Ryan Claunch

Ryan Standley Claunch was born February 3, 1984 in Salem, OR, the second child of Victoria and Larry Claunch.  Ryan was named after his two grandfathers.  He lived in Salem through his pre-school years eventually moving to Auburn, WA when he was 9 years old.  He graduated high school in 2002 at Auburn Adventist Academy. He then settled in downtown Seattle where he loved the heartbeat of city life.

A darling and always-laughing child, Ryan loved to whittle wood with his grandfather as a little boy.  He was fascinated with cars as well, amassing a great collection of Matchbox cars and track at a young age.  In his pre-adolescent years these interests eventually turned into a passion for music, specifically piano and guitar, which continued throughout his life.  He wrote a number of songs and was one of the founding members of the band The Pranx.  The group released an album and toured extensively throughout the northwest.  He was also active with several other bands in the Seattle music scene.

Ryan’s professional career aligned closely with his love of cooking.  He worked in the food-service industry where he quickly rose through the ranks.  Mastering Fry chef, Sous chef, and eventually Executive chef, he learned his trade at some of Seattle’s best restaurants.  He became the head chef and manager for the Two Bells restaurant in downtown Seattle for several years.  But his dream was to become an entrepreneur and eventually operate his own restaurant.  With that in mind he joined the team at Cookies Country Chicken where he managed the Ballard location.

Ryan had a real gift for helping others, combining his professional life with his compassion for people.  He worked with local food banks, serving the hungry and providing food.  He often walked home from work with food in hand to give to someone needing a meal on the streets.  Additionally, he worked with others to raise funds to help runaway children.

In his free time, Ryan loved to relax snowboarding, wakeboarding, and just about any other kind of water sports.  He loved to travel, noting that exploring the world was the best education he ever received.  He was also an avid reader and always loved his music.  But his true devotion was being with and sharing life with friends and family.  His ready smile and love for life brought a special joy to those around him. 

Ryan is survived by his mother Victoria, father Larry, sibling Laurel Nicole, sibling Sofia Lyubov, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, his stepfather Jeffrey, and his dear love Sonia.  Taken too soon, a devoted son, brother, companion, and friend, he is missed and loved by all.

Think of him as living

In the hearts of those he touched

For nothing loved is ever lost

And he was loved so much