Ryan Mathieu

Ryan Christopher Mathieu was born in Charlottesville, Virginia and spent most of his life in Maine. Ryan loved music, skateboarding, hockey, skiing and other sports. Charismatic, affectionate, and intuitive, Ryan was an expressive communicator with a gift for writing letters. He spoke and acted from the heart and was fiercely loyal and protective of his family and those he loved.

Ryan attended South Portland High School where he played varsity hockey. He graduated from Bridgton Academy and from Plymouth State College where he earned his degree in Criminal Justice. In middle school, Ryan traveled to Japan twice and lived in Tokyo with his father for several months. He attended 7th grade at the American School in Japan. His travel experiences included Ireland, Mexico and many other places. Ryan loved mild climates and sunshine and aspired to move to a place where the weather is always warm. Over time he lived in Virginia, Maine, Florida, Massachusetts, and Texas. He considered South Portland his home. Most recently he resided in the midcoast area of Maine.

Ryan graced the lives of his father David, mother Robin Payton and her husband Jared Payton, his brother Devin Ivy, and brother Colby Mathews, grandparents Robert and Jeanann McDonald, Louise Mathieu and the late Lee Mathieu. He also leaves his stepdad Herb Ivy, uncles and aunts John and Kathy Mathews, Tim and Cynthia Mathieu, Jim Mathieu, Dana McDonald, Shawn McDonald, and also Alice Ivy, another Grammy in his life. He is sadly missed by his cousins Angela, Melanie, Vanessa, Chloe and Carlyanna, and by Alissa Sprague, the love of his life and his best friend.

Ryan touched the lives of many as a powerful, poignant speaker and leader in his communities. He had a remarkable ability to read and connect in a very real way with people from all different walks of life. Ryan was spiritual and cherished his rosaries and religious pendants. He took great pride and developed skills in body-building and nutrition. He was very strong, and as Ryan would say, ’ripped’. He was also skilled with clippers and capable of a meticulous haircut. Ryan was a perfectionist. He also suffered from a relentless disease of addiction which led to his passing this year.

Ryan shared his end of life wishes in conversation, and he requested that his surviving family and friends be happy and without tears since he would be happy, free of his addiction and with his family, friends, and beloved dog Guinness, who had already passed away. We strongly believe that Ryan is reunited with pure love, his true nature.

Ryan attended some rehab and recovery programs and considered the Plymouth House program, though he never made that move. In his memory we hope others will experience recovery, and reconnect with their true natures and highest potentials through this scholarship fund. Ryan’s life can be honored by donations in his name.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ryan to “The Family Restored”