In Remembrance

We cannot comprehend all the reasons why life unfolds as it does, but we know there will be opposition in all things: happiness and sorrow, joy and grief, pleasure and pain, good times and bad times. We learn from the holy texts that it is better for us to taste the bitter so that we can learn to prize the sweet, to experience the anguish of life so that we can experience the contentment of life. It was always thus. And so the news of Ryan Sunnafrank's death strikes us both by surprise and wonder and with sorrow and grief. Sorrow that his presence will be so sorely missed among us now, but joy that such a life was lived, that such a man as this -- with all his energy and integrity -- came into the world, lived here, and yet lives in worlds to come. I first met Ryan on the basketball court where he was a formidable foe. It is not often that you meet someone with Ryan's size and strength, who also is gifted with speed. He was a force of nature. I remember he played with an intensity that was barely contained. He was a fierce competitor and it was obvious that he was working with a strength that he could himself barely contain. Yet contain it he did, while also fighting fiercely with a twinkle in his eye, and an ever-wry smile. I was fortunate to also be Ryan's teacher as he enrolled in my History of Rhetoric class in the Fall of 2013. He asked if he could get busy on the reading, 4 months before the class started. I wondered what I'd gotten myself into. I told him to start reading Plato to get a jump on the class. He was an older than average undergraduate, which meant he was more knowledgeable and wise than your average student. He always got my jokes. And he participated in class with the same energy I saw on the basketball court. His intellect was fierce and he was very smart and quick-witted. It is a blessing to know Ryan and to be able to remember him. I'm grateful for his large soul and his strength. I believe that the spark that animated his physical body, his spirit, lives on and will be resurrected one day through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Until that day, may we remember the good things God showed us through his life and the good things God has promised us in worlds to come.

I met Ryan while working at Epixtar, eventually I was moved to his department and he became my boss. He never acted like it though, always more of a friend, if you did do something wrong he would be more than willing to help you figure it out and improve. It would become regular for us after work to go online and play each other in Madden, he was the toughest opponent, if he played the 49ers I almost never won, but it was always fun.

Ryan and I met each other when we both lived in College Station, TX in the late 1980's. Ryan was my best friend during our 5th and 6th grade years. Went to school together and played baseball on the same team. In the summer of 1990, my family moved to Marshall, Minnesota and I found out Ryan was also moving to Minnesota, but in Duluth, Minnesota. I always thought it was pretty cool that my best friend was also moving to the same state. Even though we grew apart, Ryan and I kept in touch over the years even though we hadn't seen each other. I remember in late August of 1992, right before the start of 9th grade and High School, my dad drove me up to Duluth and spent the week with the Sunnafrank family in Duluth. We played a lot of Nintendo, stayed up late and ran around with the neighborhood kids. Then the Sunnafranks drove me back to Marshall, MN in their camper at the end of the week. Condolences to Mike, Donna and the Sunnafrank family. Breazeale Family

Ryan crossed my path as a volunteer basketball coach for Chloe and Jackson. He was kind, encouraging, reliable and dedicated to his teams. Billy Graham said a coach will impact more people in one year than most will in a lifetime and I have no doubt this was true of Ryan. So shocked and saddened by this news, and will be praying for Jordan, Chloe and Jackson. I cannot imagine what you are all going through.

I was introduced to Sunna by my brother Solomon "Solo". The introduction included something along the lines of ..."we play football together. I run the ball and he covers me". None of this made sense to me. However from that point on I associated Sunna's name with the word the protector. Sunna protected my bro on numerous fields, on numerous occasions and was always having someones back with a smile on his face! To the Sunnafrank family, my heart aches for the loss of Ryan " Sunna". Pleases except my sincere condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Simbarina Witherspoon

I remember him always smiling. In class in high-school. A very nice person.

Dear Mike, Donna, Shana and Katie, I was so sad to hear about Bryan. Mike, your tribute to him was as beautiful as it was heartbreaking. I am so, so sorry for your loss. I sincerely hope your memories will comfort you and that, in time, you may find some peace. Love and hugs to you all. Love, Kay Pepper

Dear Mike,Donna, Shana and Katie, Such a heavy heart today I feel and just am with you all in thought and prayers. Ryan to me was always like a big brother, and I remember fondly as a kid how I always looked up to him. He was always so kind to me and my sister and we were all such a family. I remember when we had first moved to California and Ryan sang karaoke at the pizza place down the road. He always made us laugh and to this day, his performance was the only karaoke I had ever seen in town! To his kids, Chloe and Jackson , I just want to let you know how much your dad meant to me and my family. I remember when he and your mom went to NYC on their honeymoon and I was living there at the time, so your dad reached out to me after years of not really talking to get some tips on where to go and where to stay. He was unbelievably happy! And that was the last time I talked to him, but he was as he always was. Kind. Sending you all lots of love and holding my family close as we send you all hugs and thoughts. RIP Ryan, you were a true original.

Sunna, was what I considered to be, a big teddy bear. He had a soft spot for those that needed compassion and understanding yet he was a protector when needed. His big presence will forever remain in my memories. Whenever Sunna was around I would never worry about anything bad happening because he would always find a way to take care of any troubles that he encountered. His laugh was the kind that made me laugh. He had a sharp mind and a great sense of humor. He will be missed and the world has on less of its angels here on earth. Rest in peace Ryan. Thank you and Jordan for becoming such awesome friends. Sending love and light to those left behind.

