Ryder Eshelman Johnson, 20, of Boulder passed away on January 17, 2016. Ryder was born on March 24, 1995 at Rose Hospital in Denver to Rick and Cindy Johnson. Ryder grew up in the Eldorado Springs Valley area south of Boulder and attended Mesa Elementary, Southern Hills Middle School and Fairview High School. He also attended Front Range Community College and Colorado Mountain College. Ryder was employed at Eldora Mountain Resort where he was able to combine his love for snowboarding with work on heavy equipment used at the resort. Ryder fearlessly pursued many interests including hockey (particularly goalie), skateboarding, snowboarding, fly fishing, horsemanship, 4-H, bull riding, dirt biking (motocross) and music. Ryder was a warm, considerate and kind person who always put others first. After being missing for one and a half years, our family is relieved to bring him home so we can say goodbye and give thanks for the 20 years that he enriched our lives. Ryder is survived by his parents, Rick and Cindy Johnson; brother, Taylor Johnson; and grandmother, Helen "Mickey" Johnson. A private church service for family is planned. A public memorial is scheduled for September 17, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. (with remarks at 5:45 p.m.) at the Boulder Country Club, 7350 Clubhouse Road, Boulder, Colorado, and the family welcomes friends and all those in the community who assisted in search efforts or otherwise lent support. In honor of Ryder's memory, a fund has been established through the YMCA of Boulder Valley. The fund will be directed towards enhancing the healthy development of young people in our community and assisting with life's challenges. The fund will seek opportunities for collaboration with local law enforcement officials to maximize impact and include grants to local organizations. Ryder's Fund will be administered by the YMCA of Boulder Valley's endowment committee. Contributions may be directed to Ryder's Fund at www.ymca bv.org/ryders-fund or by check payable to YMCA of Boulder Valley - Ryder's Fund, 2800 Dagny Way, Lafayette, CO 80026.
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