"Life is what happens while you're making other plans." - John Lennon
Our beloved son, brother, and friend, Ryan Bradley Cowan, age 25, returned home to the loving arms of his Father in Heaven on Friday, October 13, 2000 at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, after a long and courageous battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Ryan was born June 20, 1975 in Provo, UT to Donald R. and Katheryn J. Cowan. He served on the student council at Lakeridge Junior High School and was instrumental in the implementation of a wheelchair ramp at the Lakeridge LDS Seminary building. He was a 1994 graduate of Mountain View High School and LDS Seminary. While attending high school Ryan enjoyed drafting and art classes, and singing with the Bass Clef Union Men's Chorus.
Overcoming significant physical challenges, Ryan enthusiastically served a church service mission at the Provo, Utah LDS Temple and Missionary Training Center. He was committed to serving his Heavenly Father. There was never a question if he would serve, but only when and how. He was a faithful home teacher.
After serving his mission, Ryan worked at the Sears Tele-Center as a customer service representative and was proud to help further the awareness and inclusion of handicapped individuals in the work place.
Ryan had a passion for railroading and model train collecting. He was a member of the Ophir, Tintic and Western Model Railroading Club. He enjoyed creative writing and was working on a science fiction novel. He had a gift for technical drawing and loved to design concept cars. He loved to travel with his parents and other family members.
Ryan touched so many lives and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his parents; sisters, Deborah Beasley, Stephanie (Curtis) Seipert, Suzy (Brook) Tangren, Michelle (Steven) Dickerson, Kymberli (Charles) Clayton; nine adoring nieces and nephews; and his constant loving companion, a beagle named "Prince."
Services will be held Tuesday Oct 17, 2000, 11 a.m. at the Orem, UT Sunset Heights LDS Stake Center, 1260 S 400 W. There will be a viewing the previous Monday at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 S. State St, Orem, 6-9 p.m. and Tuesday 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Interment, Orem City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Jerry's Kids, by phone: 1-800-FIGHTMD (800-344-4863) or by mail: Muscular Dystrophy Association, P.O. Box Jerry, Phoenix, AZ 85062-1111