Ryan Barber passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday morning, June 29th, 2021. After surviving cancer, chemo, and radiation, he suffered a heart attack at his home.
Ryan was born in Wheat Ridge, Colorado and moved to Utah in 1993. He was very proud of earning a master’s degree at the University of Utah in Social Work. He then earned his Licensed Clinical Social Worker certification which is very difficult to achieve. He loved helping people and specialized in helping people overcome addiction. He is survived by his son Ryder, who he loved more than anything in the world. Ryan loved teaching Ryder about golf, fishing, skiing, swimming, baseball, water-skiing, pickleball, hiking, shooting bows and arrows, going to the cabin at Flaming Gorge, camping, cooking, music, fine dining, and just having fun. He was very talented and creative, and worked in custom glass artwork. We will all cherish the items he made for us. One of the main things you can say about Ryan is that he is very loyal to his friends and family. He loved spending time with them and would do anything for them. Ryan will be missed by each person who was lucky enough to cross paths with him.
Survived by his son Ryder Lee Barber (10), his parents David and Kandie Barber, his older brother Zac and his wife Heather and two daughters Sarah Grace and Scarlett, his younger brother Colby and his wife Hillary and their children Remington, Sage and Maxwell. He will be greatly missed by his Aunts and Uncles: Warren and Dorothy Barber, Joan and Phil Hayes, Marianne and Terry Rushton, Jeff and Linda Barber, Lisa and Steve Perry, Lee and Maria Kunz, and cousins.
Preceded in death by: His grandparents: Max and Marian Barber and Lee and Beverly Kunz
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 E. 1300 S. SLC., UT 84108). Burial will be immediately following.
Ryan was a great friend. I took for granted the time we spent together but always enjoyed when he was around. What a great dude. I will always cherish his contribution to my life. Peace be with you, Ryan, Rest In Peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. We cherish the moments we were able to spend with Ryan. He is an amazing guy and has accomplished a lot during his short time here. We love Ryan and your family.
Dear Kandie & Dave
We are so sorry for your loss. Ryan was a great friend. We are deeply grateful we were able to be a part of his life. He was an amazing person. He was taken to soon. Our prayers are with your family.
Family Booth
Sorry to family
Kandie and Dave; I am devastated to hear this news. I can't imagine how painful this must be for all of you. I read all about your son and he sounds like somebody I would like to have met. He truly seemed to be right with himself. I believe when you want the best for others and you try to help them thrive, that brings an inner sense of peace. He was a good man and a doting father, from the pictures I saw, and so please don't feel pain for his loss and instead, be grateful that he lived. Someone once said that to me and it helped me, I'm hoping it will help you at times when you need it. Kandie, I've always cared about you and please know that I'm here for you. My prayers are with you, Dave and your family. Take care and know how much your son was loved. Tobi
I will miss you forever Ryan. You were a great guy and one of a kind. I’ll always remember all the nights on the patio with Rachael and all the life’s moments. May you Rest In Peace until we meet again.
I will never forget his kindness. May God give him eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great pain May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences.
Dave and Kandi,
We are so sorry to hear about Ryan. We are so shocked to hear all that he went through. I know how much you all love and support each other as a family. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are sorry he had to leave so soon. We love you.
Karri and Jon Majerus
I live right next door to Ryan and It will never be the same pulling up to my house knowing he’s not in there. I will miss him so much!! I My heart breaks for his family and will keep them in my prayers. I can only imagine how hard this must be. You raised an amazing son! I know how much he loved being a dad and Ryder was his best friend. I will never forget all the good times we had. I lost my friend but I gained an angel . Love you so much Ryan!
Ryan was one of the best friends I ever had, he supported me and believed in me when others did not. I will miss his laugh forever and ever, I am so grateful to have had a friend like him. My condolences to his son who he loved more than anything, and to everyone else who has been hit by his loss. My brother, you will be missed but not forgotten 💙
Dear Ryder, Hannah and the entire Barber Family we extend our sincere condolences! Ryan will be sorely missed.
Ryan lived large and loved large! His world revolved around his amazing son Ryder and his loving family! His talents, intellect and independence were commendable! He was known for deep and loyal friendships. We treasure our friendship with Ryan.& the Barber Family.. Rest In Peace Ryan and know that Ryder will feel & be reminded of your love always . Love
Papa Bill, Nana Cindy and The Bedford Family
Ryan you will forever be in my heart! I’ll never forget all the good times we had and all the things you taught me about life, never giving up and how important it is that no matter what people think or say to just be yourself! Dave, Kandie thank you for raising such an amazing son! Growing up with Ryan was a blessing and opportunity I’ll never forget! I’m so sorry for your loss and please if there is anything me or my family can do for you guys during this time please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask! Barbz Rest In Peace brother and enjoy ripping around those motorcycles on the endless windy roads and snowboarding all those heavenly mountains loaded with fresh powder! 1 down 5 up… Brap!
Love always,
- Kort Kehl
Dear David and Kandie,
Our heart goes out to you at this sad time. We are so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and for all the comfort that comes from His teachings. Cling to those truths at this time, and know that Precious little Ryder will get to see and be with his loving father again. Your entire family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Phil & Jessica Schmidt
Dear Barber family,
I was so sorry to hear about Ryan, and more sorry that I did not know him well. It sounds like he loved life as much as Uncle Max did and was trying to help others overcome the pitfalls of life so that they could enjoy life the way he did.
Just wanted you to know we’re thinking of you!
Much love,
Linda Barber Nokleby
I just learned that my dear friend and work colleague Ryan passed. I am so very sad to hear this. I was a fellow therapist who worked with Ryan an he really cared about the kids he treated. He was fun to work with too-I learned a lot from Ryan about how to work with high risk residential kids. He came from a place of understanding from his own life experiences-and it really was a great learning from him and just working in general with him. Fun, silly friend who was always full of surprises and a pleasure to be around, I also know he would speak of his son all the time-number one in his life for sure. Had a pic of him front and center in his office.Great colleague, friend and all around good guy. Will miss ya Ryan-see you on the other side my bud.
I was a fellow therapist that worked with Ryan at West Ridge. He was so insightful and the parents of his clients there especially loved him. At good bye ceremonies the families would just really express so much gratitude for helping them with their troubled kid-he knew his stuff! I miss you Ryan. You are a sweet heart and a true friend. Love, Marie West
Dear Kandie and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Ryan. I am sending all my love to all of you in this difficult time.