Ryan Gamage, 32, of Thomaston and Owls Head, passed away on Jan. 6 from a long and hard-fought battle with addiction.
For several years, especially the last four, Ryan worked so hard to overcome the strong bond he had come to love with his relationship with drugs. He truly wanted nothing more than to be a better man, a good partner, a supportive son, a loving brother, a good role model to his children, and a productive member of society.
Addiction took many things from Ryan over the years, but never his love of family. He truly only ever wanted his family to love him, and love him they did. Even on his very worst days, if a family member needed him, he did everything he could to not let them down. His countless friends were blessed with that same dedication.
Ryan was an extremely hard worker, starting his own business in 2016 after the birth of his daughter Rayni. ‘Rayni Daze Handyman Services’ began and Ryan used his great sense of humor, red-neck nature and knack for advertising to write some of the funniest, most catchy ads for his business. His family said he could sell anything to anybody.
He had a great appreciation for music and was always singing. He loved karaoke and making playlists, always finding just the right song for the moment. He often used music and songs to express his emotions in a way he just couldn’t do on his own.
At the early age of 16, and without the permission of his mother, Ryan joined his first demolition derby; from then on, he was hooked! Each year he has participated in the Union Fair Derby and this past year even had the pleasure of competing against his son. Despite telling his son he’d never be able to beat him, Ryan was never prouder than when his own car was done, and he was able to watch his son continue on for the win. He had a love of cars and anything mechanical. From a young age he was always taking his toys apart and eventually became an ASE Certified Mechanic.
Ryan was predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Virginia Gamage; and maternal grandfather, Frank Leigher.
Ryan is survived by his mother and dad, Patricia ‘Patty’ and Charles Nickles; father, William ‘Bill’ Gamage and wife Andrea of Waldoboro; the love of his life and best friend, Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Thompson and her sons whom he loved like his own, John, Jacob and Jayden Thompson, all of Thomaston; his beloved daughters, Angel Freeman of Rockland, and Rayni Gamage of Thomaston; brothers, Corey Nickles and partner Amy Daniel of Owls Head, Tyler Nickles of Rockland, and Joseph Gamage of Union; sister, Shaydlyn Cocco and husband Jarin of Owls Head; paternal grandfather, Norman Gamage, Sr. of Owls Head; maternal grandmother, Molly Leigher of Rockland; two nieces; three nephews; and a large loving extended family, including his NA family who meant so much to him.
A celebration of Ryan’s life will be held from 11:30 – 3:30 p.m., Sat., Jan. 19 at the Thomaston American Legion Hall, Star St., Thomaston. All are encouraged to bring their favorite dish to share.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ‘Recovering You,’ a fund started in Ryan’s memory to help with the financial burden of those seeking recovery. Checks may be made to Recovering You and sent to Machias Savings Bank, 3 Glen St., Rockland, ME 04841.
To share a memory or condolence with Ryan’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at bchfh.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland.
