Ryan Ver Wey

Donald Ryan Ver Wey, known to most simply as Ryan, was born on July 1, 1985, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Kelly Ver Wey and Teresa Ver Wey (Martin). Ryan passed away at his home in Kimberly, Idaho, on July 20, 2026, at the age of 41.

Ryan grew up in Kimberly, and loved his childhood running the streets with his siblings, most often with his little sister, Kallie. She would describe them as feral. The two spent countless childhood days, building the kind of memories that would remain with them for a lifetime. Their family grew along the way and Kelly later married Sheryl and their family was complete. Ryan had five siblings, including Travis, Kallie, Brianne, Haydden, and Mallori.

At Hansen High School, Ryan played nearly every sport available and excelled in all of them. His athletic ability, intelligence, competitive spirit, and natural leadership earned him a football scholarship to Concordia University in Nebraska. While there, he was well liked by his coaches and was even recruited by the baseball team. But Ryan missed his family deeply, and Idaho called him home.

Ryan served his country in the Idaho Army National Guard as a Cavalry Scout. Ryan had the best sense of humor. It was shown in times like at the Idaho State Fair where he put a live Ilama in the National Guard Bradley for a photo shoot.

Throughout early adulthood, Ryan worked in a variety of positions before ultimately finding his calling in umpiring and officiating. He built a career doing something that perfectly combined his knowledge of sports with his ability to connect with people.

Ryan was valued throughout the local sports community. He knew the games, understood the athletes, and had a way of connecting with children, parents, coaches, and fellow officials. He was exceptionally good at what he did. Following his passing, many parents reached out to his family to share how much Ryan had impacted their children during his years of officiating and coaching. Those messages have been a meaningful reminder of the difference he made, often without him realizing it.

Ryan was the proud father of three children. He shared his oldest daughter, Brooklyn, with Brittnay Cooper. He later found the love of his life, Hannah Long, and together they welcomed Emmalyn and Donald D'Artagnan.

Ryan's children were the absolute joys of his life.

Ryan loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed playing board games with them, especially Catan, watching movies and sports, and practicing endlessly with his children. He pushed each of them to become the best version of themselves, always encouraging them to work hard, believe in themselves, and give their full effort.

His children will forever treasure the intentional time he gave them. He spent countless hours at the gym and the park getting extra reps with Brooklyn and teaching Emmalyn and D'Artagnan to play a variety of sports. For Ryan, these were never simply practices or games. They were opportunities to teach, connect, laugh, and love his children.

Ryan found some of his greatest joy outdoors. He began hunting with his father at a young age, and over the years those trips became a tradition shared with nearly all of his siblings. Whether they were chasing birds or big game, the hunt was never just about what they brought home. It was about the early mornings, the stories, the laughter, and the time spent together creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Fishing also held a special place in Ryan's heart. It was often said to be his best therapy. Brooklyn remembers that after a particularly difficult night, Ryan would quickly get out of bed, grab his kayak, and head to the water.

He loved fishing with his grandpa Don, with his father, and with his children. Ryan was a talented fisherman and took great pride in it. The water brought him peace, and some of his happiest and most meaningful memories were made with a fishing pole in his hand and someone he loved beside him.

Ryan lived with mental health struggles for much of his life. His family chooses to speak honestly about the fact that he died by suicide, not because that moment defines him, but because silence surrounding mental illness and suicide has taken too many lives. Ryan recognized he had deep struggles and courageously sought different avenues of help. His family even saw great progression in his mental health leading up to the months he lost his battle. He was deeply loved and surrounded by people who wanted him here. His death is a reminder that mental illness is real, that asking for help is an act of courage, and that no one should have to face their darkest moments alone.

Ryan was so much more than the way he died.

He was an exceptional athlete, a respected official, a loyal friend, a beloved son and brother, a devoted partner, and a father who loved his children beyond measure. He filled rooms with his presence, connected naturally with those around him, and left a lasting mark on the athletes, families, and communities he served.

Ryan is survived by the love of his life, Hannah Long; his children, Brooklyn, Emmalyn, and Donald D'Artagnan; his parents, Kelly (Sheryl) Ver Wey and Teresa Crist; his siblings, Travis, Kallie, Brianne, Haydden, and Mallori. Ryan also had many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. His nephew Austen affectionately referred to him as Uncle Crazy for his larger-than-life personality.

He was preceded in death by some of his favorite people. Most recently, his confidante, Uncle Mark Martin, his grandma Anna Weeks, his grandpa Paul Patterson, and his beloved grandfather and best friend, Don. Ryan's family finds comfort in believing that, if there is a stream in Heaven, his grandparents welcomed him there. All of them are together again, fishing side by side.

Ryan's life will be remembered through the laughter he brought and most of all the family he cherished.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a contribution to Hannah and his children at First Federal Savings Bank. Ryan's passing has left a gaping hole in their hearts but also without a home or any belongings.

Ryan was loved more than he could fully understand, and he will be missed more than words can express.

Ryan’s Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Wilks Funeral Homes, 2251 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho, 83301. Ryan will be laid to rest at the Rock Creek Cemetery, 3184 N 3800 E, Hansen, Idaho 83334. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed.  Click Here to View Celebration of Life.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family in the guestbook section below.