Ryan Saari
Ryan Saari
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever remembered.
Tribute
In Loving Memory of Ryan
Some people leave an imprint on our hearts so profound that their love continues to shape our lives long after they are gone.
Ryan was one of those people.
He was a beloved husband, a devoted father, and someone whose presence made life richer for everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a source of love, laughter, strength, and comfort to his family, and his greatest legacy lives on in the people he loved.
To his wife, Shonna, he was more than a husband. He was her partner, her confidant, her best friend, and the person with whom she built a lifetime of memories. Together, they shared the ordinary moments that make a life extraordinary — laughter around the dinner table, quiet conversations, family celebrations, and the simple comfort of being together.
To his children, Kiinen and Kaija, he was Dad. A teacher, a protector, a source of guidance, and a constant presence of love. The lessons he taught, the memories they created, and the love he gave will remain with them throughout their lives.
Although cancer may have brought his life to an end, it does not define the life he lived. His story is one of love, family, friendship, and the countless moments that made him who he was.
In lieu of a service, we created this memorial as a place to remember his laughter, share the stories that bring us comfort, and honour the many ways he touched our lives. Your Memory Wall messages will mean so much to his family and help create a lasting collection of the love, laughter, and moments that made Ryan so special.
We invite you to watch his tribute video, listen to the song his family created in his memory, and share a favourite photograph, story, or moment you shared with him. Whether it is a memory that makes you laugh, a moment of kindness you will never forget, or simply a few words from the heart, every contribution helps keep his memory alive.
His life was a gift. His love is his legacy. And his memory will live on in all of us.
Tribute Video
Memory Wall
Post a message or share your memories and photos.
October 21, 2026
My sincerest condolences and a pledge to you. I'm a stranger on the other side of the country, but Ryan and I have a special bond...we have the same name! More than once have I referred to Ryan as "the famous Ryan who is not me!". With the power of the internet, I again was notified about the famous Ryan, only this time in the worst way possible, but here is my pledge to you, thanks to Ryan. When I go hunting next week I will cherish it even more, when I go fishing with my daughter I will realize how fortunate I am, but most importantly I will remember what matters most in life and that is family, friends, community, and God - all thanks to the famous Ryan.
October 15, 2026
My deepest condolences to the family and may you be comforted by the wonderful memories and impact Ryan had on so many. Sending love and healing prayers.
October 11, 2026
Dearest Shawna, Kiinen and Kaija,
I am incredibly grateful to have known Ryan on this earth and have had him in my life 💫
Although it was only three years my family and I spent in Sault Ste. Marie getting to know Ryan and his beautiful family, he brought so much love, joy, light, adventure and passion into our lives, words can not describe how blessed I feel.Those years hold a very special place in my heart. 💗
Shawna, Kiinen and Kaila,
You are all such extraordinary people, and there simply aren’t enough words to describe how special you are to us. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all love, strength and peace in the days and years ahead.
Ryan, I feel truly blessed that our paths crossed. You will always be remembered with love and gratitude. 🙏
Lots of Love and Light ,
✨💫🙌
Inga
I am incredibly grateful to have known Ryan on this earth and have had him in my life 💫
Although it was only three years my family and I spent in Sault Ste. Marie getting to know Ryan and his beautiful family, he brought so much love, joy, light, adventure and passion into our lives, words can not describe how blessed I feel.Those years hold a very special place in my heart. 💗
Shawna, Kiinen and Kaila,
You are all such extraordinary people, and there simply aren’t enough words to describe how special you are to us. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all love, strength and peace in the days and years ahead.
Ryan, I feel truly blessed that our paths crossed. You will always be remembered with love and gratitude. 🙏
Lots of Love and Light ,
✨💫🙌
Inga
October 5, 2026
I am at lost for words to hear about Ryan's passing ... We worked together closely with MTI , He was a great leader , coach for me learning the ropes. Very patient , he was never bothered with any questions or concerns I had. We had a lot of conversations regarding our children as I have a set of Twins ( boy and girl) as well . So sorry for their loss of their father and for his wife, for the loss of her husband . My heart goes out to ALL of you !!!
