Campfire-251
Welcome to the memorial page for

Ryan Emmett Tibbitts

March 12, 1956 ~ June 23, 2016 (age 60) 60 Years Old
 Light a Candle
 Leave a Condolence
Message from Clay Brown
July 28, 2016 8:27 AM

Simply put, Ryan was a good man with a huge heart! We have all been blessed to know him. May the sadness of losing him be overshadowed by the many happy memories you have. God bless the whole family. And God bless you, Ryan!
candle blue
A candle was lit by Clay Brown on July 28, 2016 8:24 AM
Message from Lana Wilkinson
July 18, 2016 12:17 PM

Dear Tibbitts Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bishop Tibbitts was always so kind to me whenever he came to Staples where I worked. I'm sending all of my love and heart-felt sympathies to all of you.
Message from Sharon Ellsworth-Nielson
July 1, 2016 9:21 AM

Dear Tibbits Family,
I had the chance to meet Ryan when he came to parent=teacher conference as his son, McCoy, was in one of my classes at Park City High School. In just our few minutes together, I could tell that Ryan was a GOOD man, in every sense of the word. I am sorry beyond words for your loss at his passing; please know that you are in my prayers. May your grief turn to comfort as you feel support and love from Heavenly Father and from Ryan, who undoubtedly continue to be part of your lives.
Message from G. Green
June 28, 2016 10:53 PM

Dear Tibbitts family, My heart is aching for your loss. I'm a classmate from Rexburg and spoke with Ryan at the reunion. I didn't know him well, but I see that he was a remarkable man. May you have peace and comfort especially in the difficult days ahead.
Message from Scott and Karen Smith
June 28, 2016 5:43 PM

Dear Tibbitts Family,
Thank you for sharing part of your amazing father's life today. He truly was a "good" man. As we were discussing the remarks made at the funeral service today we compared your father to the valiant Book of Mormon leader Moroni. Truly family was the hallmark of your father's life. You each shared such beautiful messages about what you have learned from him. You are so blessed to have such a righteous and good man to call "Dad". We know he will be watching over you. We were truly blessed to be in your presence today. Thank you.
Message from Greg Sargent
June 28, 2016 2:53 PM

I just happened across this and I think that I am still in shock. Ryan was a former team mate and a good friend and a good man that just stood for what was right and when life is done there is not a much better complement for a man. I just cannot believe that he is gone.

My prayers are with your entire family during this tough time - may the blessing of God be with you.
Message from Roger & Kim Le Prey
June 28, 2016 2:42 PM

Dear Nan and family,
I wanted to take a moment, to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of Ryan. He was such a great father and friend, he will surely be missed by everyone that came to know him.
If I can ever help you in anyway, please let me know.
Love you all Roger
candle beige
A candle was lit by Roger & Kim Le Prey on June 28, 2016 2:35 PM
Message from Kim Meikle Parkinson
June 28, 2016 12:04 PM

So sorry to hear about Ryan's passing. We were the same age and graduated together and his sister is married to my cousin Jack,
My prayers are with you in your time of sorrow and I pray you will find peace in the days ahead.
Love,
Kim Meikle Parkinson
Message from Mike and Jill Stevens
June 28, 2016 9:19 AM

Dear Tibbitts Family,
Such a loss for your Family and the world Ryan lived in. We did not know Ryan well, but having Laurie as our sister in-law for so many years, we have heard about his life well lived. The world and the Tibbitts Family will miss him very much! God will welcome him with loving arms and he will enjoy a new healthy body as he reunites with his loved ones. We pray that in this knowledge your Family will find peace.
Love,
Mike and Jill Stevens
Message from Jerry Shaw
June 27, 2016 9:06 PM

I was shocked to hear of Ryan's passing. He was a very good friend and roommate of mine at BYU. His special spirit will be missed.
Message from Bill and Anne Marie Freed and family
June 27, 2016 4:03 PM

We will never forget Ryan's impact on our lives. He was a wonderful Bishop and friend who was there for us all in our time of need. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers, Nan.
Expression of Sympathy

Product Image

A BASKET GARDEN was sent on June 27, 2016

With love to Ryan's family. We share your deep sadness. Bill & Elyse Tierney, San Diego,Ca.

Message from Drexel Davis Guzy and family
June 27, 2016 12:49 PM

Here's my 2 cents today about Ryan. But it's really more about Rexburg. I'm sure grateful I grew up there. I sure hope you are, too. And I hope we all do our best to be our best, assume the best of others, and live lives worthy of the names we bear.








Unless you grew up in a small town, little or maybe even nothing of what I'm about to say will make any sense to you. That's ok. I'm talking to the rest of us.

