- Born
- Died
- Birth nameRyan Christopher Mouritsen
- Nicknames
- "Cherokee Rose"
- "Tiger"
- "California Heavy Hitter"
- "APK"
- "Alex P. Keaton"
- Ra Ra
- Ry Ry
- Height5′ 7″ (1.70 m)
- Ryan Mouritsen was born on June 5, 1975 in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. He was an actor, known for Rita Rocks (2008), Clay Pigeons (1998) and Reba (2001). He died on February 27, 2009 in Torrance, California, USA.
- The best farewell that could be made for our friend was the memorial service held at the Van Nuys airport by Ryan's family and friends. On Sunday, 15 March 2009, a celebration of Ryan's life was held at the Van Nuys airport. Ryan's good friend Eli McKinney put everything together and it was such a beautiful tribute to Ryan. All of Ryan's friends in California, co-workers, pilots from his flight club, and everyone he associated with in California was there. It was such a beautiful night! Everything was so colorful, including flower bouquets on every table along with pictures of Ryan. There was a message board for people to write a note for or about Ryan. They had 3 of the airplanes that Ryan always flew parked next to each other, and at sunset two of the planes took off and flew over us. Thank you to everybody who came and supported our family, and for sharing so many great stories and memories of Ryan- it was an unforgettable night!.
- Ryan's ancestors were "Pioneer Mormons" arriving in Salt Lake City, Utah region in the late 1840s, and his understanding of family, friendship, and loyalty were strong. He was entrepreneurial and created his own opportunities in life. While he never went on a Mormon Mission as a young adult it was one of his regrets later in life. He later learned about the potential of making aviation flights to help out needy people in poor nations around the world. Unfortunately, he never got to pursue that ambition as such. He loved helping others and aviation, so that would have been a perfect mixture for him to pursue.
Ryan did get to help another aviation organization that helped handicapped children in American called "Challenge Air (dot) com" as this organization was dear to his heart.
In fact, after his passing, fellow Actress (from "Reba" TV show), Melissa Peterman wrote the following on her web-log:
"I played for 2 different charities. One was Challenge Air For Kids And Friends in honor of Ryan Mouritsen. Ryan was a wonderful part of our Reba show family and recently passed away and this was a charity that was close to his heart. Ryan was one of those really special people that always had a smile on his face and he was always ready to help and good for a laugh. You are missed my friend.". - He was an avid aviation enthusiast and had his pilot's license. He flew regularly at the Whiteman Airport (KWHP) in Los Angeles.
- Ryan was loyal to friends and family. He would be happy to drive in bad weather to help others even if it placed himself in danger. He was inclusive and loving, so much that it seemed everyone felt that "to know him was to love him," but also to be loved by him.
- Ryan Christopher Mouritsen was posthumously received with the "Kentuckiana Cinematography Club (KCC): Lifetime Achievement Award" by Founder/President the Honorable Brennan James Callan, Col., for Ryan's lifetime of commitment to entertainment and aviation industries. The ceremony was at Bowman Field (KLOU) in Louisville, Kentucky at a special meeting held to honor Ryan's life. Ryan's photos were displayed on tables and two short films that had been dedicated to him were shown. A guest speaker taught members about aerial videographer, and then there was RYAN'S AVIATION MEMORIAL. This consisted of two taildragger airplanes (1. was a Bellanca Scout banner towing plane{180 HP} {tail number: N7672S} with a banner that said, "Goodbye Ryan Mouritsen [heart shaped symbol]") and then a second plane (2. a red 1935 replica WACO Biplane with Brennan James Callan flying in it with the pilot) {tail number: N43016} and the two planes started at a distance to come together over Bowman Field (KLOU), representing that aviation brought their friendship together. Then on the far side of the field, the two planes separated and presenting that Ryan's death at age 33; separated them as friends. This was done twice over Bowman Field (KLOU) so that video and still photography from the air and the ground could capture the best views. It got too dark outside to perform the third go-around. Everyone was moved by the aerial representation of friendship, admiration, respect, and love. A commemorative recognition (a stoneware plate) (in the shape of a large circular dinner plate, but blue etching paint draw the shape of a film-reel) was produced by a professional potter for the ceremony and that was later presented to the family as well as still photos and video. The memorial banner was lifted from runway (33) (330) which is on a precise heading of 327.5 and the last three digits of Ryan's phone number were 327. In January 1986, Brennan James Callan had started a Boy Scout Troop #327, so that number was a unique thread between the two. The banner towing plane model name is "Scout." This recognition was only the second time the Kentuckiana Cinematography Club (KCC) presented it to a member, but Ryan was the first posthumous award of it. Bowman Field (KLOU) is the oldest continuous operating airport in the world. Therefore, this airport provided the best possible opportunity to represent Ryan's connection to the long history of aviation and then to fly the banner over the 16th largest US City. While people outside of the memorial did not have the chance to meet, know, or love Ryan, they all knew he was important in Kentucky and elsewhere that day. It should be noted that Ryan loved flying taildragger planes and both of the planes used for this memorial also turned out to be taildraggers. The banner plane is rather similar to one of three regular planes Ryan frequented rented in California, a Bellanca Model 7ECA {115 HP}{tail number 50380}.
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