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The article in yesterday's Chronicle is a snippet, a notice, a little bit of writing that doesn't do justice to the life of the late Ryan Jones. Ryan was an under-the-radar local hero. You may or may not have known him, but if you live here in San Francisco, Ryan probably made your life here more beautiful, more enjoyable, more memorable.
Ryan worked for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area's Site Stewardship program. He'd volunteered there as a high school student, and most recently as a full-time employee. Ryan led groups of high school kids out into the Headlands, the Presidio, and other GGNRA locations, teaching them about the land, organizing groups to fight invasives, and doing the hard weed-killing and cleanup that keeps these areas beautiful for all of us. If you have spent any time in the amazing areas that surround the city, you benefited from Ryan's work.
We met Ryan a few years ago while volunteering at Milagra Ridge. He was happy, patient, and inspirational as he divided us into groups with hoes and picks, sending us off to attack a strange vine that was destroying local vegetation. He was hit and killed by a drunk driver on Sunday, and we're all worse off for it. His friends and co-workers have put up a memorial site here. Stop by and leave your best wishes. And next time you're biking in the Headlands, walking in the Presidio, or hiking on the ridges south of town, take a moment and thank Ryan Jones.
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this is a heartbreaking story to say the least. thanks, dan, for your kind words.
also, please use discretion when commenting here, readers. his family and friends are sure to come across this post, so think twice before you comment. thanks!
Heartbreaking. RIP Ryan.
A real loss. My deepest condolences to Ryan's family and friends.
Ryan hired me as an Education Intern and was my supervisor for the year of 2004. He was a mentor to me and the other interns and to countless Bay Area high school and middle school students. Through his work in restoring the parks and in building up a sense of teamwork and confidence in so many students, he changed many lives and made the world a better place.
Ryan, we miss you. Love, Erin
This is a true loss. No words.
This is a sad story. It's kind of odd though, that you would think we would need an admonishment not not post anything rude for his family to read. Sounds like he was an all around nice guy. Why would anyone post something mean?
preventative measures, i guess.
I didn't know him well but the times I did chat with him he always was up beat and super into kite boarding. We met at chrissy field doing what he loved to do, kiting while enjoying one of the most beautiful places on earth.
I was one lucky enough to be one of the group of kiters who participated in the events at the beach yesterday. Kiting will not be the same for many of us. It's a pretty small close group of us who kite at Chrissy Field. Because of the postential dangers we potentially face out there, we all look out for one another.
Each time I spoke with Ryan I would always leave thinking that I need to be more like that guy, always positive, intense and enjoying every moment.
It seems life has a funny way of teaching lessons.
He will be missed by all who know him.