Rylan Andrew Marsh

Though his earthly journey was far shorter than any of us imagined, his life was filled with purpose, faith, laughter, hard work, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of loyalty and kindness that will continue to bless all who knew him.

Rylan was born January 30, 2008, during a blinding January blizzard, and brought his family sunshine in January. He was the second son born to Brandon and Tasha Marsh, a younger brother of Wesley and the proud older brother of Corbin.

To his family he was "Smilin' Rylan," or "Ry Guy," and the boy who insisted on wearing a yellow shirt on the first day of every school year. Non-negotiable. His smile was genuine, his wit was quick, and though he loved deeply, he often expressed that love through quiet acts of kindness rather than words.

Rylan recently graduated from Murray High School, where he discovered a passion for building. Few accomplishments made him prouder than helping construct a home during his junior and senior years. He had a gift for working with his hands and took great satisfaction in creating things that would endure long after himself.

He stood at the exciting beginning of adulthood with dreams and summer plans as wide as the mountains he loved. He had begun “Marsh Brothers Handyman Services,” completing his first jobs in Park City. August he was going to skydive with family and friends. And in September, he had a trip to France, where he looked forward to speaking the language he had worked so hard to master.

Above all, Rylan loved God and his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was preparing to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and faithfully saved money toward that goal. He’d say,” I'm going to go,so I want to have some skin in the game." His faith was sincere, personal, and quietly powerful.

Rylan looked forward to a future filled with simple but meaningful dreams: a faithful family, a piece of land to call home, and a life spent working hard and serving others. In recent months he delighted in reminding his parents of the lessons, sayings, and parenting techniques they had used on him growing up—methods he claimed to dislike then, and still disliked—but admitted with a grin that he intended to use on his own children someday.

Gifted with a sharp mind, Rylan learned quickly whenever he devoted himself to a new hobby or interest. As an insomniac, his appetite and creativity often came alive after midnight. These nights inspired cooking adventures with his best friend, Will Grappendorf, that eventually led to a late-night cooking show they called "Midnight 30."

Although naturally quiet, Rylan was a remarkable leader. He served as president of Skills USA, secretary of Seminary Council, and faithfully accepted numerous leadership assignments in his church quorums. His steady example and unwavering testimony quietly influenced others. More than one friend has shared that Rylan's faith helped inspire their own decision to serve a mission.

Service came naturally to Rylan; he could always be counted on. It is a tender reflection of his life that, when tragedy unexpectedly came, Rylan was on his way to help grandpa who he loved working with. Rylan willingly gave of himself often, including serving the people of Fiji on a summer humanitarian trip alongside his brother Wesley. During a recent church pioneer trek, fellow participants affectionately called him "the workhorse" because he instinctively took his place at the front, pulling with all his strength to the end. Some of his greatest acts of service, however, were seen by few: He was a devoted older brother to Corbin, cheerfully helping with the countless daily tasks that came with caring for his little brother's needs.

He was also blessed with extraordinary friends. We are grateful he was surrounded by young men of such character and faith. Together they were root beer connoisseurs, loved country music and other memorable adventures,including our monthly Mans Nights when they sang the anthem before their air hockey tournaments. These guys were always there to support each other to stay true to their values and their faith in Jesus Christ.

Rylan was fiercely patriotic, intensely stubborn, and fiercely loyal to those he loved. He celebrated every success of his brothers as though it were his own and cherished his extended family beyond measure.

Among the greatest blessings of Rylan's final year was his girlfriend Megan Byrd, She brought light, laughter, and deep happiness into his life. They shared everything from impromptu dances in front of their headlights, to “sharing custody” of a flock of chickens. His family will always be grateful for the love they shared and the joy Megan brought into his life.

Though our hearts ache with his absence, we find peace in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the promise that families are eternal. We know that because of our Savior and His Resurrection, death is not the end. We look forward with hope to the glorious day when we will once again embrace our beloved Rylan.

He is survived by his parents, Brandon and Tasha Marsh; his brothers, Wesley, serving a mission in South Korea, and Corbin; his grandparents; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, all of whom will forever treasure the blessing of having known him. He was preceded in death by his Grandpa Jay Marsh

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Rylan's life by attending a public viewing Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 6–8 pm at the Oquirrh Point 1st Ward, 6253 West 6200 South, West Valley City, Utah, and again on Monday morning, July 6, 2026 from 10-11 am.

A funeral service will immediately follow, Monday, July 6, at 11:00 a.m. (6253 West 6200 South, West Valley City, Utah)

Until we meet again, we will remember Smilin' Rylan — his quiet goodness, his absolute kindness, his faithful heart, and the sunshine he brought into every life he touched.