In memory of Ryan Bartulis: A father, husband and friend

On Sunday, Aug. 18, my beloved husband, Ryan Bartulis, passed away suddenly at our home.

His proudest moment was to be a father to our beautiful 11-month-old "junebug," Emily.

He cared for her for nearly a year as a stay-at-home dad. Here, he taught her how to begin eating solids, drink out of a straw, and say "all done." They loved taking walks together, swinging in her pink play swing and taking contact naps.

During the past few months, Ryan had been devoting time to his newfound hobby, woodworking, and was creating projects to prepare for Emily's "Fairy First "birthday party.

Ryan was an artist who loved graphic design and typography. He loved music from punk to Snoop Dog. He loved cooking, gardening and the outdoors. He was also a pole vaulter in high school and everybody's favorite handyman. My husband was ingenious. When we decided to live our adventure in our RV, Cousin Eddie, he remodeled everything from the ground up and taught himself how to set up a solar-powered system.

I met Ryan 6 years ago this month. The moment I saw him, I knew I was going to marry him and that he was going to be the father of my child. We married during COVID in a backyard ceremony because I just couldn't wait to marry him. We had Emily last year through the miracle of IVF. When we found out we had to go through IVF, he didn't hesitate once to support me and went to every doctor's appointment. He gave me every shot, even if it meant me driving to his work and getting injected in the parking lot- he didn't want to miss one second of the journey. When we were waiting to hear our results he stayed at my work for my full shift just in case the doctor called letting us know we were pregnant. When we heard the news, he fell to his knees in tears of how excited he was to be a father.

Ryan will be remembered as a gentle soul to his friends and family. He was my best friend and the love of my life. We always said how we were meant to be together but that our souls needed to catch up. I will always share with Emily how much her daddy loved her and that he will always be with her. I sure do love you, Ryan.

Please donate any amount you can if you'd like to help our family with funeral expenses.