Ryan Fitzpatrick
1985 – 2010
NEWRY — On Feb. 11, Ryan Fitzpatrick’s life was taken skiing, doing what he loves the most.
He was born on Jan. 31, 1985, to parents that love him immensely; David Fitzpatrick and Candace Forsley.
He was a man of integrity who walked this earth with pride and loyalty. He could light up a room by walking in, and his sense of quiet confidence reassured most people. A strong man with a sensitive heart, he had an immeasurable love for his family. He had a passion for the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisher, motorcyclist, and skier, enjoying most anything active. Even with all his hobbies, he was a hard worker as well. In high school, he played football and later coached youth football, where his talent and love for working with children was evident. By trade, he was a plumber, working for Pillsbury’s in Kennebunk from sun up most days. At his evening job, he cleared land and cut trees until the light was gone. Then, he would typically ride his motorcycle and could often be heard singing karaoke at Bentley’s.
Weekends were spent with family and friends, often in the Maine woods. He truly got the most out of every day.
In the summer of 2008, he was severely injured in a motorcycle accident, ultimately loosing a leg. In spite of his circumstance, he overcame the difficulties with a smile on his face. He accepted the challenges that were put in front of him and became an influence to all around him. All summer, he worked at the Orthopedics Associates’ Parisi Speed School in Saco getting ready for the winter, when he became a volunteer for the Maine Handicapped Skiing (MHS) program and working at the Shipyard Brew Haus at Sunday River.
Being at the mountain, he simply glowed. You could truly see his happiness that he had for meeting new people along with helping them. Again, he found a passion for helping young people pursue their goals. In the words of MHS, ‘He transitioned from student to instructor in record time, realizing quickly that he could do as much, if not more, good toward his own recovery by sharing his experience and knowledge with others.’
His prowess as a free skier also made him an obvious choice to help represent us on the adaptive race team that represents MHS and Sunday River throughout New England. This spring, he was poised to mentor newly injured amputees and volunteer as a demonstrator at the orthopedic school at the University of New England.
He is survived by his brother and sister, Benjamin and Abigail Fitzpatrick; his father, David; and his grandmother, Kay Fitzpatrick. He is loved and missed by many aunts, uncles, and cousins, (45 in total) and his dear friends from Kennebunk (too many to count, but each deeply valued).
He was predeceased by his mother, Candace; and his grandparents, Joseph Fitzpatrick, Eli and Agnes Forsley.
He worked hard and played hard. He had his own outlook on life that many people admired. He discovered this quote by an unknown author that says, ‘Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, Holy &#!*! What a ride!’ He loved this quote and he always said, ‘That’s the way to live life!’ and so he did. He took cautious risks that made his life so unique and so inspiring.