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In Loving Memory of Ryan Waterman

(1973-2026)

Remembering Ryan: A Life of Heart and Purpose

Ryan Waterman lived a life of purpose that positively impacted everyone around him. As a mentor, leader, and dear friend, he poured his heart into our mission. To his family, he was a beloved son, husband, father, and brother. To all of us, he was a hero whose legacy will continue to shape lives for generations. He will be remembered for his warm smile, keen intellect, dry wit, and unwavering compassion.

Pictured here on the right, Ryan’s four (not so) Little Brothers: Marvin, Garrett, Daniel, and Paris. 

A Rare Commitment to Mentorship

Ryan’s journey with Big Brothers Big Sisters began in 1996. Over three decades, he achieved a rare feat: serving as a Big Brother to four different “Littles.” His adult Littles stand as living proof of his enduring belief in the power of one-to-one mentorship.

At our October 2025 Gala, these four men traveled from across the country to honor Ryan with our most prestigious accolade, The Big Champion Award. In a moving tribute, they described Ryan as their “life-saving GPS,” sharing how he taught them that “goodness has no color” and provided a blueprint for manhood centered on goals, patience, and presence.

Leadership and Advocacy

Mentorship begins with showing up, and Ryan’s presence was a cornerstone of our agency. A member of our Board of Directors since 2009 and Board Chair from 2022 to 2023, he was a constant source of wisdom and inspiration, always leading by example. Mentorship was a family calling; his wife, Julia, also served as a Big Sister, embodying their shared commitment to the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Ryan was always creating waves of change, as a:

  • A Voice for Youth: A dedicated advocate, Ryan traveled to Sacramento and Washington, D.C., to represent Big Brothers Big Sisters at Advocacy Days, ensuring the importance of mentorship was heard at the highest levels of government.
  • Change Maker: In honor of our 60th anniversary, Ryan was named a “BBBS Change Maker,” one of sixty individuals recognized for significant contributions to the organization’s growth.
  • Distinguished Legal Career: A leader in environmental and renewable energy law, Ryan was honored by the San Diego Business Journal with the 2024 Leaders of Influence in Law Award and recognized as a Thomson Reuters “Stand-out Lawyer.”

The Ripple of Ryan

Ryan considered his greatest accomplishment to be the connections he built and the opportunities he helped create for children. His passion, leadership, and unwavering belief that every child should reach their full potential were evident in everything he did.

His ripple of impact will continue to serve the children of our community for decades to come. He was the best of us, and a man who will never be forgotten.

Big Brother

 

Ryan understood that the most enduring structures are built on human connection, planting seeds of potential through mentorship that will bloom for generations to come.

Board 

 

Ryan’s leadership as a Board Chair and Board Member was defined by his tireless advocacy; he was a powerful voice for San Diego’s youth, ensuring the ‘ripple’ of the organization’s mission reached the state and national levels.

Family

 

Beyond his professional accolades, Ryan’s most cherished role was as a devoted husband and father, building a home with Julia where the values of service and mentorship were lived out daily as a guiding light for their children.

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4 entries.
Paris Thompson Paris Thompson wrote on February 11, 2026 at 11:01 am
Thank you my friend for always being there when I called always listening when I needed someone to talk to you always gave the best advice you motivated so many people including myself to be the best versions of ourselves your life was priceless, you touched the hearts of many you were one of Gods best i guess thats why he needed you back i love you my friend until we meet again
Marvin Westbrooks Marvin Westbrooks wrote on February 11, 2026 at 10:51 am
Ryan has been the best big brother i could ever ask for i was his last little brother he took in but never let me feel more or less loved he will be extremely miss and I will make sure we will keep his compassion and love alive Love You Big Bro always
Lauren Lauren wrote on February 11, 2026 at 10:05 am
My first impression of Ryan was my second week of work at BBBS of SDC, where I and most of our staff were in Anaheim for our 2023 National Conference. Ryan met with our team in Anaheim, and covered lunch for every single one of us without hesitation. I remember feeling grateful to be part of an organization where a board member and previous Big could care so deeply for the mission and the staff. Ryan has left a lasting impression on BBBS and the youth of San Diego, and he will be greatly missed.
Tina Rose Tina Rose wrote on February 10, 2026 at 4:22 pm
Ryan was a pillar of our community, and his absence leaves a void that is difficult to put into words. However, as we grieve, we also want to celebrate the incredible light he brought into our lives. To honor his enduring impact, we launched this dedicated memorial webpage to celebrate "The Ripple of Ryan." This space serves as a living tribute to his story. Please share your notes of remembrance here.