Ryland A. Middaugh

We all enter into this life unaware, uncertain, and unable to know what the days of our lives will hold; how many we will have, what we will see, or what we will do. In the face of this uncertainty and inability we confront our lives and go through each day the best as we are able. Ryland Middaugh, knew, deep down inside that it was up to him to make the most of this life; to live with enthusiasm, to work with intention, and to love with passion.

Ryland was the first-born child of Rocky and Karen (Kotecki) Middaugh. After seven years of marriage Karen gave birth to Ryland on the 24th day of May, 1983. His sister, Rosanne, followed behind him only three years later. Both Ryland and his sister were named within the Middaugh family tradition with the initial "R". They followed their father Roscoe Jr. (Rocky), grandfather Roscoe Sr., uncle Robert, and cousins, Robert, Randy, Rodney and Roscoe III. Ryland, the 'keeper of the rye fields.' Fitting for the son of an owner of a rye field.

As a boy, Ryland always got along well with his sister and they only grew closer as the years went by. As an older brother, Ryland was always encouraging, protective and would mentor his sister. Their bond was closer than most siblings as they would share their secrets and trust with each other. His father was always proud and his mother forever doting. Ryland was active and adventurous, always on the move, following his playful spirit of fun and joy wherever it led him. While growing up, Ryland was active in many activities including AYSO soccer for 10 years. He attended Vicksburg schools. Whether it was playing soccer, jumping his BMX, driving his go-cart, or snowboarding, his energy, enthusiasm and drive for life touched all that he did.

As he got older and began working, a hard and dedicated work ethic was all that he and his employers knew. His driving spirit brought him up the ranks. Starting off as a delivery driver for Hungry Howies Pizza, Ryland worked his way through and earned the title and responsibilities of store manager. Ryland not only had the duty to hire, train, and fire employees, he led, and led by example. His work ethic was one that encouraged others to change their ways and follow in his footsteps.

Even though Ryland was talented and dedicated in many things, it wasn't until the first time that he touched a fishing pole on a trip with his Mother and Father that he learned the meaning of passion. Bass fishing topped all other experiences and activities which filled his time. From studying water currents and temperatures to accurately selecting the correct types of bait, Ryland turned the science of fishing into an art form.

Ryland went on his family's annual vacation up to Pine Lake where they rented a cabin and enjoyed the opportunity to simply be in each other's company for a week. For Ryland this also was a time to enjoy the pleasures of fishing on the lake from sunrise to sunset. After hundreds of hours with a pole in his hand he got his name up on the marquee at Pappy's Bait Store in Wellston MI for catching the largest bass. He was active in fishing in local tournaments and he earned the right to participate in a national Bass Masters Amateur tournament in Kentucky that will take place this upcoming May.

Aside from fishing, Ryland enjoyed listening to music and loved all genres, but was currently into country music. One might have even caught him singing Karaoke from time to time. He loved nature and along with fishing was very fond of hunting as well.

Ryland was never one to miss the latest hair style and clothing. His appearance was important to him. Even when he was sitting in a boat with rod and reel in hand he was wearing a bill, (never a hat). Perhaps it was this conscientiousness that caused him to be embarrassed of the purple van that he drove. First because it was a van and secondly because it was purple. But as time went by he grew into it and made it his own and became quite proud of his locker room on wheels. He created compartments and storage capacities for his fishing and hunting gear, roller blades, and other equipment, easily accessible for any chance opportunity to indulge.

Ryland had a very special relationship with his step father Denny Bunce. Over the years they enjoyed many memorable afternoons and weekends on the boat over at South Haven along with other family adventures and experiences to places such as Key West and snowboarding in Colorado.

Beyond his talent, dedication, and appearance, Ryland was very personable and easily befriended, by animals and people alike. He always had cats and dogs growing up and currently found companionship with his cats, Layla and Oliver. It was people that Ryland touched the most however, he had many friends and two that were particularly close. Kevin Payne was his best friend and faithful fishing buddy. Alysia Anderson was a good friend since grade school, but it was after graduation that his heart was consumed with her when they began dating and have it blossom into a serious relationship.

Perhaps it was fishing that was most obviously his passion, but it was people, his friends and family that sustained his life and that were the objects of his love. There's no telling of how pointed and unique the pain of losing someone at Ryland's age can be; with so much life seemingly still ahead. But there is one thing that is certain, the impact of his 22 years on this earth run deeper than these words and the words ever to be uttered by friends and family. The handprint of his life will forever remain an unspeakable force that shapes the lives of those who loved him and whom he loved in return.

Ryland Allen Middaugh, a life long resident of the Vicksburg/Kalamazoo area died on Thursday, April 6, 2006 at the age of 22. Members of his family include his Mother Karen and Step-father Denny Bunce, his father Rocky Middaugh Jr., his sister Rosanne, his step brother Nolan Bunce,a special friend Alysia Anderson, loving aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and many friends.

Friends may visit with his family on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 from 2-4 at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S Main, Vicksburg. Funeral Services will be held at 4pm on the same day at the same location. Please visit Ryland's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory, order flowers or make a memorial donation the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.