Farewell to Ryan Maseth - His Obituary, Service Details and Green Beret Photo

Farewell sweet soldier....our fallen Hero
Ryan Douglas Maseth

• Farewell to Ryan

• (poem written by Tammy Tobac for the family of Ryan)

• We cannot begin to understand
• the Master's Heavenly plan.
• We only know that on this earth
• Death has stolen a glorious man.
• A man who adored his family.
• One many called a loyal friend.
• How can we say good bye to him?
• It's so difficult to comprehend.
• From friends of Shaler High School
• to army buddies far and wide.
• There isn't a man who can speak of him
• without sharing his spirit and pride.
• A devoted soldier, a true ARMY man
• Blood, sweat, toil and loyalty
• Devoted to his platoon and men,
• Ever fighting unwaveringly.
• No end in sight to lofty goals
• this man chose to achieve.
• If he set his mind to reach the stars,
• In him you could believe.
• He jumped right out of airplanes.
• He earned his parachute wings,
• Medals, badges and ribbons.
• There's no end to the honor he brings.
• He wouldn't fail, he never could.
• No car wreck could tear him apart.
• If the test was his to succeed and to pass,
• He gave of it all of his heart.
• Precious Ryan, our hometown HERO
• Grown from a child to a Green Beret.
• You leave a hole in our broken hearts.
• That nothing will ever take away.
• But we have a hope that is in our Lord,
• When last breath drawn and death is our fate...
• Standing tall and proud in a Green Beret,
• Ryan will greet us at the heavenly gate.

written by Tammy Tobac for the family of Ryan Maseth
copyright 2008 - may reprint with permission\

After spending much of yesterday with Ryan's family and helping to create picture boards for the funeral home, I have come to know better this hero we have been speaking of for days. Ryan was a special man to EVERYONE he touched. I saw the sweet innocent pictures of his youth, growing up with his twin Brandon. The touching pictures of 3 brothers in arms whenever baby Adam was added to the family. Family birthdays, vacations, every picture a smile and a twinkle in his eye. They are obviously very close as every photo is a testament to the love of his entire family. He was handsome and kind. He was the caretaker of his family. They told me had it been anyone but him, he would be the one to comfort everyone in the place.

The photos of Ryan's commitment to the U.S. Army are so pridefully displayed. What an honor it was for me to be able to do these picture boards as a testimony to the short but glorious life he led. It is a privilege to have been able to glimpse these personal pieces of Ryan's life. I wish I had known him better than I did. I know Ryan's Aunts, Mother and Grandmother far better and they are the most lovely women of faith. We pray that your faith will sustain you during this trial. It is truly the worst trial that a person can endure... to have your child die before you. Our hearts are so saddened with yours at the loss of this beautiful, heroic young man, taken far before his time.

At the funeral home today, the Patriot Guard Riders (click on the link to go to their site to learn more about them) stood guard outside the funeral home. They are a group (often veterans) of motorcycle riders who ride with fallen soldiers from their arrival point home to their final resting place. They stand out front holding flags honoring the serviceman. Their motto is: Standing For Those Who Stood For Us. It was an honor to see these men and walk past them today. They came into the funeral home at one point and quietly presented Cheryl and Doug with plaques honoring Ryan. They are an honorable group of men and we are all grateful for all they have done for Ryan.

Inside the funeral home, the many honorable gestures continued. Soldiers in green berets stood inside, ready to stand guard at Ryan's casket, one at his head and one at his feet. Every so many minutes there is a changing of the guard. It is so moving to see these soldiers stand beside their fallen comrade. They come, one after another, saluting and marching into place to guard Ryan.

This is a funeral like no other, for it honors someone who gave the ultimate sacrifice. He gave his very life in service to our country. Mere words could never be enough to fill any void this glorious life has left in our hearts.

• We will never forget you Staff Sergeant Ryan Maseth.
  
• You are a hero to so many
  
• and your name will always be honored
  
• all the days of our lives.

We will continue to pray for all of the family in the months ahead as they continue to mourn this wonderful life of Ryan.

With that conclusion, I give you the obituary and church service information:

Ryan D. Maseth
of Shaler Township

Staff Sgt. Ryan Douglas Maseth, 24, of Shaler Township, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, in Baghdad, Iraq. Son of Douglas J. Maseth and Cheryl A. Harris and her husband, Scott; brother of Brandon D. and Adam J. Maseth; grandson of Elizabeth and the late Louis Maseth, Paul Pribik and Mary Ann Pribik.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday in the NEELY FUNERAL HOME, 2208 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw. A service will be held 10 a.m. Friday at Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Road, Allison Park.

Everyone please meet at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made payable to Douglas J. Maseth or Cheryl A. Harris, c/o PNC Bank, 880 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15223 until the Ryan D. Maseth Memorial Fund is established.