Ryan Rhoades, Donor

1. Ryan I’m really thinking about you brother. It’s really hard to believe 7 years have gone by since we last spoke and you were with us. I love you like a brother. We had so many good times! I’m sure you know that my son was born this year on 1/15. The odds of my son and you sharing that day of birth gives me comfort knowing you are with Our Lord. A thing that breaks my heart is I use to have awesome photos of us growing up. But I don’t have Facebook anymore so those photos are gone? I was so stupid to not save those photos before I deleted the account. I know your mom has a couple that I will ask her for. I Love you brother.

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• Here you go Nick - at a U of A football game

  

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• Ryan's 15th Birthday Party at Rocks and Ropes

  

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• Ryan's 14th Birthday Party

  

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• Ryan's 8th grade graduation at FOL School

  

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• Savanah Band

  

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2. Love the "Friendship Bracelet" left at Ryan's Spot this past week! Warms my heart!!!!

   

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3. We have a new cross for Ryan's Spot. A comment: "I love it, with the flowers and all of the rocks 🥹😍💖 it's so perfect!!! It's going to make such an impact on people who walk by there." 💖💖💖

   

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• That is really BEAUTIFUL! It brought tears to my eyes. As it will to many. He was so loved. And now he's with Jesus in heaven.

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• Brings a tear to my eye. I miss my friend.

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4. I miss you dawg, love you man

   

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• Ryan Rhoades had such an amazing light to him, funniest guy on the planet. Not a day goes by where I don’t miss that man. Great friends lead to great friends and great times ❤️

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5. My brother died in a car accident. His crash site is near an underpass that has frequent foot traffic. My mom set up a stand with Bibles, devotionals, reading glasses, etc. It has been met with people destroying it over the years, but we continue to rebuild and continue the mission of spreading God’s Word no matter what evil is thrown our way. I host a Go Fund Me every year around the anniversary of his death to raise funds for the supplies. My mom has a great relationship with a local Christian thrift store that gives her Bibles that are donated and they won’t sell. She has done this for years and has tracked how many Bibles are taken and we just passed the 1,000 mark. Praise God!

   

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• Can you imagine all the people who are going to come up to you in heaven and say they never would have read a Bible if you hadn't been faithful and proactive in this spot? May the Lord bless that prayer and answer it so fruitfully Jean!!

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6. This morning I went to Ryan's Spot to clean up and replenish Bibles. I keep a tally of Bibles taken. As of today, there have been ONE THOUSAOND AND ONE Bibles taken!!!! Please join me in praying for these individuals. May they come to know Jesus as their Savior.

   

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7. <3 Forever in our hearts!

   

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8. We attended a "Donate Life Arizona" quilt pinning. I made a quilt square a few years ago and, recently, Rebecca was invited to design a square in memory of Ryan. Such a blessing knowing others quality of life improves by receiving organ donations.

   

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9. Ryan, you are missed!

   

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10. Hi Mrs. Rhoades! It’s been so, so long. I wanted to reach out, in hopes this brings you some form of comfort. Ryan came to me in a dream last night. We were in a classroom and had to move desks and him and I sat next to each other and just having fun, being silly and not paying attention to class. Of course he was being his goofy self. It was a great dream and I wanted to share.

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11. This memory came up on facebook today and Ryan "liked" it.... from February 10, 2015: "The hopeful stare up the steps. The faithful step up the steps" Ann Voskamp

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12. LOVE seeing how God is working at Ryan's memorial spot.

    

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• The above note was found at Ryan Rhoades Memorial Spot. Here's what it says: Hello my brother, I and we, have come to thank you for all you have done for us. And even though we never met in your natural former life here on Earth, we have come to know each other here, in this spot. Years ago as I wandered I was brought to this location by a thought, call it a vibe, or a feeling of some safety here now. Psalm 39:5 “Look, you make my days short-lived, and my life span is nothing from your perspective. Surely all people, even those who seem secure, are nothing but vapor.” Selah

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• So amazing how God is sending these people to encourage you to persevere in your loss of Ryan.

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• That is amazing and wonderful! How very special! God is using your deep and painful loss for His glory! Thank you SO much for sharing!

