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ISLANDERS REMEMBER RYAN LOBUE |
Related storiesA message and a tribute from Ryan's mom, Toni LoBue Islanders share memories of Ryan LoBue Ryan Lobue dies after car/bicycle crash Memorial service includes laughter and tears 72-hour deadline waived, charges remain in effect Letter from Court Bell re alcohol and youth Letters about alcohol and youth DUI drill is a realistic lesson for students Impact Panel impresses participants |
Memorial service includes laughter and tearsposted 09/22/03
Rhynnie Wilson remembered meeting Ryan's uncle, Steve Maas, in the 70s. He was one of four young men from California living in a teepee, she said. "He had a huge, huge head of hair," said Wilson. "And hair was a big deal back then." Ryan kept up the family tradition with his own large hairdo - he was well known on the island for his afro hairstyle. "I asked him about the process he used to make it so perfect," Wilson said. She asked if she could touch it. "Who else but Ryan would let a 54-year-old woman run her fingers through his hair," she said. Molly Hagen worked with Ryan for more than five years at King's Market. She worked with him on his last day. "We all feel wounded by his death. We'll be wounded for a long time. It is important to connect. Not to take any one for granted. We need to watch for the safety of others." Janice Pepin of San Juan Island Recovery commented on her friendship with Ryan. She knew him because of legal offenses involving alcohol, she said. "It was partly how he handled his grief over his father." she said. Pepin urged everyone to promise not to drink and drive. "I am angry, but not hateful that in the year 2003, people are still drinking and driving." According to court records the driver and the three passengers in the car which struck Ryan, who was riding his bicycle home from work, had been drinking at Jacksons Beach prior to the accident. "We have to raise him up and say, I love you enough to never drink and drive again," she said. "I want this to count," she said. "I want this to matter. I want every human in this community to understand how serious this is." Islanders gather to remember Ryan
posted 09/16/03
Toni LoBue, Ryan's mother attended the event. Copies of a photo taken last week by her older son, Daniel, were passed out. Sheriff Bill Cumming, his voice breaking with emotion, recited the facts of the case. He said a criminal investigation is underway, with charges still to be determined. Cumming said, "His mother, Toni, was with Ryan for a few precious moments before the helicopter departed" from Friday Harbor. Toni was flown in a plane to Harborview where her son underwent surgery before dying from his injuries at 2:37 a.m. "We are all wounded beyond words," he said. "We all need comfort, tenderness and love. We are all one heartbeat away." He cautioned students not to do anything dangerous in reaction to the tragedy.
The impact of LoBue's death was evident in the songs, poems and thoughts the students shared during the tear-filled event. Many directed their words toward Milhous, (LoBue's nickname since elementary school). They expressed hope he was with his father John who died in January 2003 from cancer. LoBue's smile and friendly manner were remembered by many. A co-worker from King's Market where he worked for six years said LoBue received a lot of positive energy from people at work on his last day. He was headed home from work when the crash occurred. LoBue's huge afro was mentioned several times and evoked some smiles. One student remembered asking if she could touch it. Another student remembered swimming with him. "It took three dunkings before the fro fell," she said. Several friends mentioned how much living he had packed into his short life. "He always had something going on," one young man said. He'll remain "forever young" said a young woman. The gathering ended with FHHS music director Janet Olson playing Wind Beneath My Wings. A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, 2003 in Turnbull Gym in Friday Harbor for Ryan LoBue. A fundraising spaghetti dinner will be served afterwards. An account has been set up at Islanders Bank for donations for the LoBue family. |
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