Ryan L. How, 35

Ryan became one with The Great Spirit after a tragic accident on Dec. 1, 2021.

While growing up in Whitefish, Ryan was truly a force of nature. When he decided to do something, he simply did it. Most of the other kids in the neighborhood gravitated to his endless energy and leadership and ended up hanging out at the family home near Whitefish City Beach. Skateboarding, fishing, swimming, sledding, diving off cliffs, video games and the garage band he instigated were some of the many activities they enjoyed together.

Ryan became the consummate prankster, often to the chagrin of the Whitefish School system. The improbable circumstance of glue in the shop class light fixtures comes to mind. Ryan was well liked by everyone, and finished his high school years with, among other things, a top two percentile grade in reading comprehension among all graduating seniors in the nation.

Youth sports played a big factor in Ryan’s life. At different times he played and excelled in soccer, baseball, basketball and youth football. In later years he was a fearless, gonzo snowboarder. He also loved fishing, floating rivers, and camping with family and friends, particularly up the North Fork of the Flathead River.

A little over 10 years ago Ryan suffered a traumatic brain injury. Though the injury affected his cognitive abilities, it did nothing to diminish his energy level and zest for life. After the injury, his favorite pastime, aside from hanging out with family, was to hop on a Greyhound bus and travel. He particularly liked the Carolinas, Tennessee, Florida, Texas and Nevada. He called home every day.

Ryan filled every room to the edges, and to those who loved him, his absence creates a vacuum that is partially filled with fond and colorful memories.

Ryan is survived by his father Jake How, mother Corrie Besaw and husband Dave, brother Charlie How and wife Jess, all in Whitefish, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He had a special relationship with his niece Aeva How and nephew Parker How, of Whitefish.

A private memorial service has already been held with another planned for this summer.

Those wishing to honor his life can make donations to the Brain Injury Alliance of Montana.