Ryan was born in Sioux City, Iowa on January 25, 1984. Ryan grew up in the Valley Junction area of West Des Moines, Iowa where he graduated from Walnut Creek High School. He went on to complete a number of college courses in radio broadcasting and American Sign Language. Ryan was a strong advocate for no-kill animal shelters and took in many homeless animals throughout his life.
Ryan and Howie were married in Des Moines, Iowa on July 11, 2009. Later that year, they left Iowa and made Colorado their home.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his mother, Julia, brother Jake, and spouse Howie Kent, along with his father Mike (Joyce), many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Ryan was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, paternal grandmother, and cousin Nate.
Memorial contributions may be made to any no-kill animal shelter or to the family.