"Life is too short to only do one thing."

It is with grieving hearts that we announce the passing of RYAN PAUL ABERNATHY. Husband of Lisa Abernathy, and father to Oliver (14), Tillie (12) and Felix (9) Abernathy. Ryan died tragically, at the age of 40, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

He is survived by his incredible family and loved deeply. Mother, Jenny Abernathy and Father, Kerry Abernathy of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Siblings: Joshua Abernathy, Rachel (Charles) Brown, Christopher ‘Toast’ (Marcy) Abernathy, Rebecca (Isaac) Smith, and Caleb (Amy) Abernathy; grandmother, Barbara Layman and grandfather, Jack Abernathy; son-in-law to Lucille Aitkens and Ron Aitkens. Brother-in-law to Kenny (Erin) Aitkens, Steven (Danielle) Aitkens, Aimee Aitkens and Ethan Lannon. Uncle Ryan or affectionately ‘Uncee Ry Ry' to 18 nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his grandfather, John Layman and grandmother JoAnne Whitaker.

Ryan was born in Palm Springs, California. He grew up in Gruver, a small farming town in the Texas panhandle. He was always mischievous and could never figure out how Jenny always had a pulse on what he had been up to, saying “God told me”. Small town at its best. People would always approach her starting with “Do you know what Ryan did!?” He was the quarterback of his high school football team, and Jenny would share that she had a pin to pop his head whenever it got too big. Confidence was not a challenge for Ryan.

While at bible school in Montana, Ryan met and fell in love with Lisa. They were married on July 28, 2007. Two of the most creative souls you will ever meet, they built a home together and poured into their beautiful children with a fierce love. He lit up with pride for them, and loved to share stories, photos, and videos of special moments watching them grow up. His kids can quickly share Dad quotes, some of which include: “It’s ok to be scared, that’s a normal thing, being scared is fine, it’s natural. It’s what you do when you’re scared that matters”. Ryan would also say “Life is not fair, but life is good”. He was always up for an adventure whether it was a trip to the mountains, exploring somewhere new, running a marathon, a day out snowboarding, or camping and finding a new lake to skip some rocks on.

He started, owned and operated Drop Structures. Ryan took great pride in his team, workmanship, creative ideas and projects. He worked hard and exuded a zest and warmth that encouraged other people to step into their own dreams and creativity. He always had a smile on his face, those blue eyes shining, reminding us that it’s not the profit but “PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE, that’s life. That’s Jesus” (Ryan).

A Celebration of Ryan’s life will be held at 2:00 pm, on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF LETHBRIDGE, 4717 – 24 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

To watch Ryan’s service via livestream, please go to https://www.youtube.com/live/rbQ4Ic59H5o