I never met Ryan Davis.
Hardly makes me unique, thousands had never met him but felt his profound presence. I feel like I had a special unspoken bond with Ryan though, one I will do my best to try and describe in the words below, something I will likely fail at.
I was 13, grade 7 about a year out after going through the difficult loss of my father. He had lost the battle with diabetes, which had lead to kidney failure and a myriad of other problems to the point where death was mercy. Something I understand now, but still find hard to live with. I was sitting in school, supposed to be doing some research for a project, but I was on gamespot looking up new releases and seeing what cool new screenshots of upcoming games were released. An older kid walked by and saw this and we started talking about it and during that conversation he asked if I listened to the Hot Spot as lots of great info was there plus they were quite funny. I said I hadn't but would look it up when I got home. That night I spent my time listening to the Hot Spot and upon hearing Ryan's laugh I knew I was hooked.
Ryan reminded me heavily of my father. He was always the first one to laugh, his quick wit and dry humour always soon to follow before bursting into more laughter; much like my own father. As time went on I started to unconsciously mirror a bit of what Ryan Davis was, a guy everyone wanted to be around, quick to laugh and slow to anger. I'm not sure if I ever succeeded but I always take great pride when someone compliments me on my humour or quick wit and I always silently thank Ryan for that.
Between Gamespot and Giantbomb I have followed Ryan (and everyone else) for 13 years via podcast, quick look, video stream or review and to lose him like this is like losing my father all over again. I had always felt that there was always a joke or a reference that was specifically for me, that as long as I heard it and laughed then it was all worth it. I am going to miss him deeply.
I'm not a religious person, but I would like to believe that there is a place better than here and if that place exists then I know Ryan is up there, making it an even better place. My thoughts and prayers go out to his young wife, his family, friends and of course the whole crew at Giantbomb. For those of us that never knew him and feel such pain and loss, I can only imagine what those who knew him personally must feel.
We have lost a gentle giant. A man I admired and looked up to. One day the laughter will go on, but it will never be the same without his giddy laughter to fill the room.
Rest in peace Ryan Davis. The world is worse off without you.
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