kindness. And you were funny, witty. You made me smile, often when I saw you. Thank you Ryan. I will miss you. Truly.


Our hearts are broken, there are no words to convey our sadness at your passing.  We've watched you grow up to be the wonderful son, your parents' pride and joy.  
To our amazing neighbors Berry and Deanna - our love and sympathy.
Emma

I met Ryan on our first day at USC Law, and he was the first person, amid all the excitement and anxiety of that undertaking, who made me laugh. "You look like a 3L," he joked, "when do we get to start making objections?" So too do I remember our last day as law students, and again the jokes we shared. We had both signed up to represent the law school at the undergraduate commencement. I remember so clearly Ryan's excitement and humor, refusing to ever be bored, sitting around in his journal's office for the hours between the great speech President Sample gave to the undergrads, and the hilariously bad speech by CalBar President Howard Miller. We tried to pick the lock to some student lounge door with paperclips, laughing as we discussed the rules of evidence being argued at our 'inevitable' felony trial, and how it was a good thing Lyon's evidence exam had been so hard. 

That is how I remember you, Ryan - laughing.

Ryan was a staple in my law school cast of characters and an unforgettable personality.  Any time he was around it was guaranteed to be an interesting evening.  He weaseled his way into my life by being close friends with my old room mate, Hank.  I would walk out in the morning and find him on our couch - he was practically part of our household during finals.  I was lucky to eventually know Ryan enough to learn what a generous, kind guy he was.  He helped me with things I was too embarrassed to admit I needed help with, like getting a discount on our bar exam class because I didn't have a full time position lined up after graduation.  He edited my writing sample when I was looking for a job in SF.  I never got to return those favors, but I will never forget Ryan.

Ryan,

I had the pleasure of working with you at the law firm that you recently left.  I will miss seeing you and getting into lively discussions about politics and other significant topics.  I had so much fun watching you tease and cajole your friends at work.  Your antics reminded me of my fun loving brothers.  We spent so much time at work, we become a family and I regarded you as my little brother.  You would charm and surprise me with your intelligence and wit.  You helped make my days at work more interesting and enjoyable.  You are one of the most unique people I have ever known and I will always admire your strong principles and insights into law and life.  I only wish you had more time with us, you have so much to share and the world is a lesser place because of your absence.

I am still in shock that you are gone but one thing I do know is that you are in a much better place. One of the earliest memories I have of us is when we were about 3 years old and I walked across the street to play (I think I got in trouble for that one because I didn't wait for an adult lol). We had known each other our whole lives. Only God knows why you had to leave us so soon. You will be missed. We will see each other again. Rest in Peace Ryan.

Dear Son,
You brought so much happiness to our family. We had so many good times together while you were growing up. I will always be proud of your many accomplishments; from your youngest days to the present. From your Most Improved Attitude Award in 6th grade to graduating from USC Gould School of Law and passing the Bar Exam (on your first try). You always made me very proud of you. I know God has reasons for everything and we are not supposed to ask why.......Ryan you will always be on my mind. 
Love, Dad

Ryan, I have never meet you but heard nothing but wonderful things about you from your mom. You will be missed.  Rest peacefully in heaven.

I have a lifetime of memories to look back on that will always make me smile and laugh, you were truely one of a kind. I wish I would've had more time with you, especially as adults. But, God has a plan that we must accept even if we dont understand. I will always miss your quick wit, epic debates and huge heart! I miss you so much cousin, check in on me from time to time, and if you can help me win the lotto! I love you forever Ryan

He'd been hanging out with me at my apartment in downtown LA, I was a student at USC at the time, and I happened to mention to him that I'd have to walk a mile the next morning to the store later because I was out of shampoo and my car was in the shop.  He left shortly after because his afternoon class at CSULB had an exam that day, but much to my surprise he came back later.  He had in hand a bottle of shampoo in my brand, and he explained he'd looked in my shower to see what conditioner I had and bought me a shampoo to match because he hated to think of me having to walk a mile each way for hair care products.
He was a truly good man deep down in his soul and I never forgot that.  Never ever.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

"Ryan, the family and I are at a loose for words to express how much we will miss you and the friendship you extended to us over the years! God only know why you left us so soon, there must be a good reason and that thought helps us cope with your early departure to heaven. God bless you Ryan and please know we're looking forward to seeing you at heaven gates to greet us and be with you once again, this time for an eternity, in the meantime we will cherish the memories of being with you ..."

                                                           Rickey & Family (Cerritos, California)

OBITUARY

Ryan David Story

29 December, 1983 – 27 October, 2013

Miller Mies Downey Mortuary

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