Support For Ryan Gould’s Family

Campaign Created by: Kassidy Goodyer

The funds from this campaign will be received by Carlyn Gould.

Raised: CAD $ 260,055
Ryan Gould was a helicopter pilot who selflessly lost his life fighting fires on the front lines on July 19, 2023. He leaves behind a beautiful wife and two young boys and their farm in Whitecourt, AB, where they raised Gypsy Vanner and Gypsy Vanner cross horses. 

As the main provider, Ryan spent much time away from home flying the skies to provide for his family. His wife is the most amazing human you will ever meet. She did bookkeeping from home, natural horsemanship and homeschooled their children on the farm while counting down the days until Ryan was home from a shift. These beautiful humans lives have just been shook and the family could use all the support they can get while they learn to navigate this new life without him. 
Ryan was well loved by everyone around him and will be missed by many. 

Please consider helping this family have the means to pick up the broken pieces. 

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY:
It is with great sadness that the Gould family announces that Ryan Gould has passed away. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and co-workers. Ryan was operating a helicopter, fighting a forest fire in northern Alberta, when the accident occurred. The family is unaware of the cause.  

Ryan leaves behind his wife Carlyn and their two young sons Gus and Evan. Ryan is the son of Eric and Gail Gould. Ryan's two older sisters are Jessie Mitton and Naomi Yanik. The family is heartbroken and appreciative of all the support they have been receiving. A celebration of life will be determined at a later date.

Ryan was born in Whitecourt Alberta in 1982. After completing high school he went on to get his commercial helicopter license and returned home for his first job. He married Carlyn in 2009 and they moved to a few places in Southern Alberta while he was working as a commercial pilot. Recently Ryan and Carlyn purchased a farm south of Whitecourt to set their roots. A peaceful place to call home.

Ryan was a skilled pilot and comes from a family of aviation. He traveled and made an impact wherever he went. Nicknamed “Panda” by his co-workers because he was a big guy with a big heart. His blue eyes and sense of humor are unforgettable.

The family is unprepared for this loss. Without Ryan, Caryln and the boys will need some support to keep the farm. There are people around the world that want to support the family in this time of need and the best way to do so is by donating to the link below. This support goes directly to his wife Carlyn and the boys. 

UPDATES

Update #3 - THANK YOU
September 28, 2023
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updateImage

Wow.

There are no words to adequately convey the tremendous gratitude the boys and I have for the overwhelming outpouring of support that has come our way since Ryan died fighting wildfires. In the early days and weeks following Ryan's accident, our future was very uncertain and scary, as we faced not only losing our farm but everything else we had worked so hard for. Here we stand today, just 10 weeks later, uplifted by YOU, friends, family and complete strangers who saw our need and felt called to reach out and offer a helping hand. Each and every one of you has quite literally saved our family when we needed saving most. Your help has provided the life line that seemed impossible to find, not so long ago. It matters more than you know.

Thank you so very much for your donations, big and small, your kind words, prayers, and shared experiences. We take great comfort in knowing that Ryan touched so many lives, both in his life and in his passing. We find strength in knowing we are not alone and that when there is a need, so many people find a way to step up and help. We still have a long road ahead of us, navigating our new path without Ryan, and some changes need to occur on the farm, but the outlook is far more positive than it was at the end of July, thanks to you. For today, we have breathing room we did not have 10 weeks ago and the financial burden has been eased tremendously. This is not the end of our story, it is just the beginning. Our family will never forget the generosity, kindness and compassion we have experienced from so many. We endeavor to continue to live our lives in a way that honors Ryan's life, his heroism and his humble compassion. We will endeavor to pay good deeds, kindnesses and generosity forward, in the same way that each one of you has stepped up to do for the boys and I. So, in closing, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. May each of you continue to live in a way that you "don't wait until it's too late," just as our family was so fortunate to do with Ryan (aka Panda) and will continue to do in our day to day life. 

Thank You,

Carlyn, Gus & Evan

A Message From Carlyn Gould
August 8, 2023
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Hello everyone, I am Ryan's wife. I just wanted to thank everyone for their support in our time of need. My heart is shattered as the boys and I grieve the loss of our husband and dad, but also full from the outpouring if support that is helping to ease the tremendous financial burden this tragedy created. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Some day, when we are in a position to do so, we will make sure to pay it forward. On Saturday, Aug 5, we celebrated Ryan's life and sent him off the way he deserved. I will miss him forever, but I would not give up the blessed 17 years we had together to avoid the pain of this grief today and the rest of my days. He was worth it. It was an honor and a gift to stand by his side as his wife. Hug your loved ones and remember our families motto as you go about your day and life, "don't wait until it's too late." 

This was a little view into the beautiful life he led as a dad, husband, brother, uncle, friend and pilot with vide/photo... https://youtu.be/YQDvsTVLq5Q

Update #1
July 26, 2023
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updateImage This has been the hardest week as a family we have ever had to walk. The grief has been absolutely shattering but the memories and laughter and love helps with the healing. This devastating loss coupled with him being the main income earner was devastating for Carlyn and the boys and then this campaign happened. Money from friends, families and from complete strangers. Amid this heart ache there has been this outpouring of love and compassion and understanding from people across the globe. There are no words to describe the depth of gratitude from this family. I used to think sending condolences over social media was so trivial, but when you are on the receiving end it is POWERFUL 💕. So thank you, from the bottom of our hearts for the heartfelt prayers, donations, kind words and offers of support.❤️❤️

The Gould Family 

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