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5 comments:
Dudes,
I can't say how much my family and I appreciate all your kind words and support. W&L and all the people there meant so very much to Ryan.
It was such a different world for him coming from Hood River, almost like a study abroad experience. Once I started hearing his stories about all of you, it was so clear that he belonged there.
My mom has saved some of his emails from college, mostly frehsman year. I am including a section from one here, because it made me smile. Some of you may be pleased to know that we included "freestlye walking" as one of Ryan's favorite activities in his obituary. Here are Ryan's words:
"I'm having a pledge watch all of the freestlye videos and then write fan mail to all of the freestylers. Also, tell Travis that I wrote in one of the pledge's books that he has to write a 2-3 page report on "Rad" and send it to Travis for grading. That is all. Laters."
I lost my big brother, the guy that I looked up to my entire life. It is so important that we remember now and always how special Ryan was as a person. My favorite thing in this world was to make Ryan laugh, now I'm not sure what to do. Please stay in touch, you guys are all my big brothers now.
Travis Bowe
trbowe@gmail.com
310-562-2802
This post made me think a lot about my own older brother and in doing so helped me recollect a story I recall about fraternity rush. As Kappa Sigma president in 1995 Jay commented to me about this quiet kid from Oregon who absolutely had to become part of the 1995-1996 pledge class. He could not quite put his finger on it, but there was just something about this kid from the West Coast that would make him a tremendous asset to the chapter.
Bowe was in many ways different from us eastern types and I think that is why we appreciated him so much. Although I do recall Bowe going to Alvin-Dennis immediately upon arrival to Lexington to purchase 3-4 pairs of Duck Head khakis. He had apparently not received the memo about the W&L uniform.
Ahhhh, Ryan Bowe, my only other pledge brother from West of the Mississip...
As his hall mate freshman year and roommate for the remainder of our years at W&L, I had the pleasure of getting prime viewing for his "freestyle" escapades from every summer. The first time I saw a video that he and Travis made, I have never laughed so hard as to see Ryan jumping off piles of logs in Oregon, down some steep hill, only in the next scene to see him and his Oregon compadres jumping into dangerously shallow waters from high upon some cliff, flashing his Tupac-inspired West Coast sign to the camera. But the funny part was that the Spice Girls' "Do You Wanna Be My Lover" was playing in the background soundtrack. True Ryan...
I found he took this bold and humorous action forward with his life. What he wouldn't say (after all he was the Quiet Rage, or Beaker), he certainly made up for in his actions. He lived life to the fullest, and I can only hope that we take a little bit of his "freestyle" nature forward with us. I know that I will.
I was heartbroken to hear the news about Ryan. My wife, Sheldon, and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Ryndi, Ryan's parents and the rest of his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you.
In addition to whatever contributions each of us are able to make in Ryan's memory, I would also suggest that everyone contact their local alumni chapter about making a donation to Ryan's wife and son. One of the most endearing characteristics of the W&L family is its sense of community. Given the circumstances here (especially Ryan's devotion to civil service and his subsequent limited life insurance), I imagine that many alumni would sympathize with the needs of Ryan's family and appreciate the opportunity to give.
AEKDB,
Chris Haden
None of us who knew Bowe at W&L will ever forget his freestyle jumps OFF the ‘fratio’ (on the second floor of the fraternity house), or his early morning runs after a late night of partying (while everyone else slept till noon). As much as his family and friends in Oregon enjoy hearing about his days at W&L, we also love hearing about his life after college. Bowe found the success that we all hope for one day – a great wife and family, a baby on the way, and a job that he did well and loved. He clearly had a positive impact on those around him, and we’re all proud and lucky to have known him over the years.
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