In
Memory of Ryan Huskins
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| Ryan Huskins |
Dear Ryan,
It is almost one month since your earthly life slipped away. We
still feel as though it was a dream, an impossible loss that could
not be. But as we struggle to come to terms with the reality of
your passing we remember our wonderful times together as a family
- summer holiday trips to visit the grandparents, playing on the
beach, and swimming in the river. We remember how you loved to play
hockey as a defenseman and how exciting it was to watch you take
the occasional rush to the net, often scoring a goal. You came to
love playing ball hockey and soccer with your friends in the past
few years since high school.We know how much you loved music, going
to concerts with friends and playing all kinds of music at home.
You would have loved the music of Africa! Ryan, you had an open
mind and heart that made you a wonderful friend, son and brother.
You were always generous, good humored and fun loving. We know that
you had lofty goals for yourself and you sought out people and organizations
that reflected your values and goals. HIV Edmonton and Edzimkulu
had that hands on approach to working with those who live with great
challenges. You relished the joyful commitment and enthusiasm of
staff and volunteers you met within these organizations. We know
how much you were looking forward to joining the volunteers in Ndawana
to work on building up infrastructure, skills and education to help
improve the quality of life in this community. You were ready for
this adventure and thrilled to be getting ready to head out. Ryan,
you had the rare grace to have found purpose and direction in life
much earlier than most of us. We stand in awe of your focus and
heart. We can never fill the void your loss left in our lives, but
we do feel the need to carry on in the spirit you have demonstrated,
showing compassion and a helping hand to those in need.
We love you always,
Your family
A Tribute to Ryan
Ryan Huskins was a man who embodied the meaning of goodwill.
In his short, unselfish life he demonstrated unyielding kindness
for those around him. Our hearts are filled with great sadness knowing
that the children of Ndawana, South Africa will be deprived of his
outgoing, loving personality. Ryan Huskins represented everything
that Edzimkulu looks for in its volunteers.
When I try to think of a word to describe Ryan, there is one word
that stands out above all the rest - HERO. Ryan was in fact a hero,
not only to me, but to everyone who was blessed to have him in their
lives.
He was, and will forever be, an inspiration to anyone who knew
or heard of him and what he did.
Andy Irwin
Friend of Ryan Huskins
A Tribute Letter to Ryan Huskins
Dear Ryan,
We first met you through an email sent to Edzimkulu in June 2005.
It read,
Hello,
I am a recent graduate from the UofA and would really like to
gain some experience by volunteering overseas in South Africa
with your organization. Ideally, I would like to volunteer for
the next three months and perhaps go in September or thereabouts.
Look forward to hearing from you,
Ryan Huskins
I understood why you wanted to go to Ndawana when you wrote in your
application form that you had become interested in international
development after listening to Dr. James Orbinski [former president
of Doctors Without Borders/Médicins sans Frontières]
during the University of Alberta Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights
in 2001. I too saw Dr. Orbinski break down that day as he described
human rights abuses far beyond what most can imagine and far beyond
what anyone should have to endure.
Many past volunteers who have traveled to South Africa have years
of work or volunteer experience. You were a young graduate who had
just received your Bachelor of Science in Immunology and Infection
in June 2005. And yet, it was clear that you were ready for an opportunity
– an opportunity to travel, to use your skills, and to help
others above all.
During your interview with Edzimkulu, Deborah and I asked you a
typical screening question: Would you be willing to do any difficult
tasks required in the village of Ndawana, such as lifting, cleaning,
carrying, painting and so on? Without hesitating, you said yes.
You said you were ready and you were willing to step up and contribute
to people in Ndawana any way you could. This was your time, this
was your chance.
As you began to prepare for your October 2005 departure to South
Africa, you continued to volunteer at both HIV Edmonton and Edzimkulu
during special events such as the 2005 AIDS Walk for Life and Hands
Across Africa. I remember when the drums started pounding at the
Hands Across Africa concert, you started clapping and I said, “You’re
going to love South Africa!” You said you couldn’t wait
to get there. I hope you can see it now.
Ryan, it was with great sorrow that we learned of your passing and
we are having a difficult time saying good-bye. Your gentle spirit
resonated with other Edzimkulu volunteers who were drawn to your
warmth and your kindness.
On behalf of Edzimkulu, we want to say thank you. Thank you for
coming into our lives, for opening our hearts and for being a member
of the Edzimkulu team who will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Jacquie Béasse, Volunteer Committee
Edzimkulu – A Society for Children of AIDS
Edmonton, Alberta
HIV Edmonton
HIV Edmonton was graciously asked to honour the memory of Ryan
Huskins by sharing a few words on what he meant to us, and the role
Ryan had in our organization. Recalling the relationship we had
with him, we gratefully accepted the offer to pay tribute to such
a selfless person who gave so much of his time as a volunteer.
Ryan was a humble and approachable young man, who carried his smile
into our lives each and every day we had the opportunity to spend
with him. His compassionate and affable personality brightened our
office and drew people towards him, helping them feel comfort while
sharing his company. Our staff, volunteers and clients who spent
time with Ryan felt charmed and welcomed by this young man’s
heart.
Ryan was dedicated to giving his time to help HIV Edmonton achieve
our goals and clearly demonstrated to us that we could count on
his generosity, even in moments of immediacy and extreme short notice.
Ryan never flinched at the tasks that were asked of him, he was
willing to tackle anything no matter how mundane the chore or how
inexperienced he may have been at the task. He gave his time frequently,
and did so with grace; many in our office were thankful we had this
young man willing to stand beside us and advocate for those affected
by HIV/AIDS.
I have memories of Ryan’s character that remain vibrant. I
remember times when Ryan would show up unexpectedly, without being
requested, wanting to help and spend his time with us. Sometimes
the chores were menial at best, and ones that he had done many times
previous. I could see the humour in his eyes while he gave the look
of “oh, not that again!”
One night, Ryan showed without being requested. It was our Methadone
clinic that night and we were short staffed. We were excited and
thankful for the help that just arrived. We asked Ryan to sit and
socialize with the clients while they waited to see the doctor.
He sat in that room watching movies and eating chips, while I teased
him saying, “this has got to be the best volunteer job you’ve
ever had!” He laughed back and agreed, leaving the impression
that if I ever needed him for this job again, he could manage to
put himself out for us!
The day we learned of Ryan’s passing was a sad day for our
staff. Tears were shed, and some became quiet and introspective,
all of us trying to accept this news, and cope with the loss of
someone so kind. The emotions shown in our office that day speaks
of the impact that this endearing young man had in our lives, especially
considering we had only known Ryan for a few months.
Memories and thoughts of Ryan remain strong in our office, his name
is still spoken, and his smile has never left our hearts.
We miss Ryan, and we will never forget him.
Aaron Wilson
Volunteer Coordinator
HIV Edmonton
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