Our beloved friend, Ryan Williams, age 54, passed away on February 3, 2025. Better known as “Big R,” Ryan was a wonderful and cherished husband, stepfather, and friend who touched the lives of all who ever had the chance to know him. He leaves behind his adoring wife, Karin, stepchildren Portia, Alexis, Jonny, Zach, Ben, Aubrey, Taryn, and Thomas, and many friends and loved ones. He was taken from us all far too soon, leaving his wife of only a year and a half. Not only were they still newlyweds, but now she is a widow, faced with not only making many decisions alone now but also paying for his funeral expenses and many medical expenses, as Ryan was uninsured the last month of his life due to the Kidney Fund failing to make his insurance premium on time, which was covering his dialysis and other health issues. Karin is now responsible for these expenses, and she and her daughter, Portia, will now have to move again as she cannot afford the new dream apartment they just moved into. Ryan only was able to spend five days there. Big R surely made an impact on everyone who is reading this with his big laughter, great sense of humor, loyalty, and genuine loving soul.

Karin was not prepared for the high cost of cremation, medical expenses, moving expenses, and the Celebration of Life event Ryan wanted her to have in his honor. He chose the Celebration of Life so people would not cry and be sad, but rather laugh and tell many, many stories of their times with Ryan. We are currently seeking donations to help cover these costs and give Karin some relief through this difficult and trying time. This amount will help cover the costs of his cremation, the medical expenses that will surely be astronomical due to being in the hospital for two weeks, having an amputation, and other serious medical procedures, and help Karin and Portia with another move that they will have to unfortunately undertake and to organize the Celebration of Life Big R requested take place in Tallmadge, Ohio in May. Karin lives in Erie, Pennsylvania, so this will also be a difficult task. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help alleviate the financial strain on Karin and allow her to focus on her grieving. Here is a link to the fundraiser for Karin and Portia. Please consider donating any amount. It will truly help her during this extremely difficult time. Thank you so much and remember that Big R really loved us all!