Ryan Hoerner

Ryan Dave Hoerner, 31, was killed in a plane accident 13 miles northeast of Koliganek, Alaska, on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004.

Ryan was born to David Hoerner and Noreen Richeson on Nov. 3, 1972, in Kalispell. He was raised on the family farm on Jessup Mill Pond near Creston. He attended school at Cayuse Prairie, Columbia Falls and Kalispell.

Following graduation, he received his pilot's license and attended Western Montana College, in Dillon, graduating with a degree as a hydrology engineer. Since then, Ryan has been a hunting, fishing and rafting guide in Alaska, Montana and Idaho. He also worked and flew with his father at Red Eagle Aviation as a commercial pilot and had recently gotten his helicopter license.

Most recently he was the ranch manager for Larry and Claire Wilson on their River Bend Ranch, in Ferndale, and their Sun River Ranch, in Augusta.

Ryan's passions were flying, hunting, fishing, basketball, roping and rafting. He excelled at everything he tried. Ryan had recently taken the fifth largest Pope and Young moose ever shot with a bow in Alaska.

He had developed a love for Alaska at an early age when his family moved to Wasilla, Alaska, for a short time. Since then his dream was to own a lodge with his father in Alaska. While seeing his dream become a reality his life was cut short.

Ryan was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ronie Hoerner, and his grandmothers, Faith Hoerner and Juanita Barnard.

He is survived by his parents, David Hoerner, of Kalispell, and Noreen Richeson, on the family farm in Creston; his sister, Bree Hoerner, whom he loved very much; his aunts and uncles, Larry and Debbie Hoerner, Louie and Pearla Gonzales, and Norman Richeson and Kari Sandor; cousins, Cory Hoerner, Traci Patterson, Deserie Helland, Laramie Gonzales, Michael Richeson, Eric Richeson, Megan Richeson, and their families; and many relatives, cousins, and friends too numerous to print.

Ryan was loved by everyone he came into contact with. He is also survived by someone very special to his heart, Jen Tapp; and "by his beloved sidekick and dog Bandit."

There will be a celebration of Ryan's life at the family farm in Creston at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004, directly across from the Creston fish hatchery on Jessup Mill Pond. It will be an outdoor potluck dinner—people are asked to dress casual. Verbal thought of Ryan will be welcomed to share with all.