In this time of grief and mourning, I want to thank everyone for their memories of our son, the love with which he is being embraced. The stories posted here, and on Facebook, that come to us in e-mails and calls, tell of a man who truly cared for others, who lifted them up, who put a smile on their faces, who had their backs in times of trouble. Through your stories we are learning much more of what a special gift Ryan was to us and to so many others. He cared and he did more than care he acted. He fought for people, he held their hands, he gave advice, he reached out to those in need. He really did. More, much more, than we ever knew. He was, he really was, something special. Thank you for sharing your memories with us, it means the world to us, and I hope that somehow your love reaches him and lifts his spirit in this time. Please keep them coming And now let me share one more story. It is of his last years, which as many of you know were very hard for him. He was down and troubled, lost and lonely, felt abandoned. We would usually get together weekly, sometimes more, often driving around to complete a to-do list he had. In those travels we would come across people holding signs, asking for help. And when we did I sometimes said things that were not as charitable as they should have been---Ryan gently call me on it, reminding me of childhood lessons I had tried to teach him about loving our neighbor, taking care of those in need. Lessons I wasn't listening to myself. And as we talked I learned of how this hurting man was still being the Ryan you have all written about, of how he would stop to talk to these lost ones, sometimes taking them out to breakfast or lunch, putting a smile on their faces, helping them feel less alone by letting them know that someone cared, really cared. Sometimes even taking them into his house, giving them a warm place to lay their heads. That Ryan, our Ryan, still shining through even in his darkness---showing us all the way to come home to what we are meant to be.

Virtual hugs to Chloe and Jackson. So sorry you must go through this grief. Miss Caufman from North Star

Sunna was my supervisor for years when i was younger, he was always the funniest, best vibe, and overall great person to be around. Praying for Jordan and his kids

Sunna was one of the most kind men I've ever met. Great smile! And he really loved his family and children, deeply. You could tell her was raised well, cultured and educated and ever so kind, and polite to women. He was A good man through and through. Jackson you had to grow up kinda quick huh. If you aspire to care about people as much as your father did you'll be ok. Sending big hugs to you man. I'm so sorry for your loss. 🙁 Sunna and i had a few deep talks about life. I really wish I'd stepped away from what I had going on to go get coffee with him and talk. It was ever the plan. Guess we'll rain check the coffee for now but I'll be sitting down with you to discuss life and after life here before you know it at some kinda coffee shop somewhere. RIP Sunna.. One thing thing. HOW ABOUT WHEN HE WAS DRIVING THAT TINY CAR!!! I'm just laughing thinking about him pulling up in that little thing. He was as big as it. We both got a good laugh out of that car. Miss you already man

Sunna was a great mentor to me at numerous times throughout my life. I first met him in the early 00's in central hillside and later crossed paths with him as a supervisor at Epixtar. He took me under his wing and always encouraged me to be the best version of myself I could be. Whether it was getting promoted at work (which I later did become a supervisor myself) or provide more stability for my family. Our kids shared numerous early birthdays together and my apartment and his house on Piedmont. He would nudge me into the direction of home ownership more than once, like I said always encouraging to be a better man, for myself and family. I remember once he made a crack about me coming outta the break room with a big azz processed chicken sandwich for dinner and he stated he didn't know how I did it.... he'd eating salad every night watching me stay the same weight and he'd look at a chicken sandwich put on ten pounds. I'm paraphrasing, his delivery was much more comedic.

Sunna and I worked at Townsuare together. He was one of the really good guys. Enjoyed my time with him, even though it wasn’t long, we enjoyed each others company. He will be truly missed. To his family my deep, deep condolences. RIP Sunna

Sunna was a good dude. I don't know how else to say it. I'm not sure more needs to be said. We weren't particularly close in high school, and we drifted in different directions after that, but I will never forget his basic kindness. I was a nerdy little runt of a kid that in other circumstances might have been terrified of the football players, but Ryan was just a mountain made of heart. He didn't know any other way to be. He so easily connected with people because he so obviously cared about them. His family clearly meant the world to him. At his best, he set a standard we can all aspire to. I, for one, will work on that tonight. Cheers, bud. Rest easy.

So many good memories of Sunna... - going out to a kegger, him and I didn't drink, DeRoche and Perrault did, they got underage tickets. I drove home. While there, he protected me from a caveman bully. The caveman bully who was once my friend was mad at me, because I touched some boobies of a girl he liked. - going out to college parties as a freshman in high school with Sunna, Broska, Brannan. Sunna wouldn't drink/drink very little, he would make sure we were all safe. I puked on the Sunnafrank's dirty laundry one time. Mike and Donna were not happy with me. - playing NBA jam and Sunna betting me money, and he lost over, and over, and over again. Double or nothing every time. The "debt" became in the hundreds, and of course I never saw a dime, because that's what happens between friends... - Sunna always trying to set me up with girls... - He never pissed me off, he always was very loving and caring, in protective mode. - I haven't seen him for many years, but I shed many tears after hearing of his passing and reading Mike's tribute to him. My heart goes out to his true friends and family.

Prayers to Sunna’s family and all the love. What a terrible loss. He was a great friend and he will be missed by so many people. Rest in Peace, Sunna.

I am at a loss for words! Sunna you will always be my brother! I will never forget all the great battles on the field with you! Rest well my friend! Captain Ace!

Tried to use the email:msunnafr@d.umn.edu in your Duluth News Tribune online it wont let me send it. Very sad to see of your motorcycle accident. I knew you professionally mamy years at Wells Fargo. You always had a big heart and awesome smile. Had not heard of your accident at all locally. My deepest sympathy

Donna and Mike, You are so right, Ryan had a beautiful smile, incredible sense of humor and loved to help people. My heart breaks for you, Jordan and his wonderful children. Prayers to all of you.