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.
Sign the Guest Book
wrote on February 14, 2026
at
4:30 pm
