2nd Annual Josh Ryder Memorial

Last year this world lost one of most influential and caring souls I've ever met! Last year Josh Ryder (my eldest sibling) was taken abruptly from a blood clot in his neck. Being the eldest sibling it left myself and my siblings with a hole in our hearts that can never be repaired or filled in. My brother did whatever it took to make sure he lived his life the way he wanted... with no care as to what others thought at the time. Regardless of his continued effort of making himself happy he made sure that everyone around him was just as happy and comfortable as he was! My brother's greatest pleasures came from children... he would do anything and I mean anything to make sure whatever youngster was near him was filled with joy and love. To say he would have been the best father ever would be an understatement. With all of his care and love--Joleen (Josh's Wife) organized the 1st annual Josh Ryder memorial tournament for disc golfing. In October of 2016 the tournament went on wonderfully-- it was amazing for my family and I to witness the amount of love and support this great community of people shared amongst everyone that day. The memories that were shared with laughter and in tears have been the only thing that has kept my mind off the pain my heart and soul still endure. This year my sisters and myself are organizing the 2nd annual Josh Ryder memorial tournament to once again bring those memories and many more back to life! Last year Joleen sent all the proceeds to a charity for children. This year we hope to not only send all proceeds (after costs) to be put in place for the upkeep and preservation of some of the parks (including the location of the tournament-- Josh's favorite, Vicksburg Recreational area) in the greater Kalamazoo area. We also hope to raise enough to start a foundation in Josh's name that will be able to grant different parks and recreational areas the money they might need to replace or repair disc golfing courses, play grounds or maybe just basic grounds work. Open registration for the tournament will be opening on July 1, 2017 . By this time we would like to have raised enough to support the costs of the tournament while also looking for sponsorship and donations. Even the smallest amount will help! Please message myself (Tyler Ryder), Ciji Ryder or Joleen Ryder if you have any questions! Thank you for sharing in the memorial of Josh Ryder and thank you for helping us put his name on the preservation and upkeep of local parks and disc golfing courses! Please share this to help us with our goal!