Remembering Ryan

Ryan Robert "Raul" Szudor, 45, passed away on August 8, 2025, in Gurnee, Illinois. Born on October 1, 1979, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Ryan brought light and laughter into the lives of those around him with his boundless creativity, unique sense of humor, and deep compassion.

Ryan shared a very special time of his life with Lindsay Trogdon. They seemed at times like an old married couple—inseparable and full of adventures, arguments, laughter, loss, and love. Together, they created countless memories that Lindsay will forever cherish. His presence brought joy and comfort to their time together, and his absence leaves a profound void. I’ve been told several times by our friends that he was my soulmate, and it made me think about the saying “you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone”. I am grateful I got to spend so much time with him this past spring and summer. I will never forget how happy it made me to see him laughing and being silly.

Ryan was predeceased by his beloved parents: his mother, Christine Szudor—affectionately known as Rickle the Pickle—who passed away last year, and his father, Robert Szudor—fondly remembered as G.P.—who passed in 2017. Ryan often said he was his father's son and a mama’s boy through and through. The bond he shared with both parents shaped much of who he was.

A true original, Ryan lived life on his own terms. He believed every day was Halloween—his home was a year-round tribute to the spooky season, resembling Spirit Halloween in both spirit and décor. His love for music ran deep; it was not just a passion but a lifeline that connected him to others and helped him support those facing their own battles. Whether through a song recommendation or a heartfelt conversation, Ryan had a way of making people feel seen and understood.

He had an outrageous sock collection that he wore with pride—a huge but perfect symbol of his vibrant personality. His dad jokes were legendary; he was always winning laughs with them. Ryan also had a soft spot for animals—especially cats—and spent time visiting animal shelters and caring for many feline companions over the years.

The great outdoors called to him often; he found peace in forest preserves and joy at concerts where music pulsed through every fiber of his being. A gifted artist, Ryan was always creating something new—his imagination knew no bounds.

Ryan inspired many during his time here. His kindness, humor, and authenticity left lasting impressions on everyone fortunate to know him. Though gone too soon, he is now reunited with his parents and at peace.

A few stories about Ryan that I’ll never forget: Ryan surprised me quite a few times, but last summer, while running errands, a young woman at a stop sign became upset that we had gone first after giving her the chance twice. A few minutes later, at the stoplight, that woman got out, spat into the car and at me, then punched me and broke my glasses. Before I knew it, he was out of the passenger seat and quickly grabbed her phone from her car and gave her a good, healthy shove. We called the police to report the incident. When they arrived 30 minutes later, we handed them her phone since she left the scene as soon as I connected with them. Ryan was a quick thinker and always calculated in everything he did. He was so proud of himself until we got home, and then I had to call the lawyer. They issued him basically a traffic ticket, and once that hit him, all bets were off. He was pacing and mad at Riki and me. Despite his rough and tough appearance (or so he thought), he was the kindest man I’ve ever met. Ryan was also the most frugal man I’ve ever met. He had to get the best deal on anything he bought. He would research for hours to find what he needed, even if it was just $5 to begin with, and then he’d get it for $4.50. Somehow, he always claimed to “save money.” I will forever be grateful for Ryan. While we worked at Gateway, he walked like it was an emergency everywhere he went. Boots, Converse, Vans, or Nikes, he always wanted to make us think that he was in a mood by the way he entered the room or walked around the campus. Most days he was not in a mood, but those who knew him knew when he was.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire all who carry a piece of him in their hearts.

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