Ryan was born on October 31, 1982 in Miles City, MT to Nick Coates and Kelly Riach Coates. He loved having his birthday on Halloween.
Ryan was an affectionate child with just about everyone. He was a loyal son, brother and friend. He liked to go camping, fishing, and water skiing in the summer. In the winter he liked to go snow skiing at Red Lodge, MT and at Lake Tahoe, NV while visiting his dad in California. Ryan was good at athletics, he excelled in baseball, golf and bowling. In his teens and early 20´s he was known to do back flips off of the bridge into the Yellowstone River. He was an adrenaline junky for most of his life.
Ryan attended school in Forsyth and Rhonert Park, CA. He obtained his GED from the Montana National Guard Youth Challenge Program. He then graduated from Sage Technical School in Billings, MT with his CDL. He drove a semi tractor trailer for a few truck driving companies and then drove for a road construction company.
Ryan married Jena Curtiss on September 5, 2007 in Forsyth. They moved to Wright, WY where Ryan got a job working for Arch Coal as a Heavy Equipment Operator. After about a year he got a job as a Heavy Equipment Operator working closer to home in Colstrip, MT at Western Energy. In October of 2010 Ryan moved back to Gillette to work for Arch Coal again. He recently passed his courses to be a first responder at the mine. He was proud of his red hard hat. In spite of being a coal miner, Ryan was a neat freak. He wore polished white sneakers, stylish jeans, Ecko shirts and a white Oakland Raider´s ball cap. He was a faithful Raider´s fan. Most of all Ryan loved to spend time with his kids. He was very proud of them.
Ryan was preceded in death, on his father´s side of the family by his great-grandmother Velma Davis and grandmother Betty Morris both of Oklahoma City; grandfather Jim Coates of St. Louis, MO and his uncle Steve Coates of Phoenix, AZ. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents Walter and Loretta Harrington of Irondale, MO.
Ryan is survived by his great-grandmother Bessie Clayton of Salt Lake City, UT; grandparents Clyde and Pat Riach of Twin Falls, ID; parents Gene and Kelly Harrington of Forsyth and Nick and Sherry Coates of Burney, CA. He is survived by his wife Jena and children Raquel (6), Brayden (4) and Kaiden (3) all of Forsyth. He is also survived by twin daughters Saria and Jocelynn, age 5, of Billings, MT; sisters Heidi Loomis (Kevin Boschee) of Miles City and Toni (Matt) Potts of Forsyth; brothers Brad Coates of Colstrip, MT , Scott (Jackie) Harrington of Forsyth and Chris, Travis and Justin Freisner of Salinas, CA. He is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and his many partners in crime.
Visitation will be held on Friday September 2, 2011 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm with family receiving friends from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday September 3, 2011 at 10:00am at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Burial will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00
Saturday September 3, 2011
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Visitation
13:00 to 18:00
Friday September 2, 2011
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Family Receive Friends
16:00 to 18:00
Friday September 2, 2011
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00
Saturday September 3, 2011
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Visitation
13:00 to 18:00
Friday September 2, 2011
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Family Receive Friends
16:00 to 18:00
Friday September 2, 2011
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Nancy (Harrington) Patterson says
Ryan ,You will be sadly missed and such a big void in our lives ,Its had been a long time sinced I had seen you ,But loved you dearly ,You are our angel now and a light in the night skys ,when I look up at night,I know you will be one of the stars are twinkle in the sky ,Letting all of us left behind to let us know ,You’LL always be safe in the arms of Jesus and will be with grandparents and other who are awaiting your homecoming in heaven ,We loVe you dearly ,I see you one day in the street of heaven .Goodnight
Heidi Loomis & Kevin Boschee says
Hey Ry, what can I say….you were my brother for almost 29 years. We had our ups and downs but through it all we were there for each other. You loved with your whole heart, something that is so rare and amazing. I will miss you everyday for the rest of my life…I love you so much, please save us a seat in Heaven…
Lance & Lisa Kalfell says
Gene, Kelly & family;
Our deepest sympathies to all of you. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Mindy Hubbard says
Many prayers to all of Ryan’s family. Though his life was way to short, I know he atleast lived out every moment to the fullest.
Nicole "Pluggy" Foley says
You always made me laugh, taught me not to take any one’s crap, and to always live for the moment. You will be greatly missed and made a direct impact on my life and the choices I made. I hope you “look in” on me and that it makes you smile to remember all the good times. You were an amazing friend to me and I love you like a brother.
Jo Earley says
I have only known Ryan for a short time but he was a good friend and a great brother, an amazing father and enjoyed life; that was easily seen. he will be missed but carierd on in our hearts and memoriers…..
