VAN HIERDEN, Ryan

RYAN VAN HIERDEN 1986 ~ 2026 We are devastated with the sudden passing of our dear son and brother, Mr. Ryan Hendrik Van Hierden at the age of 39 years. He was taken from us suddenly in a workplace accident near Waldheim, SK on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Ryan was born on October 19, 1986, Tracey and Rick’s oldest of three children. He grew up on the Van Hierden family dairy farm just outside of Fort Macleod, living there most of his life. When Ryan was 9 years old, his Dad suddenly passed away, and as the oldest sibling he often felt it was his responsibility to protect and take care of Rick and Brittany.
He went to school in Fort Macleod and graduated from F.P. Walshe in 2004. He then attended the University of Lethbridge and earned his Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology in 2012, while continuing to work on the dairy. To explore his curiosity, Ryan even took some Criminal Justice courses with Brittany, and wrote and passed the RCMP entrance exam for fun. Ryan liked to explore and be challenged academically.
Working alongside his mom, he managed the farm for many years, sometimes together with Brittany, but especially in later years, often taking care of the herd on his own.
In 2023, after the cows were sold, Ryan moved to Michigan for 2 years. Ryan always expressed his desire to watch major league sporting events in the Detroit area, cheering for the local teams.
In August of 2025 he moved to Saskatchewan and spent his time helping Tracey take care of Brittany who was battling cancer. Brittany was comforted knowing Ryan was living in her Rosthern home during this time, taking care of her much loved dog. His love and compassion for his sister as she fought and succumbed to her illness will always be remembered; Ryan spent many nights keeping Brittany company and attending to her needs so his Mom could rest.
Ryan will be remembered as exceptionally kind, somewhat quiet and introverted, but with a great sense of humor. Everyone will agree that if you knew Ryan, you liked him. He loved his family beyond measure, was proud of Rick and Brittany’s accomplishments, and was always willing to work hard to keep the farm going, milking twice a day for many years, rarely taking a break. Ryan enjoyed watching sports, curling, kicking back a beer with his friends and cousins, good food and his coffee.
Ryan recently started a new job in Rosthern, SK. He was well-liked and quickly known for his eagerness to learn, hard work, friendliness, and his characteristic big smile.
Ryan is survived by his mom Tracey, his brother Rick and Rick’s partner Kelly, his grandpa Mike Degenstein, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins to whom he was very special.
Ryan was predeceased by his dad Rick, his sister Brittany, his grandma Patricia Degenstein, Opa (Hendrik) Van Hierden, and Oma (Jenny) Van Hierden.
Ryan, you will be deeply missed and loved forever!
” … we do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.” I Thessalonians 4:13-14 Condolences will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the UNIVERSITY DRIVE ALLIANCE CHURCH – 55 Columbia Blvd W, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the UNIVERSITY DRIVE ALLIANCE CHURCH.
Interment will follow at the FORT MACLEOD UNION CEMETERY – 3050 9th Avenue, Fort Macleod, Alberta.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.