October 4, 2026
Ryan was a light in this world. His kindness, smile, charm and humour will live on in memory but also as an example how to make the world better. Ryan was a positive force multiplier. He made everyone and everything better. Devon boy forever. Condolences to the families from the Schroeder's down the lake.
October 4, 2026
Had the pleasure of working under Ryan's wing for the past 4 years. A beautiful, positive, genuine, high-energy Leader always. Loved to talk about his family and what inspired him on a daily basis. Thank-you Ryan for sharing and letting us all get to you know you and your family.
Both of us shared a medical hardship this past year. Ryan would call and ask how I was doing. Again, full of energy and positivity. Always sharing a laugh. We lost a good one.
Lepää rauhassa, veli
Both of us shared a medical hardship this past year. Ryan would call and ask how I was doing. Again, full of energy and positivity. Always sharing a laugh. We lost a good one.
Lepää rauhassa, veli
October 3, 2026
Dear Shonna, Kaija and Kiinen I am so very ,very sorry that your journey has ended this way . You are in my heart and in my prayers.
Love and hugs
Betty
Love and hugs
Betty
October 2, 2026
Shonna, Kaija and Kiinen
I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you all and to all his family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers Love you. Rest In Peace Ryan ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you all and to all his family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers Love you. Rest In Peace Ryan ❤️
October 2, 2026
My deepest condolences.
Shonna, Kaija and Kiinen, you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. My heart goes out to you and your family, and I hope you can find comfort in each other and in the memories you shared. Sending you all so much love and strength during this time.
Shonna, Kaija and Kiinen, you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. My heart goes out to you and your family, and I hope you can find comfort in each other and in the memories you shared. Sending you all so much love and strength during this time.
October 1, 2026
A few of our happy encounters
October 1, 2026
It is hard to put into words how sad I feel for the Saari and Guillemette families in the loss of your much loved Ryan. He was a true friend to me, keeping in touch over the years, and more intentionally in the last few years when Kaija moved to Thunder Bay for work, and then our various meet-ups and prayer times throughout the highs and lows of his fight with cancer, Shonna at his side, keeping me updated. Thank you Shonna for staying in touch even when it was hard to share bad news. I longed for a miracle, but sometimes God has other plans. I grieve with all of you who loved him so much over the course of his life. Gone too soon. I look forward to seeing Ryan in Heaven.
October 1, 2026
Please accept my deepest condolences. I had the privilege of working under Ryan’s leadership from 2022 until his passing. Ryan was a exceptional leader and, above all, a true man of his word. No matter what came up, he was always there when any of us needed him, offering steady support and genuine guidance.
He left a lasting impact on everyone he worked with, and his presence will be deeply missed. My thoughts and heart are with your family during this tremendously difficult time.
He left a lasting impact on everyone he worked with, and his presence will be deeply missed. My thoughts and heart are with your family during this tremendously difficult time.
October 1, 2026
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in these difficult times. May he rest in peace.
October 1, 2026
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in these difficult times. May he rest in peace.
September 30, 2026
Our sincere condolences to you Shonna, Kiinen and Kiija. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Know that we will forever be grateful for the kindness Ryan showed on many occasions. His love for his family was unmeasurable and beautiful to see. Rest In Peace Ryan.
September 30, 2026
Our deepest, deepest condolences to the Saari Family. May the family find strenght in these sad and difficult times.
September 30, 2026
Shonna, Kiinen and Kaija.
Some things in life are hard to describe.
The instant connection we felt as friends.
The pure, pure love that was obvious in your marriage.
The close connection you have with your kids as a strong family unit.
Your gratitude and appreciation for the simple and beautiful things in life.
These are all things that I have admired so much over the years and I truly hope that all of that love gives you strength as you face these difficult times.
There are many memories that come to mind when we think of Ryan. And sometimes it’s the little things that stick with you.
The way he flew out of our tube when we were seadooing and landed on the kids.
