Ryder Finkel

Ryder William Finkel came into this world on February 15th, 2016. However, most anyone who spent time with him would have assumed he was born on February 15th, 1979. He was truly an old soul who carried the wisdom as if he had already lived 3 lifetimes. Since birth, Ryder loved being alive and exuded love and joy with every ounce of his energy. From the moment he could speak, it felt like Ryder had already unlocked the secret of why he was put on this Earth…to spread unconditional love and laughter to all those around him near and far.

“I love you more”, was an utterance that was never actually taught to him, but something he began saying as soon as he could talk and would truly exemplify the meaning behind those words.

On October 19th, 2023, Ryder was diagnosed with Diffused Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, an aggressive form of cancer in his brain stem that almost exclusively takes place in children, causing an inevitable loss of motor function and leading to eventual death. His initial prognosis was 8-12 months. He proved this wrong and beat his odds by over a year.

Ryder was filled with passion. Passion for his family, friends, BMX and mountain biking, snowboarding, comedy, and living his life as if it was a movie he wanted to share with the world. He loved movement and always said, “I just want to live my life old school, and be outside”. He would often give compelling arguments that 1986 was the greatest year in American history, based on movies, BMX designs, classic arcade games, and tube televisions. At only 9 years old, he was a master at dropping movie quotes at the precise time for the perfect occasion that would make the room erupt in laughter.

Ryder prioritized laughing and making others laugh as often as possible. This was a skill that came naturally to him and one he continually honed and implemented even when facing his most dire adversity. As his cancer progressed, he would get funnier and funnier. He once proclaimed, “Cancer has taken all of my physical abilities from me…but the one ability it will never take, is my ability to laugh”. Treatment and medicine could only go so far when faced with this disease. Ryder always knew that laughter and joy was the greatest medicine he had available and he took them in the highest doses possible daily.

His greatest strength was his determination. When he got an idea in his head, he would pour his entire energy and soul into it. If he failed at an idea, he would keep tackling it until it was conquered. He met every challenge with acceptance and a plan of attack. He never expressed fear or anxiety, and he never gave up hope.

Ryder was caring, not just for those close to him, but for all people. He was an empathetic soul who even in his greatest time of need, was focused on helping others. He took more satisfaction in giving than receiving.

Ryder was preceded in death by his uncle Don Finkel and his cousin Rebekah Finkel, whom he always felt a deep connection with despite never meeting them. They are now all in heaven together and we know that Ryder is overjoyed to be united with them and is likely talking their ears off and making them both belly laugh.

Ryder loved deeply. He loved his friends, family and community and understood that deep emotional connection to others was life’s greatest gift.

Despite facing such a horrific debilitating disease, none of Ryder’s gifts were diminished. The further he got into his cancer progression, the greater he loved and laughed. This continued until his final breath. His determination allowed him to never relinquish his spirit. He remained UNBROKEN.

Throughout Ryder’s journey, he garnished a lot of attention from his community as well as the world at large. Ryder would often say, “I don’t want to be famous for having cancer”. In the end, he wasn’t famous for having cancer. Cancer was simply the catalyst that allowed him to live his movie out and share with the world the wise life discoveries he innately had. Ryder was famous for love. He was famous for connection. He was famous for laughter. He was famous for authentic inspiration. Ryder’s greatest fame came from teaching us all how to live and to truly be alive.

He only had 9 short years on this planet, but gave us a wealth of lessons that will last for many lifetimes.

Ryder’s favorite song lyric from his favorite band, The Avett Brothers, says, “If I live the life I’m given, I won’t be scared to die”.

We rest in the peace and contentment that Ryder entered Heaven with no fear.