Obituary for James “Ryan” Thompson

James Ryan Thompson, known to most simply as Ryan, passed away on December 17, 2025, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of adventure, hard work, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family and friends.

Ryan was born on March 30, 1956, in Ituna, Saskatchewan, where his strong prairie roots helped shape the independent, determined, and resourceful man he would become. Throughout his life, Ryan was known for his incredible work ethic, mechanical skill, and ability to tackle nearly any challenge placed before him. A proud Heavy Duty Mechanic by trade, he built a career grounded in hands on expertise and perseverance. For Ryan, work was never simply about making a living. It was about building a life filled with passion, purpose, and experience.

That passion came most alive through the outdoors. As the owner and operator of Mukwah Tours, Ryan turned his love for adventure into something he could share with others. The river was one of the places he felt most at home while guiding, teaching, laughing, and embracing both the calm stretches and the rapids with equal enthusiasm. Whether navigating rushing water or skiing down a mountainside, Ryan pursued the thrill of movement, freedom, and connection with nature.

Ryan loved sports of all kinds and rarely passed up an opportunity for competition and recreation. More than anything, he loved bringing people together. He believed life was meant to be lived fully, preferably outdoors and surrounded by friends, family, storytelling, and celebration. He never shied away from a good party, and many will remember evenings filled with laughter, spirited conversation, and stories that grew better with every retelling.

While patience was not always among Ryan’s defining traits, kindness unquestionably was. Beneath his straightforward and sometimes stubborn exterior was a deeply caring man who showed love through action. If someone he cared about needed help, Ryan showed up without hesitation and without expectation. His loyalty ran deep, and those fortunate enough to be part of his circle knew they could always count on him.

Ryan is lovingly remembered by his wife, Sherry; his son Shane (Colette); and his daughter Tosheena (Tanner). He is also survived by his sisters Rennie (John) and Daphne, along with many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, lifelong friends, and chosen family whose lives were made brighter through knowing him.

He was predeceased by his father, Jim; his mother, Wilma; his sister, Colleen; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and grandparents who welcomed him before his passing.

In true Ryan fashion, a Celebration of Life will be held on June 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Eagle Hill Community Hall, 3572 Township Road 340, Mountain View County, Alberta. Camping will be available onsite, with hotel accommodations available nearby in Sundre and Olds. As Ryan would have wanted, this will not be a quiet farewell, but a gathering filled with stories, laughter, friendship, and remembrance — a chance to celebrate a man who lived boldly, loved deeply, and never did anything halfway.

If you have photos of Ryan, memories you would like to share, or any questions regarding the Celebration of Life, please email remembering.ryan.t@gmail.com

Those attending are encouraged to come ready to share memories, reconnect with one another, and raise a glass in honour of Ryan, a husband, father, brother, friend, adventurer, and storyteller whose impact will continue to be felt for years to come.

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