Ryan Stewart Osler passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 21, 2016, in Lompoc, California, while responding to the Canyon Fire. Ryan and his partner were involved in a tragic accident involving their water tender as they were transporting water to the fire.

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Ryan was born on August 29, 1978, in Camarillo, California, to Ralph and Cherie Osler. Ryan grew up in the Santa Clarita Valley, where he attended elementary school, junior high school, and graduated from Saugus High School in 1997.

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Ryan is survived by his wife, Jennifer, his high school sweetheart. They would have celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary on October 7, only 16 days after his passing. Ryan is also survived by his two beautiful children, Amanda Rose and Brandon Stewart; his mother, Cherie; and his two sisters, Julie and Jeanine. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Stewart Osler, who retired as a fire engineer for Ventura County Fire Department.

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Starting in high school, Ryan went after a career in the fire service by taking classes after school and then completing a fire academy at Oxnard Community College. Ryan began his career with Ventura County on the hand crew when he was 19 years old. Even at a young age it was evident that he was determined to give his all to pursue a professional career as a firefighter. In 2006, his dream of becoming a firefighter became a reality.

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Both professionally and personally, Ryan was known as “that guy,” the one that could be trusted to do a job well, do it correctly, and give it everything he had. Known as “Otter” throughout the department, his reputation spread quickly as the guy who always had a strong sense of duty, offered a quick grin, and was the first to get dirty or offer a helping hand. He continues to be the example of kindness, honor, competence, and patriotism that defines a true hero.

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Ryan would go to the ends of the earth for those he loved and even for those he did not know. That is what made him an exemplary firefighter.

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Many things brought happiness to Ryan, but he found the most joy in showing his love for his wife and children by providing for his family and creating meaningful memories together.

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Ryan is deeply missed by all, and he will be celebrated by generations to come. He is a true hero in every sense of the word. He is a hero to the community, a hero to his brotherhood, a hero to his friends, and a hero to his family. As strongly as he lived, so will his legacy.