Ryan Christopher Geiges

Ryan Christopher Geiges

AKA Captain Wheels, Neez, and Jimmy Chines

February 23, 1972– August 26, 2025

 

Ryan passed away peacefully on August 26th, 2025, at home, in the arms of his loving family. Ryan was a fantastic human being, a loving father, husband, son, and brother, as well as a loyal friend and teammate. Ryan’s unique energy filled the room with laughter, music, and exaggerated stories that filled our lives with love.

 

Ryan loved to fish. As a child, he chummed neighborhood ponds and creeks. He caught flounder and sand sharks off the back dock of his grandparents’ New Jersey shore home. During his college years at Penn State, Ryan experienced two significant events that profoundly shaped his life's path. He met his wife, Erin, and he learned how to fly fish.

 

Ryan and Erin moved to Missoula, Montana, in 2000 and were married in 2005. Their love for the outdoors brought them to Montana. However, the community and life they built made Missoula their forever home. Ryan’s proudest and most loved moments in life were those involving his beautiful daughters. They are fortunate to have family nearby, creating a wealth of wonderful memories. Some of his favorite family outings involved the cousin’s club, perfecting the Thanksgiving turkey, and family backyard skates or bocce ball. Ryan could always be found outside, even in the coldest temperatures, by the fire, enjoying the company of his family and friends.

 

Ryan was an extraordinary fly fisherman and fly tyer. To his friends and clients, Ryan was a legendary fisherman. If you had the honor of fishing with Ryan, you'd catch fish or watch him catch them, even on the toughest days. Ryan spent over 20 years in Missoula sharing his wisdom and love for fishing as a guide. Ryan found peace by the river.

 

Ryan’s love for hockey started at a young age and continued throughout his life. His skating style captured the attention of many with his smooth, fast strides, which blew past most of his opponents. He was an essential part of the Missoula hockey community. Ryan wore many hats at the rink, including those of a proud father, coach, referee, director, and supporter. It was an honor and a privilege for Ryan to be a part of rebuilding the University of Montana hockey team. Ryan’s talent and contributions to the sport will be genuinely missed.

 

Ryan was happiest when spending time with his family. He was the master of good times by the campfire with his guitar in hand. With flawless timing, he would drop a dad joke at the perfect moment. Ryan was truly the ultimate adventure buddy and partner in crime.

 

Adored, loved, and survived by his daughters, Indy and Laynie, his wife Erin, his mother Toni (Marc), and his sister Cindy (Mike), his Aunt Cindy (Gary), as well as his nieces Gwen, Ella, Samantha, Emily, Lucy, and nephews Wesley, Ezra, Jasper, Austin, and Aurelio. He was also survived by his cousins, Linda, Joann (Jim), Lisa (Vern), Sharon (Bobby), and Kristin (Mark), his father-in-law, Elvin; sisters-in-law, Jen (Rob) and Kim; and brother-in-law, Erik.

Our lives will never be the same; however, the foundation of love, loyalty, and strength he left behind will guide us as we navigate a life without him. He already is and will always be deeply missed.

 

We love you forever, Ryan.

Until we meet again.

 

Celebration of Life will be held on October 5, 2025, at 2 pm at Glacier Ice Rink (outdoor rink)