I grew up in Rexburg, which at the time had four elementary schools, one junior high, and one high school. We were Madison Bobcats. We may not have known everything about everyone, but we pretty much knew everyone. It was a community, but to many of us, it felt more like family.

In that setting, your name mattered. Be it for good or for ill, your last name meant something. For some, that presented a burden. For the rest of us, it was both an opportunity and an obligation.

Ryan Tibbitts was a Tibbitts. He didn't come from wealth or prestige. His father died young (when Ryan was only 2) and his widowed mother worked tirelessly (scrubbing floors at Ricks College) to support her large family. Tibbitts men were men. Charismatic and bright. Rugged and compassionate. Deep-thinkers and fun-lovers. Ryan's legacy was one of being solid and grounded. Undoubtably, it motivated him. It inspired him. It defined him. Unless you've been a small-town kid you'll never understand that. But for many of us, the weight and blessing of our names didn't just influence us then, it continues to motivate us today. No matter where we live or what we accomplish or what we have yet to do, our names are something to be honored, revered, and protected. We may mess up, we may fall short for a bit, but we still hope to make it right. Not just for our sake, but for our name's sake.

In the 1970's, Ryan was the Golden Boy of Madison high. He was handsome and likable. He was athletically gifted and composed. He was aloof but witty; confident but never cocky. Of course he was quarterback and point guard. Of course he went on to play for Ricks and BYU. This was Ryan. Who'd ever expect anything less? Of course he was a capable law student and successful attorney. Of course he was an admirable family man and friend to all he met. Of course he was an influential church leader and inspiring speaker. That's just Ryan. Ryan Tibbitts.

So when Ryan was diagnosed with cancer, many of us brushed it off. Tibbitts will beat this. Tibbitts is bigger than this. He's always been bigger than anything that opposed him. He always been bigger than life. Ryan will not just get through this, he'll conquer it. This is no different.

But sadly, tragically, unexpectedly, it was. 60 is too young to lose Ryan.

But Ryan isn't lost. He didn't lose this. After all.....he fought the good fight, he finished his course. And most importantly, he kept the faith.

And, he left a name and a legacy worthy of the family Tibbitts.
Message from Dane H. Watkins
June 27, 2016 12:17 PM

Dear Tibbitts Family,
I want to send our sincere condolences on the recent passing of Ryan. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was a great person and his outstanding accomplishments and service for our community will always be remembered.
Sincerely,
Dane & Sherry Watkins
Expression of Sympathy

Product Image

A MOUNTAIN MEADOW PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent on June 27, 2016

May these flowers bring some comfort during this difficult time. With love, Lyle and Bryce Mortimer and the Cedar Fort Team

Message from Brad & Allyson Lyle
June 27, 2016 10:01 AM

What a good man! We feel so grateful to have had Ryan in our lives. He was our kind and sensitive bishop during a tough time for our family.
It is so painful to lose someone this wonderful whom you love so deeply. But the only way to avoid that pain would be to avoid the love you all feel for each other, and that is just too precious - the best thing in life. The comfort is that your love for him and his love for you will continue, and that you will be together again. With Love, Brad & Allyson
Message from Farrell Steiner
June 27, 2016 9:31 AM

My heartfelt prayers go out to your family. I have so many childhood memories of playing football in our front yard with Ryan with our sidewalk serving as the fifty-yard line. Ryan was a great leader and I will cherish my memories with him. His mother was an angel. It will no doubt be a wonderful reunion on the other side of the veil and I pray that Ryan's family will be strengthened in the days ahead.
Message from John Neal
June 27, 2016 8:51 AM

I'm saddened by the loss of Ryan. Reading his life story I regret not keeping in touch. I'm also extremely proud of his accomplishments and the legacy he leaves to his beloved family.
Expression of Sympathy

Product Image

A GRANDMA'S GARDEN TABLE BASKET was ordered on June 27, 2016

Expression of Sympathy

Product Image

A SENTIMENTAL THOUGHTS was sent on June 27, 2016

From the McGee Family, Janice, Don, Gordon and Rick and their spouses. We express sympathy at the passing of Ryan. May God bless you in your loss.

Message from Norm Chow family
June 26, 2016 11:31 PM

I had the distinct honor and pleasure of being Ryan's position coach when he played collegiate football. For the most part. "time erodes memory" but Ryan Tibbetts, because of his work ethic, his positive attitude, and the support he had for his teammates, is a person that I have and will always have a deep and profound love and respect for. I will always remember Ryan as a consummate teammate, loyal friend and one hell of a good guy.
Please know that our thoughts, love, and prayers are with all of you.
Message from Ben & Jenn Hansen
June 26, 2016 9:07 PM

Nan,

We are so sorry to hear of Ryan's passing. We have been thinking about and praying for you all. I want you to know how special he was to us. He was our "Once-in-a-lifetime bishop". We were so blessed to know him.

