Ryan Thomas Brown, 43, passed away on May 10, 2021. Ryan received his undergraduate degrees in Emergency Management and Political Science from North Dakota State University in 2004, and then a Master of Science in Technology degree from ASU in 2009.



Ryan worked for ASU in their Environmental Technology department while working on his Master's degree. Following his graduation, he worked as adjunct faculty for ASU's Emergency Management Degree Program. He landed a position with the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) to begin the career he was most passionate about. He worked at DEMA from January 2009- April 2013, as an Emergency Services Project Specialist before progressing forward to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Oakland, CA in 2013 as a member of the Incident Management Assistance Team, and most recently as the FEMA Integration Team Lead in Arizona beginning in September 2019. His FEMA family looked to him as someone who was comforting in the chaotic circumstances they were faced with, often referred to as a beloved battle buddy and brother deployed to several disasters to help disaster survivors. He was a mentor and coach to everyone who had the opportunity to serve with him. His calm, collective, and credible character helped lead the FEMA Team through extraordinary challenges.



Ryan is survived by his parents, a brother and many other family members. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, uncles and an aunt. A Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. on Monday, May 17, 2021, immediately followed by a Celebration of Ryan's Life at 11:30 A.M. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., in Phoenix. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed and can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/WhitneyMurphyFH/live/  A Memorial Service will be held on July 9, 2021 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Valley City, North Dakota, a time will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Ryan Brown Memorial Fund

To donate over the phone, call 701-231-6801. Mention the Ryan Brown Emergency Management Memorial Fund.

Mail a check: PO Box 5144 / Fargo, ND 58105. Pay to: NDSU Foundation. Memo Line: Ryan Brown Emergency Management Memorial Fund

For any questions or IRA, stock donations, please contact Viet Nguyen (Source: Arizona Republic)