Rylan Whelan

Rylan Christian Whelan

October 29, 2004 ~August 7, 2021

On a crisp fall morning, a beautiful brown-eyed boy was born and placed in the loving arms of his adoring mother. Rylan Christian Whelan was born on October 29, 2004, in Ogden, UT. Rylan loved the autumn season and everything associated with it. He eagerly anticipated his birthday, months before it arrived each year, and always cherished the transition from the sweltering days of summer to the radiant colors of fall. Rylan’s vibrant spirit is even more colorful than the vivid fall colors he loved so much. He loved all things bright and beautiful, and was an entertainer and charmer from the very start. He strived to make people laugh even as a little boy, always creating performances for anyone who would watch, with a habit of wearing costumes as his regular clothing on a daily basis.

Rylan attended A Child’s Image Preschool, right next door to his home, where his mother could still keep a watchful eye over her sweet boy through their backyard fence. Rylan later attended West Haven Elementary, Sandridge Jr. High, and Roy High. He loved playing sports, especially football, soccer, and basketball. He was a natural athlete and loved the excitement and energy of his games. He also loved watching sports on television and enjoyed playing video games with his friends. Rylan was a trend-setter and liked to wear new styles before they had even caught on. He was constantly giving his mom and Aunt Christina unsolicited, but much welcomed fashion advice, and they loved it. Rylan loved Mexican food, especially his Nana’s green chile and his Aunt Hilda’s tortillas. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, boating, and especially loved vacationing with his family.

Some of Rylan’s favorite trips were to Tennessee where his Papa taught him how to be a country boy. He loved learning to shoot guns, hunt, shoot a bow and arrow, walking on the railroad tracks, building fires, and running through open fields getting dirty for hours on end, just as a little boy should do. He also loved playing in the waves and snorkeling at the beach in Florida, going to Disney World and Universal Studios with his cousins, and tagging along on any new experience. Rylan actually crashed a girls’ trip with his mom, aunts, and Nana in October of 2019. He especially loved sharing a room with his Nana and Aunt Hilda on that cruise. They felt honored that such a young, cool boy, would want to spend time with two old ladies. He waited on them hand and foot, in true Rylan form, always taking care of everyone’s wants and needs. It was on this cruise that they all realized what a social butterfly Rylan really is. His favorite thing to do each night was to walk out on the top deck of the ship, chatting with all the new people he would meet, enjoying the stars and the ocean breeze. He kept everyone up late each night, entertaining them with his priceless stories.

Rylan was a busy teenager and loved being with his friends. He had a very special gift of connecting with people and sharing in their joys as well as their heartaches. His compassion and care for the concerns of those around him permeated his life. On countless occasions he put aside his own struggles to focus on the trials of others, going out of his way to be a friend and comforter to those whom he sensed may need to be lifted up. Rylan had a very tender heart and sought to see the good in other people always.

Rylan was blessed with a family that treasures his sweet character. He is a light in their lives, and truly embodies the Savior’s example of loving his brother. Although Rylan is the youngest, he took it upon himself to be the protector and supporter of his brother, Caden, who many times relied upon Rylan to be his advocate and example. At just ten years old, Rylan wrote that Caden “is the best brother that anyone can be blessed with. There are a lot of times I realize why I am his brother, and it is truly a real blessing!!!” Rylan knew of his brother Caden’s love of collecting cars and trains, and often when Rylan was out and about his mom would get phone calls from him, checking to see if Caden had a particular toy car or train in his prized collection. Rylan went out of his way during his time with friends to find thoughtful gifts or souvenirs for his brother, always wanting to take care of him. Both these boys are so blessed to have each other, and they have an eternal bond that will last forever. Rylan’s oldest brothers, Kollin and Dalton, provided loving examples for Rylan and graciously included him in their adventures. Rylan felt very privileged by their willingness to bring him into their circle.

Rylan’s cousin, Marcus Hernandez, also held a very special place in Rylan’s heart. Marcus and Rylan were kindred spirits, and when the two of them were together they ensured that the entire room was rolling with laughter from their antics. Marcus was honored to baptize Rylan as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on his eighth birthday. Rylan had many very special friends and church leaders who supported him and his family.

Rylan’s parents delighted in his humor and spontaneous personality. Rylan and his dad, Scott, shared a precious bond. His dad provided a safe haven for Rylan, and allowed his heart a place to rest. Rylan was blessed to have such a calming presence in his life. Rylan often told his mother that his dad “just understands me.” He loved having one on one time with his father, and spent countless hours confiding in him about both the lighthearted thoughts of a young boy and the inquisitive musings of a growing young man. Rylan’s relationship with his mom, Briana, is one of her greatest blessings in this life. Rylan was a “Mama’s Boy” in every sense of the word. He adored his mother, and she adored him. Rylan loved making her laugh, and always made sure that she was safe and taken care of. In many ways, Rylan’s devotion to his mother was a reflection of her dedication to him. As her friend has said, “Everything she does is for her boys. She has given it her all, like no mother I have ever watched. She has taken such great care of these boys, and Rylan was so blessed to have her by his side for his sixteen years.”

Perhaps the greatest lesson we may learn from Rylan’s life is his example of showing his love to others. Briana has said, “I definitely know he loved me. He made sure I knew that, and I am certain of it.” The landscape of her heart is forever changed, but she knows that she will be reunited with her baby boy again someday. The footprints he has left on all our hearts will keep his spirit alive with us until we meet again.

Rylan passed away on August 7th, 2021, in Ogden, Utah, with his sweet parents, Briana and Scott, and his loving brother, Caden, by his side. He was sixteen years old. A funeral service was held in his honor on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints West Haven Stake Center. Rylan was preceded in death by his great grandparents, Jasper Maynard and Betty Dills, Everardo and Dominga Hernandez, Helen Sydney Noble, and Charles and Anne Whelan. He is survived by his parents, Scott and Briana Whelan, older brothers Kollin (Jessica), Dalton, and Caden Whelan, grandparents Robert and Eloisa Dills, Barbara Whelan, and Dana and Pam Whelan, aunts and uncles Christina (Clinton James) Bushman, Anita (Bobby) Baker, Tricia (Ryan) Hamilton, Cori Whelan, Cathy (Eric) Roberts, Debbie Whelan, David (Andrea) Whelan, and Kristin (Ryan) Smith, and many special cousins who all loved him so. His younger cousins, Alaina, Jasper, Adia, Ace, Jace, Abigail, and Mia will always cherish the love and sweet care he showed for them.