Paul Ryan, who was the director of regional affairs for Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, died Saturday after a sudden illness had hospitalized him.
Paul Ryan, the director of regional affairs for Denver who is shown here with Mayor Michael Hancock at a 2012 event, died suddenly on Saturday. (Lynn Bartels/file photo).
Ryan, who shared the same name as the Republican congressman from Wisconsin who was Mitt Romney’s running mate last year, was a “beloved member of our city family,” Hancock said in a press release issued late Saturday night. Ryan was to turn 50 on May 1.
Hancock was expected to fly to Africa on Sunday but staffers say he will likely cancel the trip, which was to include a trip to Nairobi with Councilman Albus Brooks and a keynote speech at the Airport Cities World Conference in South Africa.
“Today, our hearts are broken at the sudden loss of Paul Ryan. The Hancock team mourns not just for our colleague but for the truest of friends, a beloved member of our city family.
My dear friend Paul carried the warmest disposition and the most infectious optimism of any person I have known. While his passing reminds us of the delicate nature of life, it is certain that his genuine spirit will stay with all of us and serve as a shining beacon of the grace we all seek.
My family, myself and the Hancock team send our deepest condolences to Paul’s wonderful wife, Pam, and to his family during this time of great sorrow.”