Ryan Lance Frame, a native of Windber, PA, who for the past several years resided in Manheim, PA, passed away peacefully on August 29 at Lancaster General Hospital, the result of a blood infection. Ryan was a graduate of Windber Area High School (1978) and Millersville University (1982). He’s preceded in death by parents, Ralph and Twila, and brother Rodger. He’s survived—and will be greatly missed—by brothers Robin (Patti of Manheim) and Randy (Carol, Broomall, PA); sister-in-law Jeron Ashford (Drexel Hill, PA); step uncle Jeff Grove (Marietta, PA) and Jeff’s children Szeth (New Providence, PA) and Jazmine (Lancaster, PA); and nieces Annalyn Frame (Pittsburgh, PA), Rennie Volpe (David, Plymouth Meeting, PA) and Marlise Frame (Philadelphia, PA).

Ryan was an expert dog trainer who honed his bird dog training skills under the tutelage of Field Trial Hall of Famer Dave Hughes. He wrote books on the subject that were well-received in the sporting dog community, and he was active on the field trial circuit as both a trainer/competitor and reporter. Shortly after Ryan’s passing, a post on the Cover Dog Field Trial Message Board read as follows: “He was a man who loved his dogs and fellow man. Was a mentor to many dog people. Was a genuine friend and the man who got me going down the path of sporting dogs. Probably knew more about setters than any man today.”

Perhaps the three words Ryan’s friends use most to describe him are “gentle,” “caring,” and “loyal.” He was an avid reader—from classic works of fiction to nonfiction works on a wide range of subjects such as the legal system and behavioral science. In addition, he was not only an amateur magician who over the years entertained children with his tricks but also a student of magic who never saw a trick on TV that he couldn’t explain.

Ryan played football at Windber. He holds the distinction of being the only player in Windber football history to have intercepted a pass from someone who went on to become a Super Bowl winning quarterback, that being Conemaugh Township’s Jeff Hostetler, who won Super Bowl XXV with the New York Giants.

A service/reception for Ryan is planned for 11 a.m. on September 14 at Mount Hope United Christian Church in Manheim. A graveside service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on October 5 at Richland Cemetery (near Johnstown, PA) followed by a noon reception at the Scalp Level Trinity United Methodist Church.