Wilbur Loren Ryan

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend, Wilbur “Wib” Loren Ryan, 59, of Lake Arrowhead, California, on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

He was born in La Plata, Maryland, on December 12, 1965, to Joseph G. Ryan, Sr. and Myrna L. (Ball) Ryan, and lived a life defined by quiet strength, deep character, and unwavering integrity.

A proud veteran, Wib served his country with honor and dedication in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Irwin, California. After his military service, he pursued a lifelong career as a skilled diesel mechanic, retiring after more than 35 years with Roadway Express/YRC Freight in Bloomington, California.

Wib had a deep love for the outdoors—fishing, boating, hiking, and biking—and was an avid car enthusiast. He was also a devoted animal lover, rescuing the abandoned and providing them with compassion and care.

He is survived by his loving wife, Monique; his children, Dominic and Savannah, and their partners, Evan and Mario; his mother, Myrna; siblings Louise (Jim), Joe (Lisa), and Lorrie (Kevin); his niece, Katie (Jesse) and their children Peyton, Emmie, and Wyatt; his aunt, Norma Jean Martin; his father-in-law, John Hernandez; and his sister-in-law, Bernadette and all of her family. He also leaves behind many cousins and their families, as well as countless friends and coworkers whom he considered family.

Wib was preceded in death by his father, Joseph; grandparents Loren and Virginia (Isner) Ball and Gerald and Edith (McCauley) Ryan; uncles Willard Martin and James Ryan (and his wife Blenda); his mother-in-law, Josephine Montes; and his beloved “furbabies” Pooch, Max, PorkChop, and ChopTwo.

Services will be held on August 28, 2025, in Loma Linda, California. Private interment will be at a later date.

You are welcome to visit his online memorial at:

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/colton-ca/wilbur -ryan-12473318

Wib’s legacy of kindness, loyalty and steadfast strength will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. His spirit lives on—in love, in memory, in peace…

A Personal Tribute:

We wish we had hugged you a little tighter that day. We didn’t know it would be our last chance.

Gone too soon, yet your love remains forever in our hearts. You walked through life with quiet strength, deep character, and unwavering integrity—kind to the abandoned and forgotten, loyal to the core.

You gave without wanting thanks. You loved without needing words. You stood like the mountains you so dearly loved—in West Virginia and in California—calm, enduring, whole. A proud WV Mountaineer and self-proclaimed “Mountain Man”.

Your journey continues beyond this place, carried by the love you gave and the lives you touched. Not gone, but changed—a breath in the wind.

May your soul be free.

Your spirit light.

Your presence a shimmer in every rising sun.

Your memory eternal in the quiet echo of the hearts you’ve shaped.

Love and light, sweet Wibby—until we meet again…

To Wilbur from his family:

There are no words that would begin to describe the loss and sorrow in our hearts and souls. The pain is almost unbearable. God blessed us with the time we shared with you in this life. Although recent times were rough, we will remember the blessings and the beautiful moments we all shared with you.

What I hold on to is that you are now at peace with our Lord in His special place, along with my mother Josephine, our wonderful friends Gaye and Lloyd, and all your other loved ones. You are comforted and held in His arms close, never to feel pain or suffering again.

You will forever be my hero, and I will do my best to remember the good times and the blessings we shared together.

I love you forever and always.

Until we meet again……

Monique

You were a gentle, loving soul who found great joy in the simple things in life, like spending time with your loved ones, hiking and fishing. You inspired me to help animals by the way you did. You made it a point to adopt or rescue stray dogs that needed a loving home.

Wilbur would do anything to protect his loved ones. I wish he only knew how deeply he was loved, and how incredibly special he was. Fly high, Dad!

Love,

Savannah

You were a quiet man with a lot of wisdom to share about the world. Selfless enough to render aide to anyone in need. You taught me so much about life that often goes unlearned: The skills you can only get from a father-how to tie shoelaces, how to use tools, how to work with wood, and how to shoot guns safely. You didn’t talk about yourself much, but you showed us through your actions that you are a man with unbreakable integrity, a contagious appreciation for nature, and a strong love for your family that will echo throughout our lifetimes. Your quirky, wholesome sense of humor will also be missed. Laughing at the Nutty Professor, Dave Chapelle, and Major Paynew will always peak childhood memories.

Thank you for all the time you spent with us. My childhood is filled with fond memories that you knowingly helped forge for us, that have turned out to be timeless gifts that can never be taken away. You leaving us so early has left a crater in our hearts, but know that we will hang out again some day. Love you Dad!

Your son, Dominic

Psalm 91:1,2

You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, say to the Lord, “My refuge, and fortress, my God in whom I trust.”

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.