The time we stayed up to watch the UFC fight that we almost missed and he was so pumped but it ended up being a disappointing fight.
The look on Ryan’s face the time a young Kiinen asked me what an inappropriate word meant and I told him to ask his dad.
The way he and Chad shared their love of trucks, boats and the outdoors. It was fun spending the day at Parisienne Island with the kids.
But one of the best memories we have was when Ryan and I co-managed our boys’ hockey team and they won the NOHAs in OT with Kiinen scoring the tying goal and Lucas scoring the winner to send us to the OHFs. Ryan practically tackled me from behind with a big bear hug to celebrate that moment together. It was so exciting to all of us and he was so proud and so committed to being a part of that team. It allowed others to see the kind of man he was.
I hope in time all of the memories you all have of Ryan will bring you more smiles than tears. I’m pretty sure he would want that for you.
Sending you so much love and our deepest sympathies. Big hugs to you all ❤️
Some things in life are hard to describe.
The instant connection we felt as friends.
The pure, pure love that was obvious in your marriage.
The close connection you have with your kids as a strong family unit.
Your gratitude and appreciation for the simple and beautiful things in life.
These are all things that I have admired so much over the years and I truly hope that all of that love gives you strength as you face these difficult times.
There are many memories that come to mind when we think of Ryan. And sometimes it’s the little things that stick with you.
The way he flew out of our tube when we were seadooing and landed on the kids.
The time we stayed up to watch the UFC fight that we almost missed and he was so pumped but it ended up being a disappointing fight.
The look on Ryan’s face the time a young Kiinen asked me what an inappropriate word meant and I told him to ask his dad.
The way he and Chad shared their love of trucks, boats and the outdoors. It was fun spending the day at Parisienne Island with the kids.
But one of the best memories we have was when Ryan and I co-managed our boys’ hockey team and they won the NOHAs in OT with Kiinen scoring the tying goal and Lucas scoring the winner to send us to the OHFs. Ryan practically tackled me from behind with a big bear hug to celebrate that moment together. It was so exciting to all of us and he was so proud and so committed to being a part of that team. It allowed others to see the kind of man he was.
I hope in time all of the memories you all have of Ryan will bring you more smiles than tears. I’m pretty sure he would want that for you.
Sending you so much love and our deepest sympathies. Big hugs to you all ❤️
September 30, 2026
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear about Ryan’s passing. My sincerest condolences to your family.
I was the VP at Superior Heights when Kiinen and Kaija started there, and I still remember their first tour and meeting the family. Years later, I would see Ryan driving out to your camp or walking along Four Seasons Drive (our camp is a kilometre or two before yours). I’d always wave, I’m not even sure if he ever knew it was me. He always seemed happy, a testament to his family I’m sure:)
Thinking of your family during this difficult time.
James aka “Mr Kerr”.
I was the VP at Superior Heights when Kiinen and Kaija started there, and I still remember their first tour and meeting the family. Years later, I would see Ryan driving out to your camp or walking along Four Seasons Drive (our camp is a kilometre or two before yours). I’d always wave, I’m not even sure if he ever knew it was me. He always seemed happy, a testament to his family I’m sure:)
Thinking of your family during this difficult time.
James aka “Mr Kerr”.
September 30, 2026
We were so honoured to be a brief part of Ryan’s journey here on earth. We will remember the many summer Country Way barbecues spent at your camp, with Ryan always joking, making sure everyone had plenty of food and a chance to have a sauna. We will also remember him offering to help us move into our first home, without even skipping a beat when he knew we could use some extra strong hands. He kept us entertained and made the day so special. He was such a kind soul, who moved through life with such humour and grace. We will forever remember him and are thinking of you all. 🤍
September 30, 2026
Ryan, had a kind and gentle but especially warm and joyful presence. It was contagious.
