- Date Of Birth: September 28, 1987
- Date Of Death: February 4, 2014
- State: Michigan
Ryan Anthony Hartman, 26 passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2014, from complications from DSRCT, a rare, pediatric cancer. He was born on September 28, 1987, to Julie and Ray Hartman. He graduated in 2006 from Brandywine High School and attended Southwestern Michigan College.
Ryan is survived by his parents, Ray and Julie, his three brothers, Eric, Tyler and Evan, his grandparents Wava Hartman and Barb and Johnie Rodebush, aunts and uncles Donna and Ray Corum, Merva and Jim Zaleski, Bob and Toy Young, Brad and Becky Young and Joe and Carol Young, his girlfriend, Kailee Checkley and her son Karter, along with many extended family members and friends. He will be missed by his cats, Lilly and Lizzy and family pets Misty and Breezy. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Mervin Young and Charley Hartman and his uncle, Charles Hartman.
While in school, he played percussion in the band and was a member of the basketball team and the track and field team. Ryan’s proudest accomplishment was breaking his high school’s discus record. When his record was broken, he was even prouder of his younger brother, Evan, when he succeeded in getting the record back in the family and in the process, became a two-time state champ.
Ryan was an inspiration to many during his four-year battle with cancer. His ‘never give up’ attitude was awe-inspiring and showed how much he wanted to live. He never complained and endured all the treatments with bravery, strength and determination to beat his invisible enemy. Many thanks go to his care providers at I.U. Simon Cancer Center, University of Michigan Sarcoma Center, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Michigana Health and Rehab and especially Michiana Hematology Oncology.
Ryan was a gentle giant who was always more concerned about others’ well being, than his own. He will be dearly missed. Gone too soon, but never forgotten. Team Ryan: Stay up, be strong, believe and have hope.
