Ryan was born in Salem 10/20/87. He was diagnosed with tumors on the optic nerves in December of 1990 which began a long journey of medical treatments that would last his lifetime. He began his first of what would be seven rounds of chemotherapy in January of 1991, at the age of three.
Ryan attended elementary, middle school, and high school in Salem. He graduated from North Salem High School in 2006 and then attended Chemeketa Community College for a short time. He moved to Eugene in March 2007 and attended Lane Community College and the University of Oregon. He worked at the Fred Meyer stores in East Salem and Springfield.
While he had a brief respite from medical treatments during his teenage years and early 20s, in April of 2013 one of his ongoing medical tests showed a tumor on the brain stem which resulted in him moving back to Salem and causing him to be unable to work or attend college. He endured surgery, radiation, and more chemotherapy. Throughout all his treatments his faith in Jesus helped him to remain positive and he continued to be as active as possible. In February he chose to stop all treatments and passed away at home.
He is survived by his parents, Roger and Lisa Bendel, brother and sister-in-law Jon( Bekah) Bendel, sister and brother-in-law Becca (Matt) Bowen, Grandmother, Precious Bendel, nieces Autumn and Lily Bendel, nephew Logan Bowen and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at Faith Baptist Church on 4/7/18 at 1:00 pm. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Camp Millennium in Roseburg or Candlelighters for Children with Cancer in Portland .
