Ryan Michael Liddell, 48, died on August 17, 2024. He was born on Earth Day, in Denver, Colorado, and took his own life at home in Seattle, Washington. He is survived by his son, Kian Chow Liddell, his daughter, Sage Chow Liddell, and their mother, Althea Chow; his mother, Joan Liddell; his nephews, Finn and Lochlann Liddell; his brother, Devin Liddell [Teresa Texley]; his extended family, friends, and colleagues who are legion, and his loyal dog, Zoey. He is preceded in death by his father, David Charles Liddell.

Ryan’s untimely death follows a fierce battle with bipolar illness, which was an unforgiving adversary in his later years. That battle now stands separate from the life he pursued as a thinker, social and environmental activist, athlete, and avid adventurer. Ryan explored the world, traveling throughout the Americas, Asia, and Europe. He also lived abroad in East Africa, teaching and working at a wildlife research station in Kenya. Ryan devoted much of his professional life to sustainability, and his work as a renewable energy analyst for the global infrastructure engineering firm, Black & Veatch, spanned nearly two decades. A rigorous student, Ryan attended Denver Public Schools, Denver Christian High School, and held a bachelor’s degree in ecological studies from Seattle University as well as two master’s degrees from Penn State University.

Ryan was fervent in his ambitions to make our world a better place. The world is now poorer from his death, but there remain enormous consolations in his lasting gifts to us as a son, partner, father, uncle, brother, friend, colleague, and more. He will be missed in ways beyond words.

A celebration of life for Ryan will be held for family and friends at the Chapel of St. Ignatius on the campus of Seattle University at a date to be disclosed. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to honor Ryan’s legacy through gifts to Giving Green and NAMI.