Ryan Odom Sewell

Ryan Odom Sewell, 22, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, August 18, 2011 in Port Aransas. He was born in Van Nuys, California on May 31, 1989 to Debra Pedersen Sewell and Russell Anthony Sewell.

Ryan moved to the Austin area in 1994 where he attended Hill Elementary, Murchison Middle School, and graduated from McNeil High School in 2007. He made numerous friendships along the way and the outpouring of calls and Facebook postings has been a great source of comfort for Debra, knowing that he has made an impact on many.

After high school he joined the team at Interactions Corporation, a new technology company, as an assistant office manager. He enjoyed the fact that he got the chance to grow with the company. He also was passionate about furthering his education and his ultimate goal was to get his bachelor’s in pediatric cardiac sonography and eventually complete a master’s in advanced cardiac nuclear medicine.

He intensely adored his friends and they were a meaningful part of his life. He deeply loved his mother, and took pride in caring for her. Ryan was always finding ways to express his individuality which included his quirky taste in music and his minor obsession with flat-billed hats. Despite the many ginger jokes, he will always be remembered for his full head of fabulous, curly red hair. Any chance he got, he would find his way to any beach he could put his feet on. He was fascinated by the universe and trying to understand all of its mysteries, and was a huge fan of documentaries. Ryan was truly an amazing man, and would give love to anyone who would accept it.

He will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched. Ryan was preceded in death by his father, Russell Anthony Sewell of Santa Cruz, California. He is survived by his mother, Debra Pederson Sewell of Pflugerville, his older sister, Brooke Elizabeth Sewell of Austin, Grandfather Odom Sewell of Sylmar, California, Grandfather Don Pedersen of Camarillo, California, Grandmother Lori Swann of Wylie, Texas, Aunt Cindy Pedersen of Wylie, Texas, Aunt Beverly Robinson and husband Arnold of Santa Cruz, Ca., Aunt Dawn Jeziorski and husband Dave of Richardson, TX. He leaves behind more loving family, many close friends, and the love of his life, Morgan B. Friedman, whom he loved and cherished every moment he spent with her.

A gathering in celebration of Ryan’s life will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 24th at the Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, 7127 Bee Cave Road, Austin, TX 78746.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ryan Sewell’s name to the Ryan Sewell Cardiac Foundation, 3300 Killingsworth Lane, #3, Pflugerville, TX 78660.

To share memories and condolences with Ryan’s family, please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com