The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Ryan Dale Torppa, 45, of Cathlamet, died in his sleep, at home, on Saturday, Jan. 6. He was born in Lonview in 1978 to Debra Rose and Thomas Torppa and grew up in the Rosburg-Naselle area. Ryan graduated from Naselle High School where he was active in football, basketball, and baseball. He attended Eastern Washington University briefly on a football scholarship before returning to Naselle and marrying Rebecka Fournier. Ryan and Becky had three children, Paige, Rylee, and Tommy. The family later settled in Shelton, where Ryan worked different types of construction and attended community college with an interest in teaching or law enforcement. After his divorce in 2009, Ryan moved back to Naselle. In January of 2010 he met Erica Keenan, and the two married on Aug. 29, 2015. Ryan would work for Silver Bay Seafoods in Nak Nek, Alaska, until his death. In his off time he enjoyed anything outdoors—hunting, fishing, and camping. Ryan was preceded in death by Robert Torppa (grandfather), Thomas Torppa (father), Preston Torppa (cousin) and David Welsh (step-father). He is survived by his grandfather, Dale Rose, grandmother Barbara Rose, grandmother Mary Haase, mother Debra Welsh, wife Erica Keenan-Torppa, daughters Paige and Rylee Torppa, and son Thomas Ryan Torppa. He is also survived by brothers Ron Legler and Robert Torppa, and his sisters Aubrey Torppa, Brittany Legler, and Alicia Grooms, not to mention many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ryan’s Celebration of Life will be held Friday, Jan. 19 at Valley Bible Church, 4723 WA-4, Rosburg, WA. 12p.m. There will be a potluck reception to follow.