Ryan Matthew Berg

Ryan Matthew Berg was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Ryan always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Ryan was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Ryan was born on March 3, 1983 at St. Mary's Hospital in West Palm Beach, FL. His parents were Keith and Claranne Berg. Ryan was raised in Lake Worth, FL. Always able to express himself well, Ryan possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Ryan was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

As a young child, Ryan showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Ryan enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in baseball, football, basketball and surfing. In his spare time he liked skateboarding, fishing and baseball cards. Ryan's memorable achievements included being a baseball all-star from ages 9-16.

Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Ryan was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from John L Leonard in 2001. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. He was a 4 year member of the baseball team and selected for the Dick Howser county-wide all star team.

When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Ryan. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Florida Southern College. His favorite course was The History of Baseball. His favorite professor was Burton Rocks.

Friends and acquaintances found Ryan an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Ryan was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Bryan Grunwald and David Mansfield. Later in life, he became friends with Jason Chantler and Adrian.

On September 5, 2015 Ryan exchanged wedding vows with Felicia Jiminez on the beach at Casaybel Resort of Sanibel Island, FL. Ryan was attentive to Felicia's feelings, and he charmed Felicia and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Ryan was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

Very much like a kid himself, Ryan identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his child’s personality. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his child acquire added common sense skills. Ryan was blessed with one daughter, Kendall Iris.

Ryan was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Ryan’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Ryan was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Ryan could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was a painter and general contractor. He was employed for 13 years by Watermark Contractors.

Ryan enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were fishing, brewing, surfing and working. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Because he liked to take risks, Ryan was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Ryan played baseball. In his college years, Ryan continued to stay active by playing baseball. Recreational sports included fishing. Ryan was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, baseball and fishing shows.

Ryan was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Politically, Ryan was a Republican.

Ryan held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member of St. Luke's Catholic Church.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Ryan truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included Sanibel Island, Orlando and South Carolina. He always wanted to go on a cruise.

Ryan was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Ryan’s favorites were Max (21 years), Heidi (16 years), Dink (17 years), Bandit (15 years) and Sadie (2 years)- they were all mini-doxies. They were best friends for 2 years and longer. His family was rounded out by his cat named Madison.

Ryan passed away on September 24, 2017 at home in Palm Springs. He died unexpectedly. He is survived by his wife Felicia, daughter Kendall and parents Claranne and Keith. Services were held at Dorsey-E. Earl Smith Funeral Home. Ryan was laid to rest in Lake Worth Memory Gardens.

Ryan was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Ryan had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Ryan Matthew Berg.