My Son Ryan Shay

I can't think of a better tribute...

http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~stephan/webstuff/poetry/Housman-ToanAthleteD.html

Dear Sue, Joe, Alicia,Shay Kids,and Friends;

Wow! over 14 pages! No surprise to us!! Thanks for giving everyone a chance to express! Although we can't really express our grief to all of you!

I've spent the 2nd half of the Lions game reading all of these wonderful expressions. I was doing kinda OK {even through Caseys thoughts} until I reached halfway through MARK STENBECKS story on the 9th page, then it reminded me of watching Ryan returning from a long run in mid-winter looking like a "skinny snow man with a bright red face". It showed me the dedication of a champion!!

We look forward to coming up from Grand Rapids this weekend to share tears, hugs, memories, and the celebration of Ryan's life with all of you.

Love your best next door neighbor, Tom

I had the honor of running "with" Ryan during one of his numerous US Road Racing titles at the Hospital Hill Half Marathon. Even though I only lasted a mile and a half with him and the elite runners before turning off on the 5k course, it was a dream to be competing with such great men - an incredible experience that has not faded in the past 5 years.

There's no doubt that Ryan gave many, many, aspiring runners, spectators, teamates, friends, and loved ones experiences such as these - those which we will never forget.

I remember Ryan as a major presence in the great track and XC scene in Indiana during the first half of this decade. Of course, he was so much more, and meant so much more, than just that, but that's how I came to know of him. RIP.

The stars shall be bright when we are dust,

Majestic in motion upon the heavenly plain,

The stars that shine in the time of our darkness,

To the end, to the end, they remain.

RIP Ryan - a star that shall never grow old.

Dear Shay Family, all of you right down to the grands;

Tom and I are writing seperate notes because your family has so greatly impacted our lives. I too have memories of seeing Ryan running either alone or with his brothers, and in all kinds of weather, hot or so cold I didn't even want to WALK next door, let alone go for a long run. We would always wonder when we were at the cottage if we would see him as we came over the crest of Rogers Rd. hill. He could run up that hill with less effort than I could walk DOWN it.

But through all of this, my best memory is when Ryan spent a few days at our house before a River Bank Run in Grand Rapids. We spent some time talking to him during those days, and he took time out of his busy schedule to talk to our 2 oldest grand children. He played with them, and the very best is sitting back and watching the 3 {yes he was too} of them laughing like crazy a he tried to teach 2 three year olds how to juggle. Two days later we watched him run the River Bank Run, but to our grandchildren he had come to Grand Rapids just for them. Thats the kind of guy he was he always took the time to make you feel like you mattered to him. We will really miss him running by with a smile and a wave.

Ryan you will be GREATLY MISSED, may God be with your family.

We love you all, Lu

Mr. Shay,

I'm very sorry for your loss, and my thoughts and prays are with you and your family through this difficult time. Ryan was very inspirational to many people and he will continue to be extremely inspirational to many runners and other athletes. For those who either raced or ran today, I hope you took a second to think of Ryan.

For me, I dedicated my last cross country race of my season to Ryan today. On the bus ride to the MSTCA invitational my coach passed around a sharpy to write RS on our ankle or wrist to remind of us and show our dedication of our race to Ryan today. I am by no means a varsity runner but it gave me strength when I needed it and I ran a PR of 23:01, uhgg. I was trying to break 23 mins but I still got a significant PR.

Ryan you helped me and my team today, RIP.

I'm so sorry for your loss. All the best to you and your family thru these difficult times. Myself and all the runners i run with have your son and family in our hearts, especially as we run.

I was at the trials yesterday in complete awe of the talented young men running the race. When I heard the news that Ryan had been taken to the hospital, my friends and I could not comprehend how something like that could happen. He had just passed us minutes earlier and looked like he was running in control and was obviously in peak condition.

My deepest sympathies along with the wish that the memories you have of your son sustain you and your family through this incredibly difficult time.

I was shocked and heartbroken to hear the news. It is such a great loss for the running community. Ryan was truly an amazing, talented person. I will keep the Shay family and Alicia in my prayers. God Bless you all, stay strong.

Dear Mr. Shay,

I wanted to express my condolences. I hope god gives you and your family the strength to get through this tough time. So many people have been touched by Ryan and will celebrate his life forever.

R.I.P. Ryan.

Dear Mr. Shay,

As an avid Georgetown and Big East track and field fan, I came to respect Ryan as a great competitor. As a father myself, your loss must be terrible. I offer you and your family my sincere condolences and you will all be in my prayers.

Joe Shay and Family,

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Your son Ryan was an inspiration to many.

RIP

I admired him, and I wish I'd known him. I'm sure Ryan will live on to inspire runners for a long time. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends,

Stephen

Joe Shay wrote:

My family, Alicia, and I can not thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers.

The calls and e-mails are over whelming. God bless you all.

Joe Shay

I didn't know your son but from what I've read, he was a nice lovable person.

May the Lord rest his soul in eternal peace.

As for you and your family, may He also give you the strengh and the fortitude to bear this loss.

Poleni sana. Mungu awabariki.

wrote down ryan shay in my Church's rememberance list for november. we'll be praying for him this whole month. God bless.

My deepest compassion for the Shay family, friends, and all who supported him. A phenomenal athlete with a charisma like no other who whil truly be missed. God bless.

Mr Shay,

The number of messages already on this site should tell you something I am sure you already know, Ryan touched many many lives. I'm sure more than even he knew.

I was on the rowing team at Notre Dame during his junior and senior years and I remember watching him run for hours on the indoor track at Loftus. Even then I was totally in awe of his strength and dedication. I was even more impressed by his character. Your son had a way of making every person he met feel like the most important person in the world.

The world has lost not only an amazing runner but also a great leader and a fantastic human being. He will be sorely missed.

God bless you and your family during this difficult time.

Rest in peace Ryan.

I am sorry