The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Ryan Paul Gunhold, 43, of Missoula, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, in Vietnam.

Ryan will be missed by his family, and expansive and diverse group of friends. Ryan was thoughtful, intelligent, responsible, funny, inspirational and full of heart and soul. Ryan loved quotes and this one from Ralph Waldo Emerson is a good reflection of how he approached life. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Ryan was indeed a trailblazer.

Ryan was born on February 24, 1973, to John and Carol Gunhold, in Missoula Montana, where he was raised with his twin sister, Tiffany. Ryan and Tiffany were the first twins born at Community Medical Hospital. Ryan's interests were philanthropy, music, writing, education, video games, technology outdoor adventures, public speaking and all sports. Ryan enjoyed playing the saxophone and was selected to represent the State of Montana.

Ryan was educated at the University of Montana and earned a degree in Education. As a UM student, Ryan was active in all aspects of University life. He was a member of the University of Montana Advocates and he spearheaded a number of UM Philanthropy efforts, including ASUM Children's Learning Centre Playground clean up, "Wiggle for the Y" (YMCA fund raiser), and the Giving Tree fundraiser to help the Missoula youth. Ryan received the Anthony Allan Newbury Award for community Service. Ryan was also an active member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He held many posts, including Pledge Marshall, House Bull and Eminent Commander. Ryan and Tiffany worked together to organize community service programs for children in Harlem, through Columbia University.

Ryan earned a PhD in Human and Organizational Development (Walden University) and a MA in Education Leadership (California State University Channel Islands).

Ryan started his career as a teacher. He was vibrant teacher and loved to inspire children to learn in all subjects, but his specialty was Science. As Ryan became proficient with technology platforms he found his niche in the application of technology to teaching and learning, which allowed him to combine his two passions. Ryan multitasked his way through this market, holding many important positions, from Program Manager at Microsoft to Managing Director and Lead Consultant at People and Platforms. Ryan also worked on important projects at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, through Design Laboratory, which allowed Ryan to combine yet another interest, community service. Ryan continued to teach as Principal Faculty at City University of Seattle, while doing his day job too. Ryan had recently been awarded the Mansfield Fellowship for his work with Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center, and he was working as the Chief Learning Officer for the Mansfield Academy of Global Leadership at the time of his passing.

Ryan is preceded in death by grandparents, Anna and Bill Kurtz, grandfather Carl Gunhold, uncle Carl Gunhold.

Ryan is survived by his daughters, Abigail and Lily Gunhold; mother of his children, Kendra Gunhold; mother and father John Gunhold and Carol Gunhold; nephew Luke Bicarregui and niece Sophia Bicarregui; twin sister and brother- in – law Tiffany and David Bicarregui; uncle and aunt Bill and Nancy Kurtz; uncle and aunt Eric and Margaret LePoidevin; uncle and aunt Ralph and Louise Scharf; aunt Shirley Gunhold; cousins Billy, Desiree, Marilyn, Ross, David, Greg, Merrill, Tim. Belle, Elizabeth. Kathy, and Great grandmother Ami Gunhold.

Services were held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Missoula, Montana on Thursday, January 5th at 11:00 a.m.

Contributions in memory of Ryan may be made to Watson Children's Shelter in Missoula and to the Darlene and Ryan Gunhold Memorial Scholarship.

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