Ryan Joseph Nathan was born on January 27, 1978 and grew up in Lawrence, KS, attending Lawrence High. He passed away from natural causes on May 23rd. He leaves behind his parents, Rich and Karla Nathan, his brother, Adam, two nieces, Leandra and Mayara. His extended family included Avahni, Makiah, and Katie Tree Pierson, Caitlin Hornbeck, and Thia Sleszynski.
No services will be held due to the current social distancing standards.
Ryan spent most of his working years as a cook, for a long time at Conroy’s Pub and most recently at Brandon Woods. He took his responsibilities for the welfare of the senior diners there very seriously in these days of Covid 19, and to keep them as well as his parents safe, he had given up his favorite thing in life, the loving hugs that everyone knew him for.
He was a kind, gentle man with a strong work ethic. He was such a hard worker that his family would refer to him as “The Machine” as he tackled jobs with a determination and tenacity. The same strength showed in his love of weight training and dedication to working out. There was rarely a day that his Fitbit showed less than 20,000 steps.
Ryan overcame a childhood of bullying for his learning disabilities, and many people never got a chance to know him because of the walls he put up from those experiences. Behind his quiet facade, was a witty sense of humor, and more thoughtfulness than you could expect to find in one person.
He preferred a low key lifestyle and had few requirements for happiness. Long walks with his mother and the dogs who adored him. Watching The Walking Dead series, a baking contest show, or a goofy comedy movie with his folks. Sitting on the patio and chatting about his day while his dad grilled steaks. Feeding all of the stray cats in the neighborhood. Playing a board game with his nieces. Hanging out with his brother, one on one. Lifting weights while listening to his extensive list of downloaded music. Googling things he was curious about. Making old friends laugh with his wit. He enjoyed washing and caring for his cars, the favorites over the years were an old Mustang, a Jaguar, and his latest, a Jeep. He was a lifelong fan of wrestling, and liked to watch past matches from years ago.
– Karla Nathan
We were so saddened to learn about the loss of Ryan and know how much that’s hurting your entire family. May you have the comfort and support of many throughout the days to come. Please know we’re holding all of you in our hearts and sending you love and peace.
I was so sorry to read about Ryan’s passing. I enjoyed having him as a student at West and have thought of him fondly through the years. My condolences to the Nathan family.
Ryan was the first friend I made when I moved bask to Lawrence. I met him at the Ramada Inn Lawrence. Then I got a job managing a Gambinos in OP and he came to work part time helping me organize the store. Then later worked with him again at First Watch in Lawrence. What a Good, loyal friend. To find a person as kind as him is rare, truly a “one in a million “Rest In Peace” Ol Friend.
Ryan worked for me at the kwikshop at 6th and kasold for a long time I loved him like a son he made us laugh so often I know he will be miss greatly I am so sorry for loss.
I worked with Ryan at Brandon Woods. He was loved by all that knew him. Ryan always took great care of the residents, never complaining. He was such a hard worker, he always gave his best each day. I will miss him so much; I am still flabbergasted at the sudden loss of a good friend. He will be sorely missed. Even though I did not have the pleasure of knowing his family, my heart goes out to them. I will never forget his kind eyes, and his welcoming smile.
I worked with Ryan at Brandon woods I learned today of his passing and I couldn’t believe it. Just Saturday me and Ryan were standing around joking around with each other. I only knew him from work but I considered him a friend and a hard worker I will sincerely miss working with him. I still can’t believe he’s gone
I’m so sorry for your loss. I felt as though he was part of my family and loved him dearly. Ryan was a dear friend to Dale and Sean and myself. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you.
I was very saddened to hear of the loss of Ryan. He was a very kind man and a good friend. My condolences to his family and friends. I will miss you buddy
So sad to see of Ryan’s passing. He was such a kind and caring young man when I was fortunate enough to have him as a student. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.