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13. Merry Christmas. Hope you have a great holiday. Was thinking about Ryan yesterday. Went to a concert in Tucson last night.

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14. Ryan, You are never forgotten! Love, Mom

    

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15. I shared the "Free Bible" ministry at Ryan's Spot in Christ Community Church.

    

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• Over 600 Bibles taken to date!

  

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16. You are loved <3

    

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17. Ryan, you are forever in my heart.

    

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18. "That game sold me the entire seat, but I only needed the edge of it!" That was one of my favorite Ryan Rhoades jokes by the way. Cracked me up the first time he said it.

    

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19. Had an awesome day today. Sat down at the bar by myself and after a few beers, threw Badfish - Sublime on the jukebox for us. Thanks for hanging with me on this regular ass Tuesday. Love you bro

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• It still feels like he’s here everyday. Hard to believe he’s gone

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• It's still surreal even though it has been a small bit of time, I wish it never happened. Just quoted him literally 20min ago, laughed our asses off, I think of Ryan often, he is still so close to our hearts.

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• Every time sublime comes on 🙏🏼

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20. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER!!! Words can’t describe how much I MISS and LOVE you!!! I’ll never forget the good memories we had. I think about you every day! LITERALLY!! You are never forgotten and never will be. You are loved and always will be!! You are forever missed and always will be!! You’re the reason I am who I am today. Thank you for everything you’ve done for this world!! God bless you and your family!! I love you so much Ryan!!! Forever and ever!!! <3 <3 <3

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• Happy 29th Birthday Ryan!!!!!

  

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21. Ryan - forever in my heart!

    

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• Ryan = never forgotten

  

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22. On the “Day of the Dead”, in my culture, we honor our family and friends whom have passed. I wanted to show you that Ryan was part of my family table. I just thought I’d show you that he is still remembered and loved by many.

    

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23. Every time I hear Highway to Hell or Back in Black I think about my old friend, Ryan, and have a nice memory I'm thinking of you today buddy.

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24. I know he is at peace and with God now, but I still miss him dearly. I think of Ryan often.

    

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• I’m sitting here watching the Green Bay game and thinking about how the snow ruins the view. Not a major issue, it’s part of the fun. This led me to see the empty stands and wonder what seat Ryan is in. I’m sure he’s got the best seat in the house - yours and Green Bay. There’s not a week that goes by that I don’t remember Ryan, especially during football season. I wanted you to know that Jordan and I loved Ryan and remember him fondly.

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25. Ryan had a foul ball hit right to him at that game. We had a lot of fun!

    

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26. Thinking of you guys, remembering Ryan and keeping you and your family in our prayers.

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27. Isaiah 61 "Provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." Love you!

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28. Today, I stopped to pray and I looked up and saw this. Love you little brother.

    

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• "I love my big sister!"

  

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29. Love you my brother. Miss u. Know you're sending your good energy down on us daily.

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30. This sign is on a semi-truck. It is most certainly true.

    

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31. "Ryan's Spot" at Wilmot and I-10 where free Bibles are given away. As of today (October 14, 2020) 194 Bibles have been taken of which 9 are in Spanish. It warms my heart!!! ❤

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• Wilmot and I-10

  

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• I've contacted ADOT about having a mural painted on the bridge embankment by Ryan's Spot at Wilmot and I-10. A couple of his buddies asked about having this done. It looks like a shot-in-the-dark with all of the legal issues (insurance and permits required, mural plans to be approved, and so on.) I plan to go ahead and submit the necessary paperwork and see if approval is given. (One week later) I've just heard back from ADOT's permit supervisor - "Ms. Rhoades, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I met with District Engineers late last week in regards to your request for painting the mural. District Engineers have denied the request. The SC District is fine with the memorial crosses but will not allow the mural. The State feels it is too much of a liability to allow citizens in our right of way to paint the mural and are against any distractions within our roadway network."

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• What a beautiful and gripping update, Jean. I continue to rejoice in how God us using your son’s homegoing to spread his Word! To God be the glory. What an amazing testimony to Ryan’s life. May Jesus be exalted through it, and his Word spread!

