Ryan Andrew Leany's Obituary
Ryan Andrew Leany passed away from this life on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at the age of 16. He was born to Thaylen and Laura (Mulvaney) Leany on February 16, 2006 in Fort Wayne, IN.
Ryan was a sweet, funny, smart, young man who found joy in so many things and brought light to those around him. Whether it was exploring the zoo as a toddler, checking out sports cars, enjoying the world of pokemon, or building and designing robots, he was always curious. And he loved food -- cooking it, trying new foods, and especially eating it. Ryan moved with his family to St. Joseph, MI in 2009 and Norton Shores, MI in 2021. Through elementary and middle school, his interest in math and football grew. Even though he was one of the smallest kids on the football field, he had a passion for playing nose guard, and opponents often double teamed him. He decided his favorite team was the Oregon Ducks despite never living out west. In 5th grade, Ryan began participating in FIRST Robotics as part of the RoboJoes at E. P. Clarke. He continued with the JoeBots team at Upton Middle School, then the Average Joes at St. Joseph High School and Team Wavelength at Mona Shores High School. He was a great musician, loved playing french horn with the band at both high schools, and looked forward to getting involved with the Tri M Music Honor Society. Throughout school, Ryan excelled in all subjects, but he especially loved math and was excited to pursue a degree in math education. During high school, he found a way to balance his academics with band, football, robotics, and church while still finding time for his other interests, including playing video games and watching YouTube. He even thought about creating a YouTube channel about video games or his other interests. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ryan actively participated in the youth group and attended Seminary (Scripture study class) each morning before high school. Preferring to show his faith through action rather than words, Ryan was diligently devoted to his commitments and responsibilities at church. He had a quiet, thoughtful spirit but also a fun, infectious personality.
Ryan will be forever remembered by his parents, Thaylen and Laura; siblings, Heather Leany, Justin Leany, and Amanda Leany; grandparents, Rachel Leany and Michael & Leslie Mulvaney; great-grandmothers, Clare Hatten and Lorna Mulvaney; aunts and uncles, Luwellyn (Michelle) Leany, Marie (Scott) Bryce, Brenda (Wade) Ashton, Raelynn (Pedro) Jimenez, Eldean (Naomi) Leany, Brian (Aileen) Leany, Delbert (Holly) Leany, Michael (Melissa) Leany, Suzanna (Robert) Hole, Douglas (Abby) Mulvaney, and Sara (Jason) Beldyga; many cousins and countless friends. Ryan was preceded in death by his grandfather, H. Vard Leany and uncle, Jeffery Leany.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00PM, Saturday, July 23 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 18975 168th Ave., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Visitation with the family will be Friday, July 22 from 6:00-8:00PM at the church and 12:30-2:00PM before the service on Saturday. A Livestream of Ryan's service will be available to watch at https://youtu.be/UQxmSb9CEH0.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Mona Shores High School Robotics Team Wavelength, Mona Shores High School Band or any organization of your choosing in Ryan’s memory.
Please feel free to visit Ryan’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com to share a memory with the family. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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