It is with breaking hearts that we announce the sudden passing on September 25th of Ryan, our beautiful son, brother, nephew, grandson, cousin and friend.
Ryan was born December 28, 1982 to Toni O’Keeffe and Derek Hardie, at Burnaby General Hospital, to great fanfare and excitement as the first grandchild to both the Hardie and O’Keeffe families. Ryan lived in Surrey for 9 years before moving to Cranbrook with his mom Toni, and brother Korey.
He had many happy memories in Cranbrook; sledding at Idelwild Park, hiking Lakit Lookout, riding for hours on his dirt bike and camping at Moyie and Jim Smith Lake. He was a strong athlete enjoying baseball, basketball, swimming, biking and jogging. He was a great chess player and enjoyed many hours playing with his dad Derek, Grandpa Walter and his uncles.
As the eldest of 15 grandchildren, Ryan was the “Leader of the Pack” and he loved hanging out with his brother and cousins, enjoying many happy road trips, camping trips and holidays with his big extended family.
In his teens he lived with Derek in several different communities and always looked forward to exploring each new town especially the nature trails, lakes and rivers. Ryan grew into a big (6’3”), strong, young man. In his twenties he moved back to the mainland where he worked in construction which he was well suited for. He enjoyed being part of the crew and was always willing to lend a hand to others on the jobsite. His friends there will remember him for his enormous strength, his great sense of humour and infectious laugh.
Ryan was a “gentle giant” with a huge heart, a deep love of nature and a love for animals. He was a great listener and had great compassion for those less fortunate. He was always interested in learning more about the world; watching documentaries, watching the late night news with Grandma Monica and reading in the library.
He was an avid gamer and known internationally in the “Quake” community as “FAF Bono” and held several world records. Derek was his best friend and they shared a love of movies. He had recently taken up photography and his last pictures were taken atop the mountains around Squamish.
Ryan is survived by mom Toni, dad Derek, step-dad Rob, brother Korey, Grandma Monica, Grandma Lalla, Grandpa Jim, and dozens of aunts, uncles and cousins. He is pre-deceased by Grandpa Walter who will welcome Ryan’s beautiful soul to be with him.
A celebration of Ryan’s life will take place Sunday Oct 6th, 1pm, Tynehead Room 1, Sheraton Guildford Hotel, 15269 104th Ave - Surrey BC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local SPCA in Ryan’s name. Condolences to the family can be sent to angelink@shaw.ca
“Somewhere, out there, beneath the pale moon light,
someone’s thinking of you Ryan and loving you tonight” ........
we will love you for eternity our beautiful boy.