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• (This is a note found at Ryan's Spot.) 5/22/20 Joshua 1:9 ❤ I love you although I don’t know you. Hopefully this makes your day like it made mine. ❤ I started my Journey with God June of 2018 and I recently started reading my Bible and I’ve been wanting a complete Bible. I currently have the New Testament. When I got a Bible from here, I got into my car and started crying. I’m sorry for your lost. I promise you He is not forgotten. Thank you for my Bible. ❤

  

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• It looks beautiful and so inviting to those passing by in need of a loving reminder that God is great and with them always ❤️💜❤️

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32. I was just talking to Jenny Thomasson about a story we used to share in middle school. I remember we bought these little locker things with a code and we both agreed to write the name of our crush and put it inside. I remember I put Ryan and she did too and we had a mini fight over who would get him. ❤ ❤ ❤ Always makes me smile thinking about those days. Even in tough times, remembering Ryan and Nick and Jenny and all, that makes me so happy!

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33. The Donor Network of Arizona has another "Quilt Pinning" ceremony this year. Rebecca designed this square for Ryan. We lovingly honor Ryan and all of those who donated organs, so others may live a fuller life.

    

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34. The Donor Network of Arizona has a "Quilt Pinning" ceremony for families of loved ones that donated organs. I made this square to honor Ryan; yellow fabric with green writing and a football for the Packers, a cross for his Christian faith, and snare drum for his amazing beats The completed quilt will tour hospitals and Donor Network events.

    

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• Ryan's kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Pat Zanta and I at the AZ Donor Quilt Pinning event March 10, 2019.

  

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36. So sorry that you are not with us on earth; missing your smile, wit, and, yes, your love for the Packers! You will always have a place in my heart. When I saw you on my last visit to Arizona, you said, "We hug because we are family." I remember the day you were born and I know that we are better for having you in our lives. One day we will hug again. Thank you, God, for the gift of Ryan and for taking him home to be with You eternally. Much love!

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37. I have come to believe and be acutely aware that Ryan is right next to you at all times. It is that he exists in a different dimension. One that we can't see or experience until we, too, translate into God's eternal kingdom. It makes me not feel quite so lonely.

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38. I think Zion misses him some. Zion legit kept looking at Ryan's picture. You’re not the only one, buddy, who misses Ryan

    

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39. Ryan was an absolute beautiful soul. I had talked to him about life and change and the good things God has in store for us. He was too young. But his loving young soul will always live on. Prayers for you and your family. All I can be thankful for is how happy he was and how well he was doing. How into the Lord God he was and the good and happy you could see shine through his smile.

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40. Ryan was always a guy you liked seeing, even when it hadn't been for months or years- you could pick up where you left off and not miss a beat. This is truly a loss for everyone that ever crossed paths with him.

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41. You are truly missed Ryan. Your kind heart and contagious smile will not be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend

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42. My sincerest condolences go out to all of Ryan's family and friends. I was blessed to meet Ryan with the same interest in music. His spirit always shined, even through the tough times. Every goal he set, I watched him accomplish. With a heavy heart, I will Pray God wraps his arms around all to help each heal. Rest In Peace Ryan

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43. I feel like we all still haven't accepted it because you were so young and full of life and it just doesn't seem fair! Thank you for all the amazing memories. You will forever be in our hearts! We love you Ryan! Rest in paradise?

    

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44. You were always so full of life and so sweet to me. I have so many great memories of high school and drumline because of you and this is how I will always remember you...

    

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45. I can't imagine what are you and your family are going through!!! But you always be in my prayers! Ryan was more than a friend, he was my brother!and sometimes even more than that!!! My heart is broken for you!!??

    

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46. Ryan's contagious smile & huge heart could never be forgotten! The memories I have of our time together will always warm my heart ♡ ♡ ♡

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47. Ryan Rhoades you had a very uplifting personality and friendly spirit. I miss ya buddy! My condolences to your family and loved ones. Never take life for granted. ❤️

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48. Miss you so much Ryan Rhoades. Rest in paradise brother. ☝?

    

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• I've been thinking a lot about the year I spent at Sahuaro, and Ryan was a huge part of it. I always look back on that year as some of the best times in my life and he was right there.

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49. Always there to have a solid debate in the sports world. Always was nice to hangout and shoot hoops with. Always a friendly convo. Was awesome to see the success and updates in his life and the progressions and accomplishment he was making. You will be missed Ryan. Enjoy heaven my friend.

