Dr. Ryan Glenn Vannier, age 50 of Grand Rapids, Mi passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024.  Ryan was born on February 8, 1974 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California to James and Prudy (Shanahan) Vannier.  Ryan graduated from Northville High School in Northville, Mi.  He received his bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University and later earned his PhD from Michigan State University in Aqueous Geochemistry.

Ryan worked as a postdoctoral researcher in hydrology while teaching courses for the Michigan State University Geology Department.  He won department awards for teaching excellence in 2007, 2008, and 2010.  During and after his PhD, he taught at five different institutions in Michigan.  His greatest teaching commitment was at Jackson Penitentiary.  Ryan also spoke about the geology of Michigan at the Detroit History Club.  Over 400 children listened to that speech.  It will be available to all public schools in Michigan later this year.  Ryan was a passionate teacher with unwavering dedication and love of earth sciences.

Ryan was a mountaineer and a member of the Seattle Mountaineers Club.  Notably, he climbed the Ptarmigan Traverse and summited Grand Teton.  His many hobbies and accomplishments include completing the Iron Man Louisville, canoeing the Boundary Waters Wilderness of Minnesota, and becoming a certified rescue diver and PADI Divemaster.

Ryan is survived by his daughter, Grace Vannier; his parents, James and Prudy Vannier; his siblings, Christian (Jean) Vannier and their children, Veronica and Claudia Vannier; Jaime (Dan) Shockley and their children, Jimmy, Callen, and Elaina Shockley; Kate Vannier and her son, Loen Brenner; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  Ryan was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Donald and Geraldine Shanahan; paternal grandparents, Gifford and Helen Vannier.

Private family graveside services were held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Fremont.  A time to gather and celebrate Ryan will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024 starting at 3:00 p.m. at Reds of Thousand Oaks in Grand Rapids.  Friends may consider Trout Unlimited in Arlington, Virginia at the following link - Memorial And Honorary Donations - Trout Unlimited for memorial contributions in memory of Ryan.   Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Vannier family online at www.crandellfh.com.  Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel.

Ryan will be forever loved and remembered as an educator, researcher, father, son, brother, uncle and friend.