Lloyd Alexander Ryyslainen

Whitemarsh Island Lloyd Alexander Ryysylainen passed away peacefully on March 9, 2013 after an inspiring nine-year battle against multiple myeloma. Lloyd fought cancer with the same determination, energy, grace and cheerful spirit that characterized his approach to life. His participation in a new trial drug led to its approval by the FDA for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Born in Princeton, New Jersey on January 13, 1949, Lloyd spent most of his adult life in upstate New York. Upon graduation from Bucknell University in 1971, he moved to Westchester County where his love of the outdoors led him to his career as an Arborist. His competitive spirit drove him to excel in many sports, including soccer, tennis, marathon running and long-distance cycling. He was also an avid reader, Scrabble player and lover of history. After he and wife Debbie moved to Savannah in 2009, where they co-own Go Fish Clothing & Jewelry Co., Lloyd became a popular tour guide at Savannah Walks Inc. He loved the beauty of Savannah and was passionate about educating visitors on its history and stories as well as spending time enjoying the city with friends. The success of his life is measured in part by the number of people whose lives were touched by him and who will treasure his memory. He is survived by his wife Debbie, whom he married in 2008 after a whirlwind courtship which spanned two continents; his two beloved children, Leslie Ryysylainen, Norwalk, CT; and Alex Ryysylainen, Keene, NH; parents, Allan and Sande Ryysylainen, St. Mary’s, GA; sister Allison Smith (Robert), Savannah; and Bob Pickert, Ho-ho-kus NJ, his devoted best friend for nearly forty years. A celebration of Lloyd’s life will be held in Yorktown Heights, New York in April. Our gratitude goes to the staff of Memorial Hospital NICU and Summit Cancer Care for their life-saving intervention and care. The family has requested that donations be sent to the University of Arkansas for Medical Services in recognition of their world-class treatment program. Checks should be made payable to Winthrop P Rockefeller Foundation Fund – enter MIRT in memo line. Please include Lloyd’s name in the Tribute Information section. http://giving.uams.edu/s/1496/images/editor_documents/general_forms/uams-gift-pledge-form.pdf Please leave your thoughts and condolences for the family on our Tribute Wall.

Lloyd Alexander Ryyslainen

January 13, 1949 - March 9, 2013