Ryan Francis Brown's Obituary
Ryan Francis Brown passed away on Monday July 29, 2024.
Ryan was born January 11, 1989, in Dallas to Bruce and Ruth Brown and was the older brother of Beth. He graduated from Plano Senior High School and attended Texas Tech University. Ryan married Ashley Pokorny on December 9, 2023.
Growing up he excelled at every sport he tried – baseball, soccer and basketball to name a few – but hockey became his favorite. He played street hockey with friends in the cul-de-sac outside his home from an early age, practicing his shots and rarely having to wade into the neighbors’ yards to fetch pucks that missed the net. He went on to play roller hockey and eventually ice hockey, where his skills and talent shined.
He played select and travel ice hockey starting at age 10 on teams such as DJHA, Alliance and Plano Senior High School, regularly finishing as one of each teams’ leading scorers. He was one of only two who made the varsity ice hockey team for Plano Senior High School as a freshman. He also made the Texas Tech ice hockey team as a freshman.
He turned a passion into a job when he began working as a referee of ice hockey games. Though he first refereed games as a 14-year-old, he dedicated himself fully to it again at age 21. He was widely respected and trusted among his peers for his commitment. He refereed hundreds of hockey games across Dallas-Fort Worth at different skill and age levels, enabling so many to discover and enjoy the sport he loved.
Hockey was the love of Ryan’s life until he met Ashley. A day did not go by when Ryan did not tell Ashley that he loved her. Their days together were filled with happiness, whether they were at home cuddling with their dog Winnie, or at the beach, where they would soak in the sun, the peacefulness of the waves, and each other’s presence. Growing up Ryan loved visiting the beach and could watch the waves washing onto shore all day. As an adult he cherished his time spent there with Ashley.
Ryan was sincerely kind hearted, optimistic, fun loving and patient. His generosity and thoughtfulness spoke volumes every time he gave gifts. He was at peace surrounded by his wife, dog, family, and friends, whom he loved deeply.
Ryan has numerous family members who have treasured memories: his wife, Ashley; parents, Bruce and Ruth; sister, Beth; aunt Margaret Widlund and uncle Robert Widlund; uncle Donald Brown; aunt Susan Regis; mother-in-law Lyndie Pokorny and father-in-law Dave Pokorny; and numerous cousins.
A public visitation will take place from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, August 7 at Restland Funeral Home located at 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas, 75243. It will be followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2 pm on Thursday, August 8 at the same location. Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate the life of this treasured husband, son and brother.
Donations can be sent to the Dallas Stars Foundation, which works to improve the lives of North Texans through youth hockey, community engagement, and health and education. Monetary donations can be made in Ryan’s name here: https://www.nhl.com/stars/community/donations
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