CHRISTOPHER DEAN RYDER

Christopher Dean Ryder, 47, died peacefully in his sleep March 10, 2005, at his home in Anchorage, due to complications from multiple sclerosis. There will be a memorial service Sunday, March 20, at the Anchorage First Free Methodist Church, from 5-7 p.m., with a reception following. The Rev. Jason Armstrong will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the MS Society's Alaska chapter, 511 W. 41st Ave., Anchorage, AK 99503. His ashes will be scattered at Hatcher Pass.

Mr. Ryder was born April 19, 1957 in California. He moved to Alaska in 1970. He delivered the Anchorage Daily Times from 1970-1976, getting Paperboy of the Year in 1973. He graduated from Palmer High School with honors in 1975.

He graduated from the University of Alaska with an associate degree in applied science and a small business major in 1997.

He was a member of the Alaska Army National Guard and was named Soldier of the Year in 1984, and retired with an honorable discharge due to medical complications in 1992.

Mr. Ryder was a member of Anchorage First Free Methodist Church, did youth work for local high schools for the Youth for Christ and worked on the UAA Campus Crusade ministries. He also was a former volunteer for Single on Sunday ministries, with Wayne Cogins, and volunteered with the Alaska MS Society in Anchorage to raise money for a cure for MS.

His loved ones wrote, "Chris was well liked among his family, friends and former co-workers, he will be missed by all. Chris had a smile that would light up the room. He was known as a playful practical joker who lived his life with vigor! He enjoyed sharing his Christian faith."

Mr. Ryder is survived by his wife, Beverly Ryder; son, Matthew; mother, Merilyn Ryder; stepfather, James Ryder; brother, Gregory Ryder; brother, Michael Ryder; sister, Melinda Karsnok; sister, Sherilyn Morris; nieces, Teralynn Morris, Ronda Ryder and Elaina Ryder, and nephew, Tyler Morris.

He is preceded in death by his biological father, Richard Oswald and brothers, Jeffery Oswald and Robert and Ronald Ryder.

Memorial comments may be left for family and friends at www.mem.com <<A TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.mem.com>">http://www.mem.com>. Arrangements were provided by Witzleben Family Funeral Home.