Ryan C. Schrawder
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution announces with great sorrow the death May 8, 2004 of Ryan C. Schrawder, 27, of Falmouth, MA, from injuries received in a motorcycle accident in Falmouth.
Ryan was born in Leominster October 9, 1976 and lived in Baldwinville, MA prior to moving to Falmouth five years ago. He graduated from Narragansett Regional High School in 1994 and attended Mount Wachusett Community College for a year before enrolling at ITT Technical Institute in Framingham, graduating in 1999 with an associates degree in electronics technology. Ryan was hired by Donelans Market in Littleton, MA, shortly after high school graduation in June 1994 and served as a full-time night manager and assistant grocery department manager at the store while going to college and technical school.
He moved to Cape Cod in 1999 and joined the Institution staff as an engineering assistant in the Physical Oceanography Department, working with Scott Worrilow in the subsurface mooring group in Clark. Ryan participated on more than 20 cruises that took him to many parts of the world—from Antarctica to the Arctic, South America, the Caribbean, and Europe. He was highly respected for his technical abilities by the many scientists and technicians with whom he worked.
Ryan is remembered as a cheerful person whose work both in the lab and at sea was of the highest quality. He came to WHOI directly after graduating from ITT Tech and began applying his technical skills and education. His capabilities expanded, and he quickly became an important member of the subsurface mooring group. Colleagues recall he was a great shipmate and a tremendous asset at sea, where he maintained a positive nature and calm, upbeat personality even in the most trying situations.
Although quiet and unassuming, Ryan was self-confident and made friends easily. He enjoyed playing darts, boating, and motor sports. He will be greatly missed by the many friends he leaves behind, not only his co-workers at WHOI but also within the community, and by those with whom he shared his hobbies. He is survived by his parents, Charles and Carol (Vaine) Schrawder of Baldwinville, MA; a brother, Brent A. Schrawder of Leominster, MA; a sister, Marla J. Whittle of Lomita, CA; several aunts, uncles and three nephews.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, May 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 12, at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home, with burial to follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Baldwinville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Templeton Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 4, Balwinville, MA 01436, or to a scholarship fund to be administered by Ryan’s family.
