As a younger brother you taught me many lessons. You looked up to me, not because you were shorter ;)  ...but as we became adults, the roles reversed. I looked up to you. You were my role model. You were the underdog from birth... 6 weeks early. You spent your entire life in the arena. For so many reasons, you were my hero. Selfishly, you were called to soon, but I trust God's needs for y

Ryan’s Eulogy

We are gathered here today in the memory of Ryan Mitchell Hathaway. A father, a son, a brother, a cousin, an uncle, a friend, and a blessing to all those who knew him. Let us share, briefly, in the grief of his passing. More so, let us celebrate the Ryan that we all knew and loved. Let us remember him as that stand out character of humor and wit. A man of masculinity and might with a soul of kindness and compassion. The only guy that could get away with doing Beavis impersonations as an adult. Yeah, that guy… the one whose laughter and antics continually challenged each of us to hold onto our playful spirit.

“Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness”. Google credits Al Capone for this one, but in my lifetime it was Ryan. Ryan was a sheepdog and never hesitated to confront the wolf.
Ryan was one of the original Sheriff’s Office Transit Detectives back in the mid to late 90's.  The unit was called the Vandalism Abatement Team (VAT) and he investigated all vandalism incidents that occurred on Transit properties.  His efforts and dedication to the VAT team are largely responsible for the current full-time detective division that is now assigned to Transit.
Ryan’s claim to fame occurred on July 11th, 2002, when he coordinated a citywide operation of probation searches at 20 different locations consisting of ten San Jose police officers, eight deputies, and one deputy district attorney. As a result of the operation, 16 suspects were arrested and approx. 40 graffiti cases were solved. The operation made headlines at all of the local news channels and he was personally recognized by the San Jose Police Chief and the Sheriff of Santa Clara County.

A valiant warrior all his life, facing much more than his share of obstacles in and out of the arena, he is now free. A man’s man, and a gentleman, Ryan enjoyed camaraderie, hunting, the outdoors, and weightlifting. However, nothing was more important to him than his Brooke and Hunter, whom he promised would feel his ever-present love and joyful energy for eternity.

Ryan was just 47 when he passed almost two weeks ago. A testament that God has much bigger plans for him. Unfortunately, from these seats, we can’t see those plans. We can only reflect on our own lives, and recognize, that he has yet to let us down. The gift of Ryan’s life lives on in our memories and stories, and in what all of us have become because of him.

I now ask, that as one big family, we stand and bow our heads, as we release our brother Ryan in prayer:

“Loving and merciful God, we entrust our brother to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life; now that he is freed from all of its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise, where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus, your son.”

Amen.