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• Ryan and I have had lots of these arguments. We could argue anything sports though. I loved that about him.

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50. Ryan was always a guy you liked seeing, even when it hadn't been for months or years- you could pick up where you left off and not miss a beat. This is truly a loss for everyone that ever crossed paths with him.

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51. Ryan, I miss you and think of you every day. I can't believe a year has gone by since you left us so suddenly. It's a comfort to know you are in Heaven with Grampa Jim, Gramma Ruth, Uncle Paul, and Grampa Robert, all who loved you so much. Love from Auntie Louise

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• Louise and Ryan

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• Photo

  

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52. Ryan , a Green Bay Packers fan!

    

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• Miss you buddy. It's going to be hard to try to watch Packers without you.

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53. What an amazing gift of life from Ryan. It's a testament to his kind and loving nature!

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54. May the Lord give you joy in the midst of your grief as Ryan is making an impact on the lives of many. Praying for you!

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55. ‎‎ I have to give a shout out to Ryan tonight, he may not be here, but in spirit he is.

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56. I still am in shock that Ryan is gone. But grateful though he is absent from us, he is in fellowship with his Savior, beholding his glory with unveiled face. Love and prayers to you.

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57. I was in band with Ryan in High school and reconnected with him years later in college group at Christ Community Church. He was a good man and musician. He always made me laugh. There will come a time of joy. A time of celebration. And thankfulness to Him for the time we had with him. The glory he is witnessing now is far better than a thousand years on this earth.

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• Sahuaro High School marching band.

  

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58. I remember as it was yesterday playing ball at Gridley with Ryan. This truly breaks my heart to hear a brother has been taken far too soon. My heart is heavy for your family, prayers sent your way.

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59. This is a beautiful statement of who Ryan was to follow through on signing up at such a young age. Proud of him giving the gift of donating. Hugs, prayers, and love ❤

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60. Absolutely amazing to see this side of the donation process. Thank you Ryan for choosing to be a donor the gift that keeps on giving. God bless you all as you go through this, it's such a delicate process on both sides. I know Ryan has saved lives♡?

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• ❤ Donor Certificate ❤

  

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61. I think of Ryan often, he was the type of friend where we could go a year without seeing one another but when we ran into each other it was just like the good old days. My life has been eternally blessed by the great sense of humor we shared ❤️

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• About 5 years ago Ryan and I reconnected on facebook. We went to school together from 1st-8th grade at FOL. When we reconnected the first time, we laughed hard about how we used to terrorize each other, about how much we hated each other, and how silly we were for doing and thinking such things. Since then we had planned to meet up again in person, but things didn't seem to go in our favor each time. However, we remained in contact giving each other life updates and good laughs. I wish we could have seen each other in our present adult lives before you had to go. I was so sad to hear the call about your passing. Rest in paradise my friend, you are so loved!

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• Kristin, Michelle, and Ryan's Fountain of Life 6th grade class

  

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• Ryan's FOL class

  

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• Ryan, Nick, Kristin, and Jenny

  

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62. Hey man, I know that we didn't talk past high school but I still feel the impact that your awesome personality always brought to band every day the two years that I got to march with you at Sahuaro and that's just a testament to how great of a man you are. Those days that we threw down on the drumline are still some of my most treasured moments of my entire life (even now I can see you in your Machine uniform). It just saddens me that you are no longer here to give the world your sick beats, what you always did best. You are and always will be part of my family, a brother. I hope you are doing well wherever you might be and I hope to see you again. Love you Ryan

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• Sahuaro High School drumline 2010

  

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• I was never very close to you, but I will always remember you as the goofy senior I met as a freshman in drum line. You always had a smile on your face and you knew how to have a good time. I’m really shocked and sad to hear the news.. prayers to the family. Rest easy drum line brother, keep playing those sick beats in heaven ??

