Ryan Joseph Haywood

Ryan Joseph Haywood entered this world at 10:51PM February 1, 1994 in Scottsdale, AZ. Ryan was always active. He loved to take things apart and make his own creations. He was intrigued by wiring, batteries and making things work which led to his passion to invent and build things. Ryan started in Tae Kwan Do when he was 7 years old. He always had energy and loved going to class. During the next 6 years he continued to work and excel until he earned his 3rd degree black belt. He was developing leadership skills in class and impressed hundreds of spectators at a meet when at age 11 he actually instructed a group of adult participants on a complicated form. Ryan loved the family dogs and pets. He adored his dog Sandy from the moment he picked her from a litter of pups when he was 10 years old. He loved and cared for her every day since. Ryan participated in the Army JROTC program at Marcos de Niza HS for 3 years. He earned a spot on the Varsity Civilian Air Rifle Team and was proud to earn 14th place in a national competition during his senior year. Ryan also received the JROTC Outstanding Citizenship Award. Ryan volunteered and became the school mascot for Mountain Pointe HS Pride. He loved dancing and working with the cheerleaders during football games as they entertained the home crowd. He was “Ryan the Lion” for 2 years and earned a letter for his hard work and dedication. Ryan graduated from Mountain Pointe HS in 2012. Ryan was very active in Scouting. He started as a Tiger Scout in Pack 976 where he went on and earned his Arrow of Light and bridged over to Mesa Boy Scout Troop 853. Ryan enjoyed hiking, backpacking and camping. He went on many outings with his troop. His favorite thing to do was to gather wood, build and maintain the campfire for every outing. He also instructed the younger scouts with his knowledge of building campfires. Ryan completed treks at Double H Scout Ranch and at Philmont. He also enjoyed the Sea Base Bahamas High Adventure. He continued to improve his leadership skills by completing Silver Axe, now NYLT. Ryan became a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow in 2010. Ryan attended Camp Geronimo for a week every summer for 6 years. He also enjoyed working during a couple of summers at camp. He taught Archery and really enjoyed teaching Metalworking. Ryan earned his Eagle award on January 31, 2012 after completing a renovation style Eagle Project at Reynolds Creek Group Campground on AZ SR 288 with the help of fellow scouts, friends and family. Ryan recently began working as an Electricians assistant and really enjoyed working at something he has always had a passion for.

On March 28, 2014, Ryan went to be with his grandfather Ben McGowen. He will be deeply missed by his loving parents Doug and Amy Jo, his big brother Andrew, grandparents Manuel & Mary Haywood, grandmother Carolea McGowen, uncles and aunts Kevin & Shawn Haywood, Robert & Lisa McGowen, cousins Jonathan & Samantha Haywood, along with Mckenzie & Kelsie McGowen, extended family and many wonderful friends.

Ryan’s family extends their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the loving support and comfort of other family members, multitudes of friends, friends of friends, the WW Williams family, the Grand Canyon Council, Mesa District and Order of the Arrow Scouting families and to the families of Troop 853.

Memorial Services will be held April 12, 2014 at 3:00PM at St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Mesa, fellowship to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations sent in memory of Ryan to your choice of BSA Grand Canyon Council for Camperships, Phoenix Children’s Hospital or Arizona Humane Society.

Lakeshore Mortuary

1815 S. Dobson Rd.

Mesa, Arizona 85202

If you have any questions or need assistance, please call (480) 838-5639.