Robert “Ryan” Bilanzich, 39, passed away Monday, May 20th at the Little Sahara Sand Dunes, Juab County, Utah, doing what he loved most. Ryan was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 30th, 1980 to Constance Faith Shuman and Robert Bilanzich. He grew up in West Jordan, UT and attended Jordan High School.
From the time he was little, Ryan harbored a passion for motorcycles and ATVs. He spent countless hours at the sand dunes riding, and it gave him the greatest joy and freedom. He continued that passion throughout his life, eventually holding his dream job as Sales Manager at Honda World. He worked tirelessly there to spread his passion for motorcycles with everyone he came in contact with. Due to an unfortunate accident, Ryan is free to pursue his passions in heaven.
Ryan married his wife, Savanah Ashley Nilsson, in 2006 and spent his time dedicated to his beautiful family of 6 children. His favorite place to be was exploring the outdoors with his wife and kids and sharing his favorite hobbies and passions with all of them. Ryan had a special bond with each of his kids in his own way and they meant the world to him. He considered his family to be his proudest accomplishment. He was a beloved husband and father.
Ryan was passionate about life. He truly lived life to its fullest and spread that excitement to everyone around him. His enthusiasm was contagious, as anyone who knew Ryan can attest to. He believed in having a great time doing anything and everything set before him. He strived to experience everything life had to offer. He could bring a smile to anyone’s face. He told stories that would pull you in and leave you begging for the ending. He had a vast knowledge and experience about life, and had a story for any situation. He was naturally gifted and absolutely determined to be the best at anything he was doing.
In addition to a love for life, Ryan was a true salt-of-the-earth kind of man. He believed in doing good, helping others no matter the personal cost. He was the one to drop everything and help when you called. The one who could find a way to make anything happen. His generosity was profound. He asked nothing in return, except to make you smile. He was loved dearly as a son, father, brother, husband and friend.
Ryan was larger than life. It’s difficult to describe the effect he had, but no one that met him ever forgot him. He impacted so many lives in a positive way and mentored so many people. He was an amazing soul and will be greatly missed by all. We are lucky to have been a part of such a big, amazing life journey.
Ryan is survived by his wife Savanah and 6 children: Dax, Kammi, Dylan, Josh, Ashley and Hayden, mother Connie Kimball (Al) and father Bob Bilanzich (Cindy); his siblings Jessica Navarro (Joe), Stan Bilanzich, Matthew Bilanzich, Chris Blake (Jenny), Adam (Lisa) Blake, Collette (Shane) Dahl, September (Sean) Stephenson, Allie Kimball, his grandmother, Clara Bennett, as well as a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his father in law Bryan Nilsson, paternal grandparents, John and Helena Bilanzich; maternal grandfather, James Grant Shuman and his cousin Jed, all of whom were surely there to welcome him back to his heavenly home in a joyous reunion. Ryan was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Services for Ryan Bilanzich will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 9331 S 300 E in Sandy, UT:
Visitation - Sunday, May 26th 6:00-8:00 PM
Visitation - Monday, May 27th 10:00-10:45 AM
Funeral Services - Monday, May 27th 11:00 AM
Following the funeral service, there will be a balloon release in honor of Ryan.
There will also be a Celebration of Life held at a later date, to be determined. Check Facebook or with family for further information and updates.
Please join us in honoring and remembering the life of Ryan Bilanzich.
