RYAN DAVIS, 20, of Hingham, died on May 26th, 2007 in Amherst. In his short, wonderful life, he brought great happiness to so many people. The son of James and Janice Davis of Hingham, he was enthusiastically curious about the world around him. Ryan was a caring, sensitive son who had a dry sense of humor and an appreciation for life's ironies.
As a young boy, he loved nature. He had a pet duck, several rabbits and a cockatiel named "Cookie", who sat on his shoulder as he rode his bike. He would shriek with delight as he tried to catch frogs at a pond in Barnstable, where he lived until he was 10.
As he progressed through elementary school, his interests shifted to math and science projects, which he would work on with great intensity into the early morning hours. During this time, his teachers would often ask him to mentor other students, as he had a kind and patient manner. He enthusiastically participated in the Odyssey of the Mind Program.
Ryan was also an athlete. He was a member of the Cape Cod YMCA and Duxbury Dolphins swim teams. He played soccer on the Barnstable and Hingham town teams. An accomplished sailor, Ryan sailed at the Hyannis Yacht Club, the Lincoln Sailing Center in Hingham and, most recently, he was a senior sailing instructor at the Cohasset Sailing Club.
Ryan attended Phillips Academy in Andover and MIT, where he planned to major in chemistry. Upon learning of Ryan's death, Barbara Chase, Head of School at Andover, wrote "We remember Ryan as a brilliant, compassionate young man with tremendous potential -- admired and loved by those who knew him. Whether in the classroom, where he excelled with a heavy load of the most advanced courses, or in community service, as a peer tutor or as a dormitory proctor, Ryan set and achieved high standards. He also distinguished himself through his humility, conscience and profound passion."
In addition to his parents, Ryan also leaves his three sisters, Caroline, Julie and Jenna all of Hingham; his grandmother, Catherine M. Davis of Centerville; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He also leaves his girlfriend of many years, Mailan Pham, and his best friend, Pat McDermott.
All are invited to attend a Memorial Mass for Ryan, which will be offered on Saturday, June 16th at 10 AM at St. Anthony's Church, corner of South Main and Summer Sts, Cohasset. A reception in the Parish Hall will follow. The interment is private.