Ryan Lee Thomas Sumner

“BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT, FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.”
- MATTHEW 5:3

It is with profound sadness that Ryan's children and siblings announce the tragic passing of their beloved father, brother, son, and grandfather, Ryan Lee Thomas, on Friday, June 19, 2026, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

He leaves to mourn his passing his precious jewels Helena, Ryanna, Ryan JR, Gavin, Emily and his baby girl Lily and his grandson whom he referred to as his boss Greyson.  Siblings; Leslie JR, Gloria, Lana (Darren) and Rhea (Keith).  His nieces and nephews; Shanda, Keele (Bradley), Madison (Kristian), Kree, Zennan, Xander and Keisen, other grandbabies; Kristian JR and Sahannah Thaddeus and family friend Kaydence Cromarty. 

Grandmother; Helen Sumner. Biological family; mom Julia (Fred), siblings; Tracy, Timothy, Lindsay and Nadia. Nephews and nieces; Amaris, Chase, Tracy, Connor, Tyler, Timothy JR, Dakota, Stanley, Jaycee, Ava, Kya, Layla, Kyle JR, Stephen JR, Riley, Mason, Trenton, Skylar, Bradley and Jordyn. Sister in law Melissa. Aunts and uncles; Kathleen, Verna, Evelyn, Lisa, Wayne, Cyril (Lisa), Stella (Walter), Rita (Alan), Karen (Wayne), Jeff (Liza). And the family would like to make mention of his childrens mother Christina Sanderson and thank her for all the years you had devoted to our brother. 

Ryan was predceased by his parents; Leslie and Caroline Thompson.  Biological siblings; Stephen and Kyle Sumner, Grandparents; Isaac, Christina and Robert Anderson, Aunts and Uncles; Christine (George) Traverse, Brian (Rhonda), Chester James, Tommy Woodhouse, Edward Thompson and Felix (Norma) Thompson and many other relatives too numerous to mention. 

Ryan Lee Thomas was born in Ashern, Manitoba on October 15, 1981.  In April 1982 - when he was 6 months old he came into the lives and family of the late Leslie and Caroline Thompson.  He grew up in a family as the youngest sibling who was loved beyond measure by both his late parents and siblings. Ryan came into our lives when his late mother Caroline had lost her father.  His presence in her life helped her heal and she treated him like precious gold and always showed him a great love.  His siblings always remember the special bond he had developed with his late mom Caroline and dad Leslie and the special memories they had created together.

When Ryan was 4 years old he began to question his mom why his last name was not the same as the rest of us and one day he said “Mom the best birthday present you could ever give me is to change my last name to Thompson”.  Mom explained to him that regardless of his last name he was our baby and that we all loved him the same.  Mom's answer seemed to settle his little heart.  We often remember special times where mom would get home from work and lo' and behold Ryan was right there laying beside her making her laugh with all his questions.  This one time mom taught him how to tell her she loved him in Saulteaux and another time she taught him how to say he was going to get married when he got older.  He always sounded so cute with his answers when mom would ask him the questions in our language and he'd answer her back and she'd be in awe and hug him up.  This is a testimony of how precious their relationship was.

Ryan grew up in a loving home where he was spoiled beyond measure.  His older sisters Gloria and Lana took pride in helping raise him and would often call him their baby, Gloria would cook for him and take him out to the beach or other events and Lana would take him out shopping for new clothes cause he had to dress like one of the cool kids.  He was his brother Les JRs helper in everything he did.  Those two were very close and were often found working closely together in many projects. At the present time Ryan would often come home with JR on weekends and help him with rebuilding his home.  JR always asked him how much he wanted to be paid and he always responded “nothing” we're family.  His sister Rhea was his fighting partner, they always fought vying for attention of Mom and Dad because they were both the babies of the family.  He also was one of the babysitters of his nieces and nephews and through this he developed a special bond with each of them - his tragic loss has been deeply felt by them. 

As a young man, Ryan met Christina, and together they built a loving family. She has blessed him with 6 beautiful children - Helena, Ryanna, Ryan JR, Gavin, Emily and Lily.  He was a loving father who took great pride in the care of his children.  He loved his children immensely and always spoke highly of them when he wasn't around them.  Throughout his life Ryan worked many odd jobs always providing for his family.  Him and Christina loved to spoil their children with the best of everything when they could.  In December 2024, he was blessed with his first Grandchild - Greyson Sumner.  He was the best grandpa that he could be and would often go back home to visit him.

Ryan was a blessed man with two families.  As he got older he became closer with his biological mom Julia - he often stayed over at her home when he came home to visit his children.  Ryan always knew who his biological family was and developed a close bond with each of his siblings, nephews and nieces.

 In 2023, he moved in with his sister, quickly found employment, and began rebuilding his life.  It was during this time he briefly turned his life around and began talking about finding the Lord and would talk about attending church services when he could.  He often spoke of his prayers to his sister and he disclosed he would also reach out to his late mom Caroline in those prayers for guidance in his life.  Our brother believed in the Lord, and through life's hardships he always turned to prayer for strength, guidance, and peace.

Ryan's life was rooted in family. Whether he was a son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, nephew, cousin, or friend, he loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. He will be remembered for his generous heart, his willingness to help others without expecting anything in return, his sense of humour, and, above all, the unconditional love he had for his children and grandson. Although our hearts are broken by his sudden passing, we find comfort in knowing that through life's greatest challenges, Ryan turned to prayer and placed his faith in the Lord. His memory will live on through the many lives he touched and through the love he leaves behind. Until we meet again, Ryan, you will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.

APPRECIATION
The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Winnipeg Police Service, the first responders, and the staff at St. Boniface Hospital for the care, compassion, and professionalism shown to our beloved Ryan during his time of need. We extend our sincere appreciation to Garnet, Lorette, Cindy, and Trevor Woodhouse for being with our family, offering prayers, comfort, and strength during the difficult moments following the tragic news of Ryan's passing. 

A special thank you to Krystal Marsden, Mary Letandre, and Crystal Swan for their guidance and support with the funeral arrangements, and to everyone who generously assisted with fundraising efforts. We are deeply grateful to all who reached out with donations, kind words, prayers, and heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Our sincere thanks to Anderson Family Funeral Home for their compassionate care and assistance in planning Ryan's final arrangements.

 We also wish to acknowledge the leadership of Pinaymootang First Nation for their support, and Graham Thompson of Little Saskatchewan First Nation for crafting the beautiful cross in Ryan's memory. To our many family members, friends, and community members who have stood beside us with love, prayers, food, visits, messages, and unwavering support, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness has brought comfort to our family and will never be forgotten.

Wake Service: Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Service: Friday, July 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Services will take place at the Fairford House of Prayer, with Pastor Wilfred Bruce officiating. Interment will follow at the St. Helen’s Cemetery.

Cross Bearers: Ryan JR and Gavin Sumner

Honorary Pall Bearers: Helena, Ryanna, Emily, Lily and baby Greyson

Pall Bearers: Kree Thompson, Xander Klyne
Kristian Thaddeus, Leslie Thompson Jr, Theoren Sumner, 
Preston Thompson, Neyo Mousseau and Keith Beardy