The field trial community has lost a great patron to field trials. Some years ago Ryan came to the kennel to work with me. I saw a person who was dedicated to the life style of a bird dog trainer. He had a great passion for the dogs. Every dog that came to the kennel fell in love with Ryan. He had a calm caring demeanor.
Ryan had a passion for the history of field trials and the dogs. He devoted hours to his films. He filmed many dogs that went on to be champions. Besides the hours of training clips he filmed many field trials cover dog, walking shooting, and some horseback shooting dog trials.
Ryan had a way with people. A lot of time he had them laughing and having a good time talking bird dogs or what was happen g at the trial.
Ryan and I made a great team in field trials He became a great asset. As time went on he developed health problems and eventually he moved back to live with his brother rob. He still worked dogs for people or gave advice on how to work bird dogs.
I will always remember the time at the lake states championship. I was braced with Scott Chaffee. I was running a dog called Wrongway (Chester). That day Chester was on his own. He was backwards and lateral. When we picked up I was really upset with Chester. I saw Ryan talking to Scott. Then they started laughing. Ryan came over to me and said to calm down. Remember Chet is a young dog. Then he told me what Scott said…I started laughing Scott said he was appropriately named “wrongway”. Just one of many memories of Ryan’s personality.
Ryan will be missed. He worked with me for close to 20 years. He was somewhat like a brother to me. He is in gods hands now. His spirit is among the many past filed trialers and those famous dogs of years past. Rest in peace my friend.

Dave Hughes