Ryan was born in Norway on August 12, 1984 and passed away on January 6, 2024. For those
who don’t know, Ryan’s battle all started back when he was 15 years old when he tore his leg
up playing football his freshman year. They had to put a steel rod in his leg. If not for that, who knows
what direction his life would have went because he had the size and was athletic, especially on the
basketball court! When he got this injury his doctor prescribed him Oxycontin and whenever
he’d run out, he’d just call (mind you, at 15 years old!!) and get more. This like with many others, started him down a dark path that could have happened to any of us. Ryan had been battling for a very long time and then you add in his diabetes which was very bad and he struggled tremendously.

He fought very hard to beat the addiction and did after a long battle, but by starting to drink to help dull the pain instead. It wasn’t a problem for a long time, but then his diabetes and the drinking together started to cause the worst of his problems and he would go into DKA if he drank which would cause his organs to shut down and require him being put on life support. It was hard for him to quit drinking because that’s what would help him with his pain and what he used to get over what we thought was a more serious addiction to the pills. Little did we know that drinking could lead to such health problems so fast.

Ryan lived with me for over a year in Scarborough and was battling his demons while at its peak, which led to him having to be rushed to the hospital once a week in life threatening situations. Each time resulted in him being put on life support. For those that don’t know, Ryan had been put on life support a total of five different times. Each time the doctors told us it was in God’s hands and some how Ryan would pull through EVERY TIME. He was a fighter and his love for his family was so strong. He told me while staying with me that he didn’t care if he died and that he missed my dad. He had made so many mistakes that he just didn’t need to live any more. It was his love for his family and worry about our mom that he said he didn’t just go be with our dad.

During this time when he was staying with me, we were living in a hotel and his room was connected to mine by joining doors. I would stay up all night and check on him by standing in his doorway and making sure he was breathing. I’d even wake him up to make sure he was okay which used to upset him but he told me he never thought that because we are family. He never thought we’d become such best friends. Ryan and I used to butt heads a lot. We had the same friends and did the same activities our whole lives. We were always together. It was after my dad passed that things changed. We stopped butting heads and I made a promise to my dad that he might be gone and could no longer be there for Ryan but that I would and I did — I make it my goal to make sure he was okay. Not a day went by we didn’t talk and I didn’t call to check on him. I just wish I could of been there for him this time. Because of Ryan’s battle with diabetes and other health issues, we won’t know for sure what happened to him for a while. The state of Georgia said they were backed up so may take a while to get the toxicology report back. All that doesn’t matter, he’s gone and we can’t get him back.

Ryan was the kindest of all of us. He was a gentle soul who didn’t let much bother him. He loved Makaila, Mya and Damon Knight so much. To him, those were his kids. He told me his biggest joy lately was having his relationship back with them and the best part of his day was talking every night with Mya. I hope you all know how much he loved you. He will always be with you, same goes for Jenine. He loved you all. Ryan would do anything for anyone and he’d always do it with a smile. He will be missed by so many! Thank you again for all that have reached out. Ryan would be shocked to see how many peoples’ lives he touched. The family and I want to thank each and everyone of you!!!

Ryan was predeceased by his father, Robert Staley, his brother, Michael, his paternal grandparents, Roscose and Delma Staley and his maternal grandfather, Philip Mayo.

Ryan is survived by his mother, Deborah Staley of Bridgton, brothers Thomas and Philip. His maternal grandmother, Lucille Mayo, his ex-wife, Jenine Staley. His children: Damon, Makaila, Mya Knight and Rachel Bell along with aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Feb. 10, 12-2 p.m, at the bar area of the American Legion, Route 11, Naples.