Ryan John David Cole, why the two middle names you ask? I bet you think it’s a larger-than-life story.  Maybe it has something to do with Ryan’s grand personality. Or maybe it stemmed from his witty and sharp sense of humor.  Ok I know, maybe it derives from his natural athletic ability or maybe he has some sort of superpower that resembles Iron Man or something. No, it’s a much simpler explanation.  His mom wanted to honor her Father and Brother, so she handed those honors over to Ryan in the form of two middle names, which he carried well.

He's “one of those naturally gifted people, and sometimes those people don’t have to train as hard as they need to.”  Ryan’s natural talent was showcased best when he was a participant in the Olympic trials for Track & Field Event, throwing the Javelin.  World class in every endeavor he so chose.  Football, Rugby, Disc Golf, online gaming and even Billiards, there wasn’t much Ryan couldn’t conquer. 

But that’s not to say he didn’t have his vulnerabilities as well.  So, to share a funny story; shortly after he moved to Ellensburg, Ryan was maybe a pre-teen but pushing every bit of being over six foot in height his mom heard some screams coming from his room. Naturally being a good Mother, she came a running to see what all the commotion was all about.  What she found was Ryan curled up in a ball under his covers on the floor trying to keep away from a bat that had found its way into the house, specifically into Ryan’s room.  As things settled down and his mom managed to shoo the bat back outside somehow; Ryan still was hiding safe and sound under his blanket.  It just goes to show no matter how big one’s stature is we are all vulnerable at different times in our lives.

Ryan’s light will shine brightly in each one of our hearts. Whether it is a funny story that brings a smile to your face, or if it’s a moment in a game where he excelled, even if it’s a moment in time where he wasn’t doing anything particularly memorable; we can all know this: Mr. Ryan John David Cole is a loving son, a dear brother, a great friend, and a beyond proud Father…He will forever be legendary.