Ryden Smith Huynh

Ryden Smith Huynh, age 28, of Minnetonka, MN, crossed over into paradise on February 4, 2021. He was born on February 15, 1992 in Minneapolis, MN.

Throughout Ryden’s life he had an aptitude for high flying adventure. As a young kid he loved to build jumps for dirt bikes in the woods behind his and Grandparent’s house. If it was too cold for hitting the ramps, he could be found testing his skills out on the snowboarding hills. As he entered his teenage years he fell in love with skateboarding. He spent time working at 3rd Lair, building ramps and honing his skills as a skateboarder. He enjoyed sharing his love of the sport with his cousins and young people in the community.

He grew up with one foot in Excelsior, MN and one in the Renaissance fair community, where he enjoyed the unique benefits of being a rennie kid- visiting the elephants and spending time with his friends of all ages in the close knit community of jugglers,  jousters, artists, musicians, potlucks, and many adventures in the desert.

These experiences gave him an open mind and a loving heart. He had a strong work ethic and loved to work with his hands like his grandpa. He would visit with his grandparents down the street to fish, talk tools, and eat!

Ryden loved art and used it to work through problems in life. He loved painting and art parties with his friends. In the last few years, he developed new ways to evolve his style. He was always giving away his paintings to those who liked them or needed art in their lives.

As an adult, Ryden took pride in being a carpenter at the Ohio Renaissance Festival. A piece of his heart will always be there, in many of the buildings and stages he worked on. He was always willing to help family and friends to complete projects.

In the past few months since his return to MN, he found great happiness in being a loving surrogate father to his fiance's 2 year old son.

He is preceded in death by loving grandparents, a caring aunt, and a multitude of friends who died way too soon.

Ryden is survived by his heartbroken mother and father, Pam Smith and Long Huynh; cousins Tamera Bourne and Roy Parrish; and sisters Kelly and Alicia. His spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Ryden lived a rich and full life, and like many he battled with addictions. The opioid epidemic that is hitting Ryden’s generation has taken many far too soon. After learning of yet another friend’s passing, he sought comfort in the drug that unfortunately took his life through an accidental overdose. For those who are in need, please visit the website www.na.org . Ryden was much more than his addiction. He was a son, a brother, a cousin, a carpenter, an artist, and a friend to many. We hope to honor his memory in the coming weeks and months with celebrations of life. His family respectfully requests donations be sent to: https://gofund.me/048125e2

Family and friends will be gathering on February 15 (Ryden’s Birthday) at 2:00 p.m. at Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Avenue, for a Memorial Service. Masks will be required, and attendance will be kept close to 65 people to keep with COVID guidelines. If attendance exceeds our limit please join us through Zoom in the beautiful Lakewood Cemetery Grounds, while safely social distancing in your car or home. Please see details below:

Time: Feb 15, 2021 01:45 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76671916280?pwd=VGxlVlhEcnpyay9WNzZzY1J1QmptUT09

Meeting ID: 766 7191 6280

Passcode: Qt00w2

After the service, the family will be hosting an Afterlife Birthday Bash, at 1828 NE Marshall Street, starting at 6 p.m. Here, family and friends will be able to share stories and honor his memory. In the summer months, the family will host a celebration of life in both Minnesota and Ohio.

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall.