Christopher Bennett Ryan

On December 9, 2021, Christopher Bennett Ryan, that kind, generous, courageous, witty, positive, brilliant thinker, and bright light to many left his life on earth to become a heavenly angel. In life, there are times when we meet incredibly extraordinary people. He was one of the extraordinary.

Dr. Ryan had a love of life and had found his passion in being an outstanding physician. He planned to bring healing to others his entire life and he did. He was an exceptional listener and conversationalist, always confident and respectful in his desire to treat each patient as an individual, with enormous compassion and courtesy. He was treating patients up to his sudden passing.

He was born in New Haven, Connecticut on January 13, 1952, to his parents, Chester B. Ryan and Patricia Porson Ryan. His early years were spent in Connecticut, North Dakota, Utah, and in Casper, Wyoming where the family eventually settled. His big brother status expanded with the additions of his brother Jeff, sister Nancy, and brother David. He may have been born a city boy, but much to his mother's chagrin, the outdoors was where his heart was. He loved blue jeans and boots. He graduated from Kelly Walsh High School in Casper in 1970, attended University of Wyoming in Laramie, later graduating from Yale University in 1974 with a B.A. in Philosophy and Eastern Studies. He returned to University of Wyoming to focus intensely on preparation for a career in medicine studying neurophysiology and biochemistry and earned a second bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics/Electrical Engineering. He received A WICHE fellowship, graduating from Creighton University School of Medicine in 1983. Dr. Ryan completed his residency at University of California, Davis, School of Medicine in 1987. With a sly smile, he would say that he was the “only member of his class that was sentenced to two chief residencies”. This, of course, spoke to his brilliance. His work as a highway-construction laborer to support his academic studies, together with his life-long close ties to oil refinery workers in Casper, led him to focus in assisting workers injured in the workplace as a central area of practice. Specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, he worked as a physician in Medford, Oregon and in Denver, Colorado for the past 28 years.

His unique sense of humor, quick wit, and ability to make people laugh no matter the circumstance was a large part of Chris’ hallmark. He was able to gracefully and compassionately use laughter to bring light and goodness to any situation. He was an exceptional storyteller. How he enjoyed joking with his friends and family by liberally inserting the Mark Twain quote, “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story”!

His fascination with learning and ability to dig deep into topics displayed itself at a very young age. When he was on a school field trip at a young age, he became so mesmerized in watching a spider weave its intricate web on a wooden fence that he got separated from his class. Not until his mother went to pick him up after school did staff realize he was missing. Chris’ observational skills with humans was equally keen throughout his life. As early as junior high school his sensitivity to the needs of others showed when he coached a friend to think, focus and look-ahead. This helped his friend win The East Jr. High schoolwide chess tournament.

We remember him as a deep thinker and a passionate learner with broad interests; he constantly wondered, questioned, observed, and searched for meaning. People often describe him as being brilliant, yet down to earth, easy going, and able to have a conversation with anyone on any given topic. It was often said that he effortlessly mastered the “art of conversation” by being present and giving his full attention while listening and engaging with others. The man especially loved to have deep conversations about his own varied interests: philosophy, great books, literature, history, social justice issues, music, photography, horticulture, astronomy, cars, guns, hunting, hiking, mountain climbing, topographic maps, and the masterful use of chef knives. He thrived on learning, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. No stone was ever left unturned.

The words that can be put to the page will never be the full measure of a man, but we hope you felt a glimpse of him in this. Nor can words describe the whole-body, physical ache that has taken up space in the hearts of all who knew him. Dr. Ryan was a greatly beloved partner, grandfather to his grandsons, brother, extended family member, friend, colleague, and physician to many. Part of his legacy will be how deeply he gave meaning to our journey on earth and the special way he touched our hearts.

He is survived by his longtime significant life partner, Maria Elena Garcia of Aurora, CO; his much-loved grandsons Garrett and Daniel Garcia of Aurora, CO and their mother Jennifer; his two brothers, Jeff Ryan and wife Nancy Mattson of Tacoma, WA; brother David Ryan and wife Margaret of Eugene, Oregon; his brother-in-law Stuart Scheuerman, nieces Emily and Sara and grandniece and grandnephews of Sumner, Washington; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his sister Nancy Scheuerman; his parents Chester & Patricia Ryan, and his beloved grandmother, Gladys Porson. Dr. Ryan passed away, a few weeks after Maria Elena’s son, Damian Garcia (father to Garrett and Daniel, and spouse Jennifer) also passed away unexpectedly. Those who loved him find comfort in knowing that he has joined loved ones who have passed on before him and that he will continue to be loved in heaven as he was here on earth.

A private service has been held. In remembrance of Chris, please consider a donation to the Colorado Mountain Club, 710 10th Street, Suite 200, Golden CO, 80401 at https://cmc.org/ directed to the Wilderness First Aid Program, in his name to honor one of his favorite pastimes and to enjoy the open air and great outdoors he cherished.

In the words of the philosopher Aristotle and often repeated words by Dr. Christopher Bennett Ryan, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all”.