Obituary of Ryan Jeffrey Serne

Serne, Ryan J from Olympia, WA, 41. Born on June 1st 1981 with Down syndrome, serious heart-lung defects and later diagnosed with autism, Ryan suddenly passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022, at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, WA while being treated for pneumonia and a serious blood infection. Ryan was an amazing battler---two separate medical air evacuations to Spokane Sacred Heart and Seattle’s Children’s Hospitals in his first 2 years, then heart failure and embolisms in his lungs at separate times during his time in Olympia. Ryan survived at least two decades beyond most other persons with his congenital heart-lung defects. Ryan lived in Kennewick, WA for his first 28 years and attended therapy sessions, developmental activities and Special Education classes at the Kennewick School District and recreational activities at The ARC of the Tri-Cities. Ryan spoke few words but he communicated with an infectious smile and facial expressions. Ryan was loved by his respite care-givers in Kennewick and since July 2009 his care-givers at the Citizen Access Residential Resources group home on 34th LN NE in Olympia, WA. Ryan enjoyed watching Sesame St. and Muppets shows/DVDs and going for long walks while sitting in his 3-wheeled racing stroller on irrigation canal roads and sidewalks in Kennewick and various paved walking trails in Olympia, WA. While living in the CARR group home, at the middle of each walk Ryan was treated to a chocolate milkshake from either DQ or Jack-in-the-Box at the turnaround point in the walks. Ryan would also visit his parent’s 13-acre horse boarding facility for a few days most weeks. Ryan enjoyed looking at the horses and getting walks in Capitol State Forest adjacent to the facility. Ryan enjoyed the transitioning between his group home and his parent’s home each week; for a change of pace. Ryan is survived by his parents Nancy L. and R. Jeff Serne (Olympia, WA); a sister Jennifer N. Serne-Allen (husband Jason) in Ellensburg, WA and three sets of aunts and uncles and 7 first cousins and 4 second cousins. Ryan will be remembered as an eternally happy and loving person whose constant bubbly demeanor brought joy to his parents, relatives, and most of all his care-givers A Memorial service will be held in the future for the family, relatives, friends, and caregivers. Details can be obtained from Jeff Serne (jeffserne@gmail.com) In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Special Olympics WA state (https://specialolympicswashington.org/) or National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) at https://ndss.org/.