Ryan Sullivan Blau

After a courageous battle with cancer, Ryan Blau returned to the God who gave him life on the evening of May 26, 2026. Born on September 25, 1974, he grew up on Hollow Road in Nibley, Utah, where most of his childhood was spent on baseball diamonds, jumping out of trees into the Blacksmith Fork River, watching the Atlanta Braves on TBS, and loving his family — especially his parents, siblings, and his nieces and nephews.

Ryan graduated from Mountain Crest High School in 1992 and shortly after enlisted in the Army National Guard. He loved his country and felt called to serve his fellow man throughout his life. After attending Utah State University, he completed the police academy and dedicated most of his career to law enforcement. His career in law enforcement spanned 26 years, beginning at the USU Police Department and, for the vast majority of that time, with the Logan City Police Department before his retirement in 2025. Ryan shared a deep bond with those he served alongside and felt keenly the sacred love God has for those who protect His children here on earth. He was a gifted storyteller, and for much of his adult life, he would spend Sunday evenings recounting his wildest and most unforgettable experiences in law enforcement to his family.

For most of his time with Logan City Police, Ryan served on the SWAT team — an assignment he loved and wore with deep pride. As a sniper, he often recalled one of his earliest SWAT deployments, when he was positioned on a rooftop during a bitter Cache Valley winter. He said the adrenaline ran so high that it masked the frostbite beginning to set into his toes. Ryan was a hero to many, and his Sunday-night stories will be deeply missed.

Ryan’s passion for service extended naturally into his deep love for teaching and mentoring. Whether on the SWAT team, training new officers, coaching, or simply chatting in his barber chair, he invested fully in the growth and potential of every person he encountered. He was far more than a coach or teacher—he changed lives, guiding others through personal challenges and leaving an indelible mark on their character.

While Ryan loved serving in law enforcement, his greatest love was his family. He married his sweetheart, Jennifer Slade, on September 28, 2002, and over the next 24 years, they built a beautiful family rooted in closeness and love. Don't let his career in law enforcement or his time on the SWAT team mislead you — Ryan loved his family with a tenderness that was uniquely his own. He could barely speak about his love for Jen and the kids without becoming emotional. Those who knew Ryan best will remember his enormous heart and how every ounce of it was filled with love for his family.

Ryan was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served faithfully in a number of callings throughout his life and carried a strong testimony of Jesus Christ, whom he strived to follow. Perhaps the greatest highlight of his life came on May 17, 2024, when he was sealed to Jen and their children in the Ogden, Utah Temple. It was a profoundly sacred day, one Ryan returned to again and again in reflection during his recent health challenges. His great heart overflowed with gratitude for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and for the eternal promise of families sealed together forever.

After retiring from the PD in 2025, Ryan changed careers and began to work as a barber at Boneyard in Logan, Utah. He made many friends with those he worked with. Ryan also had a deep love for music and was an accomplished singer. After winning Star of the West, a country music singing contest, Ryan and Jen traveled to Nashville to record an album fittingly titled Heroes. Many of those cherished Sunday evenings with Ryan included live music — guitars, piano, and his beautiful voice filling the room.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents-in-law, and his older brother Eric Collins. Ryan is survived by his wife Jennifer and his beautiful children Olivia, Sophie, and Beckett as well as his parents Sullivan and Patricia Blau, brothers Rick (and Theresa) Collins and Ben (and Lisa) Blau and his sisters Laura (and Dar) Ashliman and Serena (and Mark) Lebaron and his many nephews and nieces. While we will deeply miss him, we share Ryan's faith and trust in our Heavenly Father's plan, knowing with confidence that we will see him again. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to his doctors, caregivers, and all who have lifted him and his family in prayer during this difficult time.

Funeral services will be hosted by White Pine Funeral Services. A public viewing will take place at White Pine, 753 S 100 E, Logan, Utah, on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 pm. Ryan's funeral services will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the Nibley West Stake Center, 1584 W 3200 S, Nibley, Utah. An additional viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the church. The interment will be at the Millville City Cemetery.

Ryan's funeral service can be viewed via Zoom by clicking the following link: CLICK HERE TO WATCH SERVICE VIA ZOOM