Crissy Kiter Dies in Motocycle Accident

Piotrp · Post by **Piotrp** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 2:59 pm

This horrible news hits me very hard: just a couple of weeks ago, Ryan helped me when I drifting toward Alcatraz, my kite in the water and lines wrapped around it. He went back to the beach and called Coast Guard for me. I had seen him there (at Crissy) before, but this was the first time I talked to him (after I got back to the beach - in the CG boat). He seem like such a nice guy and I was looking forward to kiting with him again...

My deepet condolences to his family and friend.

Live2KITE · Post by **Live2KITE** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:33 pm

This email is from Meghan who is organizing Ryan's ceremony.

Thank you all for you support through this difficult time. Ryan Jones’s family and friends and very grateful to all of you for helping us make this day special and unique. For those of you who knew Ryan, you’d know what a kick he is getting out of this production on his behalf! The following is the break down of the day, and where and when we would like you all to join us to release Ryan’s ashes into the bay.

A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE AND SPIRIT OF RYAN JONES
Everyone Welcome
Presidio Officers Club, 50 Moraga Avenue, Presidio, San Francisco
http://www.presidio.gov/event/rental/of ... ctions.htm
Sunday, July 27, 2008
1:00 pm Ceremony
2:30 pm Reception
And you are also welcome to the following events:
4:00 pm Walk to Crissy Field for Bayside Remembrance
5:00 pm Potluck at Crissy Field Center

· Please arrive at 4pm at East Beach to get ready to launch by 4:30pm. You can meet in front of the bathroom on the beach where you usually launch from.
· At approximately 4:30 people will arrive at the beach lead by a jazz band and the family who will be carrying Ryan’s ashes on his kiteboard.
· Evan has graciously offered to be the bearer of the ashes. All of you who are interested in partaking in the ceremony and going out into the bay with Evan should please respond with a confirmation on the forum. It would be nice to have a few of you go out with Evan, and circle him as he releases the ashes. We just ask for a confirmation, so that I may tell his family what to expect.
· The family has asked to have the ashes released close to the bridge. However they understand that the conditions may not be ideal. If that is the case anywhere in the bay is ok, their main wish is just to have him be in the water he loved so much.
· There will an area of the beach marked off as "Reserved for Ryan Jones's Memorial Service 4-6pm". Native potted plants, signs, and chairs will help define the area.
· Afterwards everyone will be welcome at the Crissy Field Center for a potluck. Depending on the timing of everything else, this will hopefully be around 5pm.

Greg- You have graciously offered to be available on your jet-ski, I’d like you to come out in case the conditions for kiteboarding are not ideal as a back-up plan for releasing his ashes. Does that work for you?

Thanks for your help. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Take care,

Meghan
603-731-7139
moconnor@parksconservancy.org

Live2KITE · Post by **Live2KITE** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:35 pm

I hope to see as many of you as possible at Crissy on Sunday....

Evan

Greg · Post by **Greg** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:51 pm

Megan and Evan,
I offered to help assist a family member...

Working with the current plan: I will watch the wind and weather reports, IF conditions warrant, I will put the ski in the water..

It sounds like this is going to be a very special event, Ryan will be happy.
Greg

perukite · Post by **perukite** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 7:53 pm

I only "knew" Ryan by sight...but would not miss the chance to accompany him on his last ride in this lifetime and show my respect and honor to his family as part of the bay are kite community. I'll be pumped up and on the beach...

Greg · Post by **Greg** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 5:44 pm

FORCAST: Sunday conditions look promising.
Wind should be in high teens low twentys, Ebb tide should make it easy to kite to the bridge.

I will drive the ski over (back-up plan ONLY), I do NOT plan on putting it in the water unless it looks pretty impossable to kite to to the bridge.. I'll see you on the water.
Greg

cedralpass · Post by **cedralpass** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 10:17 pm

I was new to chrissy kiting late last sept. I am on the Yellow North Rebel riding with Ryan on the white kite, that Aaron posted. That was my first day riding at Chrissy. I met Ryan on the beach, after catching his kite. He talked me through all the issues the Chrissy riders deal with, then we kited for an over an hour together. He had the biggest smile on the whole time. He was one of the nicest guys i have ever met on any beach or the sideline of any sport. He really loved life and it was great to know him. I will miss seeing him ride up on his bicycle, pump up the kite, get on the water in record time and ride off with a big grin.

Geoff

wesmatson · Post by **wesmatson** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 3:13 am

It is very shocking and sad to hear the news about Ryan.

Ryan was one of the nicest, happiest, most genuine guys out at Crissy Field. He was a great person to sit and talk to and he was always there to a helping hand.

It was a pleaseure getting to know him over the last year. He will be missed.

Wes

Meghan · Post by **Meghan** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 9:42 am

Thank you all for the support! Looking forward to seeing those of you who can make it out today. Thanks, Meghan

Loscocco · Post by **Loscocco** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 11:36 pm

http://www.wmd.com/200807ryanjones

Here are a few photos of Ryan's last journey out to the Golden Gate Bridge.

He was an amazing guy who touched a lot of lives and will continue to inspire others

will be missed :(

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Crissy Kiter Dies in Motocycle Accident

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