Continued prayers for you and your family.

Love,

Ben & Jenn
Expression of Sympathy

Product Image

A TABLE BASKET was ordered on June 26, 2016

candle beige
A candle was lit by Matt and Jayne Braga on June 26, 2016 11:28 AM
Message from Matt and Jayne Braga
June 26, 2016 11:27 AM

Dear Nan and Family,

We are heartbroken and in shock to hear about Ryan's passing. As we know Ryan from his football days at BYU, we can affirm that he really is one of those special individuals who is loved from the minute you meet him. When Ryan first began writing his book, he contacted Matt and brought up many of the great memories we had with him in Provo. It was great to hear from him again and re-establish contact.
He will be missed and we will always remember him with fondness and great memories. God bless Ryan and his family.
Expression of Sympathy

Product Image

A GRANDMA'S GARDEN TABLE BASKET was ordered on June 26, 2016

Message from Mike & Teresa Larsen
June 26, 2016 5:50 AM

Nan, we were so saddened to learn of Ryan's illness and passing. I have always valued my friendship with Ryan and admired him as a friend, colleague and teammate. We cannot attend Monday or Tuesday but we'll be with you in spirit. God bless you and your family.
Message from The Folau Family
June 25, 2016 11:39 PM

We are devastated to hear about Bishop Tibbitts passing: our hearts and prayers are with your family. He is an inspiration to ours and we will always appreciate the love and kindness your family has shown us. He is a man of great knowledge and of wonderful compassion towards others, we are grateful to know him. He has blessed many people with charity and faith throughout his life. May the Lord bless you with the peace and comfort needed at this time.
Message from Shirley Johnson
June 25, 2016 1:02 PM

I am shocked to hear about Ryan. I didn’t realize he was so sick.

Ryan is a wonderful servant and son. I was able to work with him as he worked on his book and video. I found him to be an absolutely wonderful person and I know that the Lord knows that, too.

May He bless all of you with the love, comfort, and understanding that only He can give.
Message from David Nuffer
June 25, 2016 12:07 PM

Ryan was a terrific attorney. He appeared before me many times and I heard him speak and many other settings. But I remember him most from running into him at the Bountiful or Salt Lake Temple depending on which one of our "home" temples was closed. Those encounters were always a good surprise.
So I was stunned to see that he has left us.
The legal community has suffered a great loss but I'm sure his family has the much greater loss since they benefited by being much closer to him than the rest of us were. The well-rounded life portrayed in his obituary does not surprise me. May God bless us all to remember his example.
Expression of Sympathy

Product Image

A GRANDMA'S GARDEN TABLE BASKET was ordered on June 25, 2016

Message from Eugene Powell Till, President, Korea Seoul Mission 1974-77
June 25, 2016 7:18 AM

I have a firm knowledge that Ryan recently heard a loving Father's whisper in his ear "Let him enter !" and the veil was open allowing him to be welcomed by many friends and family. Some lived in Korea while on this Earth. God bless you Ryan for your priceless service while on this Earth. Please save me a seat close to you.... Gene
Expression of Sympathy

Product Image

A MOUNTAIN MEADOW PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was ordered on June 25, 2016

Message from Liz Bailey Haslem
June 25, 2016 6:23 AM

Tibbitts family,

I am so sorry to hear about Ryan's passing. In addition to being a wonderful Bishop he served as our families home teacher. Every month he came and every month he brought a thoughtful message, a happy countenance, and some yummy treat! I always enjoyed those visits and I know that everyone who knew him will miss the light that he carried with him. My deepest condolences to your family!
Expression of Sympathy

Product Image

A SPATHIPHYLLUM was sent by Meagan and Grace on June 25, 2016

Expression of Sympathy

Product Image

A DIGNITY IN WHITE PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was ordered on June 24, 2016

Message from Dianne Shepherd
June 24, 2016 8:05 PM

I am so grateful for the time I worked for Ryan. He was such a good man and it saddens me to see he had gone back to Heavenly Father. My heart and prayers go out to your family! At the same time, thank the Lord for Eternal Families!
Message from The Barbosa Family
June 24, 2016 6:29 PM

Nan and Family, words can't express how sorry we are at the loss of Ryan. We have loved you all these years as neighbors and friends and have loved supporting you both in all your endeavors. We are praying you feel the comfort of the spirit and hold tight to the knowledge of the plan. All our love, Wendy, Albert, Bennett, and Brooke.
© 2024 Holbrook Mortuary. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility