Ryan Richmond

A loving smile will be a cherished memory for the family of Ryan Charles Richmond. Along with his smile, his fun spirit and the way he lived each day with zest, were what made Ryan so special to those who knew him.

He was born on October 27, 1984, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Tom & Deb Richmond. Ryan and his identical twin brother, Aaron, attended school at Portage Angling Road, Portage Middle School, and Plainwell High School. There were many sports Ryan enjoyed including baseball, football, wrestling, tennis, and his favorite basketball. His dogs and Aaron were his wrestling competition. They were often found rough housing, and when the dogs or Aaron gave up he would move onto the next opponent.

Ryan had a warm heart and a personality, which attracted people to him wherever he went. These characteristics helped him do his job with ease as a waiter/host at Arie's Cafe in Plainwell. Ryan also took a serious interest in power lifting, and trained most of the time with the team at the high school. Coca-Cola memorabilia was sought out by Ryan and added to his collection. Ryan had a large group of friends who he held dear.

His family includes his parents: Thomas Richmond of Plainwell and Deb Richmond of Ravenna; best friend and brother Aaron; grandmothers: Nelda Gilbert of Ravenna and Rose & Jim Shipley of Cape Coral, FL; great-grandfather Theodore Handy; aunts & uncles: Sally & Don Cook of Byron Center, Bill & Sharon Richmond of Grand Haven, James & Carol Richmond of Jenison, Nancy & Fred Kik of Grandville, Ken & Paula Gilbert of Ravenna, Nancy Gilbert & Mel of Traverse City, many cousins, and a dear friend of the family Nancy Kablitz. Ryan died in a car accident on May 5, 2002 near Plainwell. Preceding him in death were his grandfathers Arden Gilbert and Jay Richmond. Friends called on the family Thursday, May 9, 2002 at the RDMG Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, where his service was held on Friday, May 10th.