Ryan’s favorite place in the world was Camp Big Heart, a summer spot in Fort Yargo State Park in Winder, Ga. Every summer for the past eight years, he spent two weeks at the camp for mentally impaired children, first as a volunteer counselor and, later, as music director.

“He was one of the kindest, most compassionate people I have ever known,” said Mary Ellen Ipser, the camp’s administrator. “He was also one of the funniest. He knew how to play, and the staff, parents, campers — everybody — adored him.”