From the Rector…
Not everyone can be a superhero, but Ryan certainly was.
Many of you knew Ryan Hall, one of our part-time Sextons. You may remember seeing him in the kitchen on Wednesday nights or Sunday mornings, headphones on, faithfully working behind the scenes to make sure things were in order. He was quiet, steady, and always willing to lend a hand.
For me, Ryan was the Radar to my Colonel Potter—a reference to the old TV show MASH.* Like Radar, Ryan often seemed to know what I needed before I even asked. He carried out every task with a gentle spirit and intentional care.
Ryan paid attention to the little things. He didn’t just set out glasses; he arranged them so they looked welcoming. He found beauty in the ordinary, and in doing so, he made our common life together more graceful.
Last Tuesday, Ryan suffered a sudden stroke at home. His husband, Scott, was with him and immediately called 911. The ambulance arrived within minutes and rushed him to the ER, where doctors worked tirelessly to save him. But the bleeding in his brain was too great, and within 48 hours it was clear Ryan would not survive.
Even in death, Ryan gave of himself. As an organ donor, he remained on life support until his heart could be matched with a recipient. That call finally came on Friday. A man in Georgia was in need and Ryan was a match. On Saturday, family and friends gathered with hospital staff on the fourth floor, lining the corridors for what is called an “Honor Walk” accompanying Ryan with prayers and tears as he was wheeled to the operating room.
The Honor Walk is when the organ donor is rolled from their room to the elevator which carries them down to the operating room and those who wish to pay tribute line the halls. It is a moment both heartbreaking and beautiful—a recognition that one person’s death can become another person’s life. That is what Ryan did—his death was not in vain. Instead, it brought healing and hope to another man and his family with the gift of a heart. Ryan’s kidneys were also viable for transplant to help other families.
Ryan loved superheroes—Marvel, DC Comics, and the like. In his death, Ryan joined their ranks.
Ryan wasn’t simply our co-worker, he was our friend. He was part of our church family and we will miss him dearly. Please keep Scott and Brett and Cara and all who loved Ryan in your prayers.
May Ryan’s soul rest in peace.
Light and Life,
Candice Frazer+
P. S. If you would like to become a superhero too, consider organ donation. Talk with your family and make sure they know your wishes. When you renew your driver’s license make sure they add “Organ Donor” to your license.