Ryan James Close

Ryan James Close, age 23, gracefully concluded his final set on June 4, 2009. He was born November 25, 1985 in Mission Hills, CA, the youngest of 6 children, and the only son of Rebecca Wilson and Richard Close. Ryan graduated from Folsom High in Folsom CA where he lived with his mom and stepdad, David Berg. He attended college at UVSC and BYU. He is survived by his wife and eternal companion, Sara Rawlings Close of Orem, UT; his proud parents, his 5 sisters, Tami, Melody, Suzanne, Wendy, Marilee, and his brothers-in-law; his grandmother, June Close; his stepsiblings Brandon, Nick, Melissa, and Jacque; his adoring nieces and nephews; and many cousins, uncles, and aunts (Go! Spider Cheryl).



Ryan received a life-saving transplant when a sudden illness assaulted his heart at age 5, followed by a second transplant at age 14. Because of those two immense gifts, he declined a place on the transplant list when his heart began to fail once more, believing it was someone else's turn. He was a proud organ & tissue donor, hopeful of paying forward the opportunity of life twice delivered to him.



Ryan was the poster child for the American Heart Association in 1991. His story has continued to inspire others through the years. He was courageous and gracious to the end, continually winning the hearts of nurses and doctors, and even the hospital cleaning crews where he spent the last few weeks of his life. Ryan graduated from Folsom High School in 2004. He will never be forgotten by his numerous friends and acquaintances.



Ryan's clever wit brought laughter to all who were smart enough to appreciate it. He enjoyed writing music, playing his guitars and singing, and playing on the floor with his nieces and nephews. He loved life and Thursday tamales. Above all, he adored his precious Sara.



Services will be held at Wheeler Mortuary in Springville, UT June 13, 2009 at 1:00 pm.