Ryan Nathan Obituary

Ryan Joseph Nathan was born on January 27, 1978 and grew up in Lawrence, KS, attending Lawrence High. He passed away from natural causes on May 23rd. He leaves behind his parents, Rich and Karla Nathan, his brother, Adam, two nieces, Leandra and Mayara. His extended family included Avahni, Makiah, and Katie Tree Pierson, Caitlin Hornbeck, and Thia Sleszynski.

No services will be held due to the current social distancing standards.

Ryan spent most of his working years as a cook, for a long time at Conroy's Pub and most recently at Brandonwoods. He took his responsibilities for the welfare of the senior diners there very seriously in these days of Covid 19, and to keep them as well as his parents safe, he had given up his favorite thing in life, the loving hugs that everyone knew him for.

He was a kind, gentle man with a strong work ethic. He was such a hard worker that his family would refer to him as "The Machine" as he tackled jobs with a determination and tenacity. The same strength showed in his love of weight training and dedication to working out. There was rarely a day that his Fitbit showed less than 20,000 steps.

Ryan overcame a childhood of bullying for his learning disabilities, and many people never got a chance to know him because of the walls he put up from those experiences. Behind his quiet facade, was a witty sense of humor, and more thoughtfulness than you could expect to find in one person.

He preferred a low key lifestyle and had few requirements for happiness. Long walks with his mother and the dogs who adored him. Watching The Walking Dead series, a baking contest show, or a goofy comedy movie with his folks. Sitting on the patio and chatting about his day while his dad grilled steaks. Feeding all of the stray cats in the neighborhood. Playing a board game with his nieces. Hanging out with his brother, one on one. Lifting weights while listening to his extensive list of downloaded music. Googling things he was curious about. Making old friends laugh with his wit. He enjoyed washing and caring for his cars, the favorites over the years were an old Mustang, a Jaguar, and his latest, a Jeep. He was a lifelong fan of wrestling, and liked to watch past matches from years ago.

Ryan never wanted to leave a room without a hug and an "I love you".

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on May 31, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Ryan Nathan

8 Entries

McKenzie

October 31, 2024

I´m McKenzie, I´m one of Mayara friends.she has said so many good things about him, he´s sounded like such a kind man and a beautiful soul may he rest in peace

Debbie Beracha

May 26, 2021

May 26, 2021. Ryan, I recently met with your mom, and knowing her my entire life I saw the hole you leaving the family has left in her heart. It is a deep grief and you will never be replaced. She loves you unconditionally and you will remain a huge part of her life and heart forever. Your mom wants everyone to know what a kindhearted gentle caring loving, yet independent, man you became. She shares with us how deep your bond was. I know you would want your Mom to be able to remember you, take pride in your life, and yet love you without having to suffer pain, so that will be my prayer for your Mom - that the pain becomes less - that she can think of you, remember you, and her face will light up and she will smile without always the tears. In our hearts forever. Love, Debbie

Rita

June 3, 2020

I took care of Ryan at LMH several years back. I met his mother, Karla, and we bonded over having learning disabled children. I really enjoyed Ryan, he worked hard to stay in shape. And, from the sounds of it, he worked hard at just about everything. Sending love to your family, Karla. You were a very loving, and protective Mother, and the world is a lesser place without Ryan. Sincerely, Rita Lindsey McGrew, RN

Jeanne Mott

June 2, 2020

Richard and I want to offer our greatest condolences to the Nathan family.
We remember Ryan as a sweet, honest and hard working young man.
Jeremy, Adam, and Ryan were frequently together when we lived in Lawrence, and we always enjoyed Ryan's sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nathan family.

Liz Hoffman

June 2, 2020

Fly high, Ryan. May the lords peace comfort your family in their time of need and pain.

Kelly Anderson

June 2, 2020

Nathan Family,
So sorry for your loss. Whenever I would bump into Ryan I would always say a hello. I am not sure he remembered me from those hotel years. My heart aches for all of you.
Kelly Anderson

Gail Sell

May 31, 2020

What a precious soul gone too soon. I pray you are comforted by your wonderful memories and knowing how much your love filled his heart.

Debbie Beracha

May 31, 2020

Ryan, I am so sad for your mom and dad and family that you leave behind. It makes no sense you had to leave too soon. I will always remember you as so kind, gentle, and putting up your mom's friends' silliness hanging out with us when we visited. The world has lost a very kind and giving soul.

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