This site honors Ryan Michael Gray - Anchorage, AK
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About Ryan Gray Memorial
Ryan - Younger Days
Ryan - Younger Days
Ryan - Younger Days
As a young person, Ryan excelled at everything. He walked at just 7 months old, competed as a national-level snowboarder, excelled at baseball, and thrived academically. He graduated from South High School Magna cum laude. Ryan also loved the Alaska outdoors, spending time recreating at our family cabin on the lake, fishing, snowboarding
As a young person, Ryan excelled at everything. He walked at just 7 months old, competed as a national-level snowboarder, excelled at baseball, and thrived academically. He graduated from South High School Magna cum laude. Ryan also loved the Alaska outdoors, spending time recreating at our family cabin on the lake, fishing, snowboarding, and snowmachining.
Ryan received a scholarship at Montana State University in Bozeman and began his college journey in 2012. Ryan loved to live life BIG and unfortunately, he endured a tragic snowboarding accident that shattered his leg, which forced him to return to Alaska. After healing he had training in sales and became a consummate salesperson. He had charisma and charm to match his knack for business; he earned trips to Canada, New York, and Italy at just 21 years old. He loved to travel, visiting Ireland and Belize with family, and competed in snowboard competitions in Colorado and Tahoe. He became quite the cook and enjoyed showing off his culinary skills with lucky family and friends gathered around the table. Ryan also loved, supported, and was always there for his friends and family – regardless of what he had going on in his own life. He had one tattoo – the infinity symbol with the word “Family” super-imposed on the symbol.
Trauma
Ryan - Younger Days
Ryan - Younger Days
Yet, an awful secret lay beneath Ryan’s outward success. Ryan suffered horrific sexual abuse from a trusted male family friend from the ages of 5-12 that profoundly affected him. He held this secret close to his chest, only revealing it a few years ago after suffering a mental breakdown. Yes, it happens to boys too. Ryan worked hard, wit
Yet, an awful secret lay beneath Ryan’s outward success. Ryan suffered horrific sexual abuse from a trusted male family friend from the ages of 5-12 that profoundly affected him. He held this secret close to his chest, only revealing it a few years ago after suffering a mental breakdown. Yes, it happens to boys too. Ryan worked hard, with the support of his family, to overcome the challenges the abuse caused. The pain tormented him deeply; though he walked into the room with a smile, inside the pain was real and raw. Ryan struggled with anxiety, depression, and pain which ultimately led to a substance abuse disorder that claimed his life.
Solution
Ryan - Younger Days
Solution
Education about sexual abuse of young boys, and the lifetime trauma that it creates, must be talked about with parents, teachers, and trusted adults in our children’s lives. Adults and children should be educated regarding the signs of abuse. It happens to boys too. Our family deeply regrets what we didn’t know. Though Ryan never wanted
Education about sexual abuse of young boys, and the lifetime trauma that it creates, must be talked about with parents, teachers, and trusted adults in our children’s lives. Adults and children should be educated regarding the signs of abuse. It happens to boys too. Our family deeply regrets what we didn’t know. Though Ryan never wanted to discuss or let this abuse shape him, our family will use The Ryan M. Gray Memorial Fund will work with organizations to educate about sexual abuse and the trauma it presents. Through it, his passing won’t be in vain, it will help save lives. Our family hopes that this memorial fund will stand as a testament to our love for Ryan and spread the love Ryan had for his friends and family around the world.
Memorial
Ryan - Younger Days
Solution
Ryan’s family finds comfort in knowing that he has finally found peace and love, and that the daily pain he endured is relieved. We ask that people remember Ryan by living life BIG, by taking a piece of him and his love for you with you when you travel, and to get out and enjoy this world and all it has to offer.