Ryan S. Jackson Salomon was born on March 14, 1979, in Hagerstown, Maryland to
Sandra Lynn Colley Salomon and Roger Leigh Salomon.
The only son in what would eventually be a family of five daughters, Ryan was the pride
and joy of his parents and his sisters. As he grew, he learned to swim like a little fish at
just three years of age and enjoyed following his dad around, using his miniature tools
to build and fix things “just like dad.” As a child he enjoyed dressing up and playing
games like cowboys and Indians. He was especially close to his youngest sister, Greta,
who was born when he was six years old. Ever the typical older brother, he would
sometimes tease and torment, but woe to anyone else who dared mess with his little
sis! When they were young they would watch the birds at the birdfeeder and little sis
Greta was always impressed that the birds would eat out of his hand.
As Ryan emerged into adulthood he became a jack-of-all-trades, with an extensive
knowledge that spanned a large variety of whatever subjects interested him. He was
always willing to talk about art history -especially religious art, architecture, music,
history, politics, church history, and culture -especially culture related to his Scottish
heritage. He loved to travel and was able to travel across the United States and to many
foreign countries, some of his favorites being Scotland, Oman, and the Bahamas where
he saw his youngest sister married. He was the family historian and the one that always
made time for and kept in contact with extended family.
Ryan was also a gifted singer and performed in many theater productions and concerts
in college and, after college, continued to sing at weddings and funerals and church
services. Some of his most treasured memories was singing with his group at Northwest
Baptist Church. He even, literally, “sang for his supper,” spending time singing at Italian
restaurants and then visiting with the owners over a meal. Of course, he was always
very involved in the Church and enjoyed being a cantor, leading the congregation in
singing during liturgical services and worship. He truly did what he loved and enjoyed
meeting people and making friends through it all.
Ryan was a phenomenal teacher and taught history and French throughout the years,
always punctuating his lessons with interesting tidbits about art history and architecture.
His big heart included helping his students afford things like basketball shoes or
supporting them at their soccer games. In family life, he supported his nephews and
nieces by attending their extracurricular activities, including theater performances and
soccer games. He was especially supportive of his sister’s family during the adoption of
a child from Ukraine and farm sat for them -watching over, not only the farm, but also a
slew of animals and four very rambunctious children!

Ryan will be greatly missed here on earth, but we are thankful for the mercy and grace
of a Sovereign God who is near to the brokenhearted. We are thankful for the Hope that
is found only in Jesus Christ. We are thankful that we will see him again one day.
Ryan was preceded in death by his precious mother, Sandra Colley Salomon (who he
has now been reunited with!), the bestest boy in the whole world (Prince Alexander of
Lerwick), and many many dear friends and family too numerous to mention. Here on
earth, he is survived by his father Roger Salomon (Randi), sisters Darryl (Marty), Rayna
(Eric), Danuta, and little sis Greta (Todd). Nephews and nieces include Marty, Meredith,
Margret, Emmett, Alison, Ricky, Lexi (Devin), Solomon (Anna), Olivia, Dani (Ethan),
Cyrus, Christian (Allie), Ariel, Shaniah, Dylan (his sole heir!) Moses, Balian, and many
great-nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his godson, Barrett.
When she was visiting Ryan in the hospital, the last verses he said to his sister were
these:
Psalm 121
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh
from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he
that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber
nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun
shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all
evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in
from this time forth, and even for evermore.”

Ryan will be privately  laid to rest in the Colley Family Cemetery, Chase City, Va. Wood Funeral Service is serving the family.