Ryan Burge peacefully passed away on Saturday July 3, 2010 at the University of Washington Medical Center. He was born on Nov. 4, 1986 in Coupeville at Whidbey General Hospital to Sharon (Patmore) and Lynn Burge and sister Lora. He now has complete healing and freedom from suffering in heaven with his Lord Jesus Christ. He was blessed with many friends and his life was an inspiration to many.
Ryan was a lifelong resident of Oak Harbor. He attended Oak Harbor Christian School from preschool through eighth grade where he participated in the school band, track, and musical theater productions. Ryan was a 2005 graduate of Oak Harbor High School. During that time, he was a 4-year member of the NJROTC program. He competed as a member of the NJROTC Rifle Team. In his junior and senior years, he was part of the elite team that participated in the JROTC National Air Rifle Championships held at Fort Benning, Georgia. In 2005, the team placed third overall in the nation and first in the Navy category. Ending his senior year, Ryan served as the CO of the Wildcat Company for the spring semester. For his outstanding NJROTC service, Ryan won the Navy League Outstanding Naval Science Cadet Award in 2005 and the first Jared Davis Award in 2004. Ryan also was president of the Ultimate Frisbee Club for a year. He was a member of the Whidbey Island Radio Control Society, the Academy of Model Aeronautics, the North Whidbey Sportsmen’s Association, and the NRA.
In the fall of 2005, Ryan began studying at the University of Washington in hopes of pursuing a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Within a year, health problems prevented him from continuing school. He loved to study and understand flight. As a boy, he was fascinated with anything that flew. He liked to bike, play Frisbee and be outside. Ryan studied private trumpet for six years, playing for church events such as weddings and memorial services. In July of 2004, he had the honor of playing taps for the visiting Vietnam Memorial.
Faith in God was a central and foundational part of Ryan’s life. He was an active member at Whidbey Presbyterian Church. He faithfully attended youth group, Sunday School and other events. He served on the Session as a youth elder. He participated in mission trips to Columbia Falls (Montana), Sacramento, and Campbell Farms in Yakima. He also loved going up to Tall Timber Ranch Christian Camp where he volunteered at a number of work camps, helped build Whidbey Cabin as a young boy, and attended camp and church events there.
A memorial service will be held in honor of Ryan on Saturday, July 10 at 1 p.m. at Whidbey Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, or the local PBY Memorial.