Ann johnson says
To ryans family. We had the pleasure of having Ryan and one of his friends go camping with our family to coney dam 9 yrs ago. I remember it like it was yesterday,he loved life and fun.RIP
Mrs.Tonya Harrington-Barton says
Dearest Kelly,Gene & Family, We send each of you our love & prayers.Ryan is so young! Many,many prayers are being said for all of you.I cannot imagine the hollowness and pain everyone is going through right now.I wish you all peace,love,blessings.May God be w/each of you during this horrible time of tragidity. Ryan-Heaven has a new angel now-Shine bright-keep those shoes super shined-you will be sorely missed.GodSpeed.Goodnight, Ryan,much love to you♥
jeff coates says
Ryan and I were not very close as we lived so far from one another but the times we spent together were always a blast. Ryan and I got along very well as we were a lot alike. I’m really gonna miss my cousin and wish his family the best. Peace out bro I love you.
Heather Eggum says
Heidi, Kelly, and family,
I am so sorry to hear Ryan’s passing. Your family has always held a special place in my heart and I remember the boys when they were still so little. It’s just so hard to believe. I hope your memories and love provide comfort for you and your family during this difficult time. Please know my family’s thoughts are with you.
Haly says
Ryan,
I want to thank you for all the fun times we had. You always had something to say that could make me smile. Thank you for being a part of my life and I will see someday.
Susan Harris says
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. I’ll be praying for your family! Sue Sparks Harris.
Judy & Percy Brazier says
Kelly, Gene, ToniMatt, Scott, Jackie & families,
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear son and brother. You are in our thoughts snd prayers. Love Percy and Judy
Jennifer Stokes says
I am very sorry to hear of Ryan’s passing. He was a great kid that I enjoyed growing up with.
Jennifer
Tom and Pat says
Just got a call from Chris. Nick and family our prayers are with you. Sure wish we could be there with all of you. Know that we love all of you. Keep in touch and if you need anything please let us know.
amanda root-freisner says
I met ryan about 12 years ago, he was a brother right from the start..
You will be missed. R.I.P
Jess (Dukart) Klym says
My thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of Ryan’s family. I am thinking of you in this hard time and hoping God may grant you peace at this difficult time.
Ken &Jeane Stokes says
so sorry to hear about Ryan. our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy Christian says
Kelly, Gene and family,
My heart aches for you. It´s been many years since our boys (Ryan and my son Mike Coryell) hung out together but I will always remember watching the two of them have so much fun. Ryan touched our hearts and our lives.
My prayers are with you, your family, his wife and his children,
Kathy Christian
Jack & Mindy Obert says
Gene, Kelly and Family,
My heart aches for you. I feel like our kids grew up together and I will never forget meeting Ryan for the first time….He crashed our hot wheels that he “borrowed” for a while on our street by our trailer right across the road from your trailer. And I remember his lip bleeding but I do not remember any tears. He was always a daredevil and lived life like it should be lived…to the fullest. Not only did we meet Ryan, we met the rest of the family and began one of the best friendships of our life.
I remember how unbelievably athletic he was and how he picked up new sports so naturally. The waterskiing and camping at the reservoir will always be a memory burned in our minds.
We love you guys and you are in our hearts and prayers.
God Bless.
Jack and Mindy
Misty Sleaford says
I am so very sorry for your loss. All my prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Sherry Coates says
Ryan,you’ll be miss, Love your Mom Sherry
Wonderful memory’s to share and to remember.
Tim & Cheri Shaw says
My heart has been numb with shock and sympathy for your tragic loss since I received the news. Nick and Sherry, you will be constantly in our prayers and thoughts as you let go and hand your precious son over to the next life. As a parent, I grieve with you beyond belief. I am sad only for those he leaves behind for he is in a better place…..BELIEVE.
Valerie Snow says
Nick and Sherry, Kelly and Gene, Brad, Heidi, and both families, I simply can’t express how I feel for you. This is just something we never expect. I wish I could be there for you as you say your goodbyes to Ryan, but I will be with you in prayer. Love Val
David & Diane Conigliaro says
Nick & Family, so sorry to hear about your son our prayers are with you.
Tasha Obert says
I can still remember meeting Ryan for the first time. We were maybe 3, and he had stolen my Big Wheels. He rode it down the hill in front of our houses on his face. Ryan always loved fast, daring things. I can remember hiding my chapstick when he and Brad came to visit. They LOVED to eat it. Ryan and I went to preschool together. Our families stayed friends for a lifetime. My heart, love and prayers go out to Ryan’s entire family. I will miss him dearly!
Jim Adams says
So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim Adams
Jane Toohey Hall says
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you right now in this very sad time. Love to you all~
LOU @RONNIE says
YOU ARE ALL IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS. MAY GOD COMFORT YOU.
I LOVE YOU
Jeff coates says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you nick and all of ryans family . May we all look to Christ for comfort and strength .
Melody says
You will be miss