Sending you the most love Shonna,
Amélie
Sending you the most love Shonna,
Amélie
September 30, 2026
My sincere condolences to all of Ryan’s family 🩷 I grew up with Ryan and spent much time at the Saari home in Devon. I will always remember his kind smile, laughter and kindness. RIP 😢 keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
September 30, 2026
Deepest condolences to the Saari family, I had the pleasure of working very closely with Ryan for over 10 years . Couldn't ask for a better guy to work with and get to know over those years and he will be missed both as a colleague and a friend.
September 30, 2026
Our deepest condolences to the Saari family. I had the pleasure working alone side Ryan for 5 years, one of the best friends in business I have ever meet and worked with. He will truly be missed by all.
Ted and Cheryl McDougall
Ted and Cheryl McDougall
September 30, 2026
Being able to be part of Ryan’s care over the last four months was truly a blessing. I would often go up in the mornings to be his coffee buddy, and we would work on physio together, always trying to build his strength and help him walk again. Ryan was so determined to get better, and I never let him believe, even for a moment, that he wouldn't. We always had a goal to work toward and held on to the hope of getting stronger and healthier.
We would often talk about escaping, and Ryan would ask me how we were going to get him into my car. I would tell him how much I wished we could make that happen. Those conversations, and the hope and determination behind them, are memories I will carry with me forever.
It was a true blessing to be part of Ryan’s care and to spend that time with him. I got to know him on a much deeper level than I ever had before, and I will always cherish the bond we shared. I am going to miss him more than words can express.
To Shonna, Kaija and Kiinen, you are all incredibly strong. I hope you carry forward the strength, love and wisdom that Ryan instilled in you. His love will always be a part of you, and the memories you shared will stay with you forever.
Ryan, I am so grateful for the time we spent together, for our morning coffees, our physio sessions, our talks and, most of all, the friendship we built. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
❤️ Just so you know ❤️
We would often talk about escaping, and Ryan would ask me how we were going to get him into my car. I would tell him how much I wished we could make that happen. Those conversations, and the hope and determination behind them, are memories I will carry with me forever.
It was a true blessing to be part of Ryan’s care and to spend that time with him. I got to know him on a much deeper level than I ever had before, and I will always cherish the bond we shared. I am going to miss him more than words can express.
To Shonna, Kaija and Kiinen, you are all incredibly strong. I hope you carry forward the strength, love and wisdom that Ryan instilled in you. His love will always be a part of you, and the memories you shared will stay with you forever.
Ryan, I am so grateful for the time we spent together, for our morning coffees, our physio sessions, our talks and, most of all, the friendship we built. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
❤️ Just so you know ❤️
September 30, 2026
Our deepest condolences ❤️
Our memories of Ryan are characterised by his warmth, happiness ja consideration for others around him. We will cherish all that.
And even though this picture was already in the beautiful song, I repost it as I think it tells a lot about, what a true familyman he was!
Our memories of Ryan are characterised by his warmth, happiness ja consideration for others around him. We will cherish all that.
And even though this picture was already in the beautiful song, I repost it as I think it tells a lot about, what a true familyman he was!
September 29, 2026
We just wanted to share our sincere condolences to the Saari family. Ryan was an exceptional person, I always remember him happy and smiley at the rink, we are thinking of you all and sending our love The Evans family
September 29, 2026
My deepest condolences to Shonna, Kiinen, Kaija and family. Although I knew Ryan only briefly, I will remember him as a generous and caring person who was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. My heart goes out to you all during this incredibly difficult time.
September 29, 2026
So sorry Shonna, Kiinen, Kaija and family. Ryan was a long time childhood friend. We spent our childhood around Borden Lake, tons of adventures. He fought a courageous battle. Deep condolences from the Cachagee Family. Forever in our hearts, RIP my good friend.
September 29, 2026
Shonna, Kiinen, Kaija and family, our hearts are broken for you all! ♥️ To know Ryan was a privilege and he will forever be in my memory and heart as an incredible man and a great friend. I will miss our talks, lunches together, Parissienne Island days with our families and saunas that were hot enough to bake cookies. Ryan, we love you bud! You will be sorely missed!😭 ♥️♥️♥️
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