Ryan Terry Miller

Ryan Terry Miller, age 44, passed away unexpectedly in West Jordan, UT on Sunday, June 7, 2020.

Ryan was welcomed into this world by his loving parents Terry and Nancy (Coleby) Miller at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT on a “lucky” St. Patrick’s Day in 1976 (Wednesday, March 17, 1976). Luck would have it that this was only the beginning of a lifetime full of “lucky streaks” for Ryan.

He was raised in West Jordan, UT, where he made countless lifelong friendships in his youth. At a young age, Ryan enjoyed pursuing many athletic sports. He attended West Jordan High School and graduated from Valley High School in 1994.

He went on to pursue various vocational pursuits throughout his life, which included brief and lengthy stints working in electrical, construction, towing, and numerous cherished years with Altaview Concrete in sales and cement truck driving. At Altaview Concrete he developed strong and lasting friendships with many co-workers and fellow cement truck drivers, many of whom held Ryan close, not only as a friend, but as a loving brother. While working in sales for Altaview, Ryan was “burdened” with the heavy task of taking a client on a golfing tournament at the Wasatch Mountain Golf Course for work one day. The “luck of the Irish” struck once again, as Ryan teed up his golf ball, smoothly swung his club, and effortlessly got a hole in one. Getting a rare hole in one would have been lucky enough for anyone, but because he was Ryan, he ended up winning the brand new Dodge Ram Truck that was parked on that hole. This was one of his most cherished memories in life.

No matter where he was, Ryan could always be counted on for a friendly conversation, including one lucky time up in Park City, where Brad Pitt stopped by and casually talked to Ryan for quite some time while Ryan was on a job for Altaview during the Sundance Film Festival. Ryan was so approachable, that even the rich and the famous found comfort in conversing with him.

Ryan had an entrepreneurial nature, whether it was setting up a mobile car wash and detailing service with his beloved cousin, Richie Farnsworth, or working to establish an online apparel company (Dune Apparel), which was associated with his great love of the outdoors and riding his beloved RZR off-road vehicle.

Ryan was lucky to have romantic relationships with some wonderful women throughout his life. His luck was further amplified as he welcomed wonderful children into his heart. He married Amber (Dansie) in 1996, later divorced. While married to Amber, Ryan became step-father to Michelle Dansie (age 25) and father to Ashley Miller (age 22). After divorcing Amber, Ryan became a father to Taylor (age 18).
In 2006, Ryan married Emilie (Reese), and together they spent many lucky years as a couple, later divorced. While married, they welcomed Braxton (age 11) into their home. Emilie worked tirelessly to ensure that Ryan was able to actively participate in countless cherished memories with his immediate family and close friends. As Ashley entered into adulthood, their father-child relationship has transformed into a deep friendship, which will have a lasting impact on her life. Something which he would have loved to develop between all of his children as they each entered adulthood.

Ryan was always looking for the next big adventure in life. He had a great love of the outdoors, which included fishing, camping and countless “RZR” rides at the Little Sahara Sand Dunes. He was a passionate golfer, and spent many hours contemplating life while golfing with friends. Ryan always worked hard to have the most impressive fireworks display you could ever imagine. He had a love of cars and trucks. Any vehicle he ever owned, including his much-loved Ford F-350 Super Duty were destined to be immediately upgraded with the most awe-inspiring sound system you could ever imagine. Ryan enjoyed working hard with his two hands, including maintaining a pristine yard with the deepest, darkest green lawn, which was no doubt the envy of any neighborhood in which he lived. We honestly feel that he inherited this trait from his Grandpa Coleby, whom he had deeply missed and greatly admired. Due to the special bond between them, we feel that Grandpa Coleby must have rushed to greet him on the other side. What a joyous reunion that must have been amongst many other loved family members.

Ryan is survived by his grandmother Mary (Martius) Miller; parents Terry and Nancy (Coleby) Miller; siblings, Shari (Corey) Johnson, Tami (Jason) Harvey, and Jeff (Linsey) Miller; his children, Ashley, Taylor, and Braxton; step-daughter Michelle; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by grandparents Ernest and Frances (Veenendaal) Coleby, and Ronald Miller; as well as uncles Danny Miller and Orrin Farnsworth.

Amidst all of the lucky streaks in his life, Ryan dealt intimately with an unlucky share of difficulties and challenges. These difficulties, ultimately took him from us far too soon. We choose to remember him for the deep friendships, lasting memories, and his friendly smile that always brightened up any room.

A private family service will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, UT on Saturday, June 13, 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. A portion of his ashes will be preserved in the mausoleum.

At a later date, a joyous celebration of life will be held at the Little Sahara Sand Dunes in Eureka, UT where some of his ashes will also be spread. Additional details regarding this celebration of life will be announced at a future time, where extended family and friends will be welcomed with open arms.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage those that wish to honor Ryan’s memory to either donate to the Go Fund Me account established in his honor (to help offset funeral expenses, and potentially provide some additional support for his children), or to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Utah Chapter.

Additionally, we implore any that may read this to never take for granted those special moments with your loved ones. Please let them know how much they are loved, and that you are there for them no matter what.

Ryan, we are deeply heartbroken and at a complete loss for words over your unexpected departure from our lives. Please know how much we loved you and how much we will miss you!

Oh how we wish we could have been there for you when you needed us the most. We are grateful for the knowledge that we have that we will see you again. May you find peace and rest from all of your pain and suffering.

May you ride off to the sunset with our love!