Ryan Hartman

Ryan Anthony Hartman, 26 passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2014, from complications from DSRCT, a rare, pediatric cancer. He was born on September 28, 1987, to Julie and Ray Hartman. He graduated in 2006 from Brandywine High School and attended Southwestern Michigan College.

Ryan is survived by his parents, Ray and Julie, his three brothers, Eric, Tyler and Evan, his grandparents Wava Hartman and Barb and Johnie Rodebush, aunts and uncles Donna and Ray Corum, Merva and Jim Zaleski, Bob and Toy Young, Brad and Becky Young and Joe and Carol Young, his girlfriend, Kailee Checkley and her son Karter, along with many extended family members and friends. He will be missed by his cats, Lilly and Lizzy and family pets Misty and Breezy. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Mervin Young and Charley Hartman and his uncle, Charles Hartman.

While in school, he played percussion in the band and was a member of the basketball team and the track and field team. Ryan’s proudest accomplishment was breaking his high school’s discus record. When his record was broken, he was even prouder of his younger brother, Evan, when he succeeded in getting the record back in the family and in the process, became a two-time state champ. Ryan was a Michigan State University fan and he was very pleased when Evan made the MSU track team. Ryan enjoyed coaching his brother in the discus and also helping his dad through the years coach little league baseball and midget basketball. He also played little league baseball himself and when older, he umpired for the same league. Ryan was a big sports fan, with the Detroit Tigers being his favorite team. He also loved disc golfing, fishing, cooking and visiting casinos.

Ryan was an inspiration to many during his four-year battle with cancer. His ‘never give up’ attitude was awe-inspiring and showed how much he wanted to live. He never complained and endured all the treatments with bravery, strength and determination to beat his invisible enemy. Many thanks go to his care providers at I.U. Simon Cancer Center, University of Michigan Sarcoma Center, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Michigana Health and Rehab and especially Michiana Hematology Oncology.

Ryan was a gentle giant who was always more concerned about others’ well being, than his own. He will be dearly missed. Gone too soon, but never forgotten. Team Ryan: Stay up, be strong, believe and have hope.

The funeral service for Ryan Hartman will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the First Church of Christ – Christian on 2240 Yankee Street with the Rev. Dan Miller of the First Missionary Church officiating. Interment will be at a later date at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the church, and on Saturday, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Contributions in memory of Ryan may be made to the Southwestern Michigan College Scholarship Fund for Brandywine Students. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.