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63. After your celebration of life, there were so many things that reminded me of you. The drumline all went out together and sublime came on. We obviously thought of you instantly. You made such an impact on us as a group, and I know we'll continue to honor you and share as many stories as we can to remember you. Being in drumline in high school was the best 4 years of my life. Your sense of humor was a huge part of it. You will be greatly missed, I'll forever miss the football shit talk. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

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• Sublime t-shirt

  

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64. I was blessed enough to have Ryan be my first best friend. As kids we were pretty inseparable, playing all the old great sports video games, pretending to be Vince Carter(Ryan) and Tracey McGrady(me), playing cards with the family and building sweet forts to play said video games in. I can still hear his cackling laugh from our childhood and it will always make me smile. There are so many fond memories I could go on forever. Our friendship didn't end there though. During and after high school we still hung out here and there. I remember the first time we hung out again after all that time had passed. I was instantly relieved to see that not much had changed. Ryan always had a goodness that's so genuine and rare everybody could feel it within 1 minute of talking to him. He wore his heart on his sleeve and his heart was huuuuge. You could talk to Ryan about ANYTHING and it was never awkward because he always spoke from his heart like a real man. I always admired Ryan for so many reasons. His genuine goodness, his athletic ability, and his ability to make anyone feel included anywhere. Being older now I realize just how much of a rare breed he was and how much we all need more people like Ryan especially in times like these. I'm gunna take all those things I admired about Ryan and try to do justice applying them in my own life. I'll miss you forever bud. My prayers to the Rhoades family. I love Ryan and I'm very grateful to all of your for being so awesome to me when I was little. You guys are great and I haven't forgot it. Thank you for so much!

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• Ryan, Tyler, and buddies

  

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65. I will always miss my good friend Ryan. The most genuine kind and polite person I know. Beyond this earthly realm we have something even more in common aside from sobriety. I was a live kidney donor on 6/22 /16 to my recipient and I'm very touched to know that he still lives in this lifetime. I love you Ryan ❤

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66. I hadn't seen you in quite some time, but you had always been a great friend. Seems like only yesterday we finished a basketball game at school then the weekend and we were all hanging out. You were always a kind, compassionate, & loving person. You were an exceptional man, I can't believe you are gone, love you brother, see you in Heaven one day. Until then you will be GREATLY missed Ryan! My thoughts and prayers are with the Rhoades family, God bless.

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• Fountain of Life School basketball

  

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67. I pass, by everyday, the place where the accident occurred. Literally think of you guys everyday. Also reminds me everyday is a gift and blessing.

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• Wilmot & I-10

  

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• This picture is amazing, it is as if you can see the rays of Christ streaming down. Ryan’s in God’s arms. It’s like a sign from Christ.

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68. Ryan was so immensely talented. The best drummer I’ve known, he was the kind of person who excelled at anything he tried. His personality was larger then life and he had the ability to cheer you up when you could be at your lowest point. A great friend. I miss him dearly. I thank the Lord for creating such a unique and ultimately such a monumental person in so many of our lives. I trust in God’s plan, and although in my eyes Jesus took Ryan home too soon God is perfect in everything he does.

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• "Savanah" - Ryan on drums, Brandon and Nick on guitar

  

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69. Miss you Ryan and still think about you all the time.

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70. Although I did not know Ryan, truly a gift to those around him.

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71. I miss your son everyday, he was an amazing friend.

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72. I still can’t believe it’s been one year since you’ve left us. Everyday I still think about you. The good times we had, the good laughs we had, our longboard adventures, the late night jam sessions. I miss everything about you. But I know one day I’ll see you again, so save me a seat up there! Love you bud! ❤️

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• Ryan and Kevin

  

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73. Ryan , a Green Bay Packers fan!

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• It just isn't as fun to follow "our Packers" without seeing Ryan's reactions on FB. I hope that the Pack makes him proud this season ????. Love, prayers, and hugs, my friend.

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• Not everyone knows that I have one of the biggest families you'll ever find. This family is my family in Christ, that I grew up with. Fountain of Life Lutheran Church and School is where the majority of my childhood memories are from. Memories that I will never forget! People I will never forget! We lost another family member, and fellow cheese head, Ryan Rhoades! I can not express to the Rhoades how saddened I am by this sudden news. I can, however, say that you have a family here for you! A family that can never be replaced!! My prayers go out to the Rhoades and your entire family! I pray that God can bring you peace during this rough time, and that he wraps his arms around this family and protects my brothers and sisters in Christ.

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