- 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}. (September 28, 2009)
- Ryan worked with Reba (2001) (TV Series). He was: (assistant to executive producer and writer - season 6) / (production assistant - seasons 4-5) . His death 27 February 2009 (due to an ultralight plane crash on 26 February 2009), was just a few years after his involvement in the TV series ended, but he became one more production team member to die that had worked with Reba McEntire. Reba had lost her original band members 16 March 1991. She lost 8-band members (and their two pilots) in one crash.
- His first airplane ride was on his 7th birthday and that is the day his dad soloed the plane for his goal of earning a private pilot license. This had a strong impression on Ryan to eventually earn his ratings too. Ryan earned his Private Pilot License at age 20, but then did not fly much over the next 10-years.
- TRAINING:
Comedy: TV and Film Comedy & Improv, Christopher Miller. Acting: Suzanne McKenna, Michael Vought. Scene Study: Professional Actors Conservatory (4 years / full scholarship), Scott Ditty. On-Camera: Sundance Filmmakers Lab, Kathy Bates. Audition Technique: Screen Actors Guild Conservatory. Commercial: Suzanne Barnes, Tom Logan. - After Ryan graduated from high school, he attended a Professional Actors Conservatory (four years / full scholarship). During his young adulthood, he continued living in Sandy, Utah, but he drove to Hollywood for weekends or other times in hopes of being an extra and learn his way around the L.A. region. He not only spoke of his hopes and dreams, but he proved to friends and family that he was sincere about making his pursuits come true. He led by example and inspired countless others by his cheerful self-confidence. Ryan cherished getting to work on the TV show "Married with Children" as they were kind and helpful to him.
- Ryan was a private pilot and an advanced ground instructor. At the time of his accident, he was working on becoming a Light Sport Pilot Instructor. He encouraged others to get into aviation as Light Sport Aviation (LSA) required less money, time, and that meant it was more obtainable. He inspired countless other pilots around the world and he hoped to go into business with a dear friend. He continued to have his other passion; employment in the entertainment industry.
- "Detention: The Siege at Johnson High" (1997) (TV): This film was produced in the same city where Ryan Mouritsen was born and raised. He was already studying to be an actor in Sandy, Utah, so this was a wonderful opportunity to him in building his resume and career in Hollywood. A year later, Ryan moved to Hollywood. The Jordan High School is only a few miles from his former house.
- Regarding "Terror in the Family" (1996 TV Movie): Actor Ryan Mouritsen (featured) was still living in Sandy, Utah while working on this production. He used to visit Hollywood to stay for visits to work on productions while networking and helping on TV and film productions. Sometimes, he did extra work too. This film Terror in the Family (1996 TV Movie) and the positive experiences helped him to decide to move to Hollywood in 1998 and pursue his career goals.
- Ryan was an outdoorsman; learned to ride horses due to his grandfather's passion for Palominos; skateboarding; camping; hiking; snow skiing; snow boarding; knee-boarding; SCUBA diving; bowling; mountain biking; and marathon running. All of these physical activities kept him physically fit throughout his life.
- As a youth, he was inspired by his older brother who had a garage band. Ryan would be helpful to carry equipment and be included in whatever the band was doing. He loved his older brother, so this time was valuable on the impressionable young boy who grew up to become a wonderful man. He helped mentor others in the entertainment industry due to understanding their shared roots and his goals overlapped.
- Actor Ryan Mouritsen (featured) was still living in Sandy, Utah while working on this production. He used to visit Hollywood to stay for visits to work on productions while networking and helping on TV and film productions. Sometimes, he did extra work too. This film and the positive experiences helped him to decide to move to Hollywood in 1998 and pursue his career goals.
- As the result of his tragic death, countless people were impacted in profound ways. One friend, Brennan James Callan (Aeronautical Scientist)(Actor, Writer, Producer, Director), has dedicated many years in researching and developing AIRBAGS FOR ULTRALIGHTS to ensure that no other pilot will suffer a similar tragedy. Once more, Ryan is inspiring others to do their best and be there best. It is a positive legacy that his loss to the world can help create safety improvements to Light Sport Aviation (LSA).
- FLYING: Ryan learned to fly at the Salt Lake City International Airport, but he did additional take-offs and landings at Salt Lake City II Airport (south of the city) and at Tooele, Utah, which is to the west of Salt Lake City. Eventually, he got away from aviation, but after being settled for a few years in L.A., he resumed his passion.
- Special Skills: Dance(s): Tap. Performance(s): Improvisation, Speed Talking. Sport(s): Bowling, Marathon Runner, Mountain Biking, Scuba Diving, Skateboard, Snow Skiing. Singing: Tenor. Other: snowboarding, knee-boarding, flying (licensed private pilot).
Highlights: Television - Extreme Rescue; Terror in the Family. Film - Clay Pigeons; Utopia 59. Stage - Butterflies Are Free; Suburbia; Look Homeward, Angel. Commercial - list available on request. Training - Professional Actors Conservatory (four years / full scholarship).
Non-Broadcast Industrials: F-16 Deficiency Reporting-- Lead-- KW Video / U.S. Air Force. TimeQuest (Franklin Covey)-- Supporting-- Wildwood Productions.
Theater: Passing-- Lawrence-- Stella Adler Theater. Butterflies Are Free-- Don Baker-- Rosewagner Performing Arts. Suburbia-- Jeff Gallagher-- Kilby Court. The Square Root of Love Steven-- Grand Theater. Uptown / Downtown-- Joey-- Stage Right Theater. Album-- Boo-- Aardvark Cabaret. Look Homeward, Angel-- Eugene-- Aardvark Cabaret. - While attending Hillcrest High School, in Sandy, Utah, Ryan used to sing, but he was not on any teams or official choral groups.
- Was good friends with Melissa Peterman.
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