Ryan Dean Grauberger-Burgess

Our beloved Ryan Grauberger-Burgess, age 20, passed away on July 7, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Ryan was our wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and a great friend. He was one of the most loving and compassionate people you will ever meet. Ryan was very passionate about the things most important to him – friends, family, animals, equality, helping others, his independence, making people laugh, his favorite shows and movies, and gaming. His passion was his superpower and when he was passionate about something, he could make miracles happen.

Ryan was a 2022 graduate of DSST-Byers (now DSST-Cedar) and had taken steps to pursue a career working with disabled children and adults. He had a nurturing and protective personality and he seemed to seek out those who might most benefit from his presence and friendship.

Ryan struggled with addiction since the age of 18, but had been actively pursuing treatment over the past two years. Ryan ultimately lost his battle with addiction, and he was taken from this earth far too soon.

Ryan was born on February 16, 2004 in Modesto, CA and was brought home by his two Dads on February 24, 2004. Ryan is survived by his parents, Randy Burgess and Steve Grauberger; his younger brother, Nathan Grauberger-Burgess; family friend Patrick Carter; Grandmother, Diane Burgess Julien (Grammies); Aunts and Uncles - Greg Grauberger, Janet Grauberger, David Grauberger (D), Lisa Burgess (Tia), Bob Burgess, Scott Burgess and Lisa Burgess (Zia); Cousins, Chris Grauberger, Will Grauberger, Cory Burgess, Amanda Burgess Berryhill, Emilie Burgess, Kellie Burgess and Zachary Burgess; and his Birth Mother, Amy Lofton.

Ryan, we will always love you and you will be forever in our hearts.

Ryan Grauberger-Burgess Remembrance and Celebration

We will be remembering and celebrating Ryan’s life and invite you join us. There will not be a formal service, we will be gathering as a family and community of those who loved Ryan and were impacted by him during his life, and who will continue to love and be impacted by him throughout our lives.

Date: Sunday, July 28, 2024

Location: Free Recovery Community

 2122 S. Lafayette St.

 Denver, CO 80210

Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm

In lieu of Flowers, if you desire to make a donation, one may be made in Ryan’s name to one of the following, or to the charity of your choice:

1. Free Recovery Community via https://www.freerecoverycommunity.com/give, Venmo (@Free-1) or Check mailed to the address above. On the website you will be able to write a note when you input your payment method. For Venmo and Check, you may place “In Memory of Ryan Grauberger-Burgess” in the memo space. This center has special meaning for our family as Ryan attended several recovery-related meetings there, and the building was formerly Evanston United Methodist Church which was Steve’s family’s church home and where Ryan’s great-grandfather served as a pastor.

1. Max Fund via https://www.maxfund.org/Donation-page You may place “In Memory of Ryan Grauberger-Burgess” in the space for Additional Comments. Ryan loved dogs of all kinds and he seemed to have the gift of an animal whisperer - he was able to quickly connect with virtually any creature.