Ryan Simms Obituary

Ryan Shepard Simms was born on December 21, 1974, to parents Richard Simms and Judi (Simms) Bishop in Hinsdale, Illinois. At just nine months old, Ryan relocated with his family to Lakewood, Colorado—a far more fitting place for a soul drawn to open skies, rugged peaks, and the challenge of summiting a 14’er.

From an early age, Ryan’s life was shaped by athletics, leadership, and a deep connection to the outdoors. A gifted athlete, he served as captain of the Highlands Ranch High School football team, earning the respect of teammates through his strength, integrity, determination and discipline. When he wasn’t on the football field, Ryan was in the mountains. He was a member of Winter Park’s Junior Ski Patrol and a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), where he spent 30 days hiking through the Wind River Valley. He returned from that experience, grinning, dirty, and with an insistence that tents are over rated; everyone should sleep under open skies.

Ryan was a proud graduate of Gonzaga University and will always be a Bulldog. One of the most meaningful years of his life was spent studying abroad in Florence, Italy as part of Gonzaga’s exchange program. Living in Europe sparked a lifelong love of travel and a deep connection to a world beyond himself.

After graduation, Ryan began his professional career as a financial analyst with KPMG, later working as a business development representative for Cisco Systems and later COO of Netilligent Corporation. He was known for his sharp intellect, steady work ethic, and charming persona.

In 1999, Ryan met the love of his life, his wife, Dr. Jennifer Kelloff. Ryan and Jen were true partners, sharing a love of travel, a desire for family, and a steadfast commitment to supporting one another no matter the challenge. Together, they traveled around the world, venturing to places like Cambodia, New Zealand, Machu Picchu, and rafting the Grand Canyon. In 2012, they expanded their family, welcoming oldest son Reece, along came Luca and youngest son, Beck. Becoming a husband and father was Ryan’s greatest joy. He was the baby whisperer; able to calm a colicky boy, change an explosive diaper and rescue an overzealous toddler from a flight of stairs, all in a single bound.

When friends and family think of Ryan, they remember his generous soul, his hearty belly laugh, his love of football, and his legendary affection for Chex Mix. He was a loyal friend, a devoted husband and father, and a man who represented the very best of who we strive to be each day.

Ryan is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his sons, Reece, Luca, and Beck; his parents, Richard Simms (Cynde), Judi (Simms) Bishop (Jim) his sister, Heather (Simms) Schichtel (Bart); his beloved service dog, Couli; countless nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters in-laws and many friends and extended family who promise to keep Ryan’s memory alive.

He is welcomed into the next world by his grandparents, his niece Samantha Schichtel, and his nephew Jack Schichtel, who we trust are taking very good care of him.

Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we remember this amazing human. Ryan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

The Ryan S. Simms Memorial Fund c/o First Bank

14827 Candelas Parkway

Arvada, CO 80007

Or via Venmo: @simmsry - cell #8325

Please join us on February 22, 2026 to celebrate our amazing Ryan:

Arvada United Methodist Church

2:00 pm

6750 Carr St. Arvada, CO 80004

Reception to follow at Hyland Hills Golf Course:

9650 Sheridan Blvd, Westminster, CO 80031