Ryder Winslow Sherwin, 47, died suddenly of natural causes at his home in Norwich, VT on March 9, 2022.

Ryder was born on September 28th, 1974. Early memories are of a child who was always moving! A lifelong resident of the Upper Valley, Ryder attended Marion Cross Elementary School, Richmond Middle School, and Hanover High School, where he excelled academically and had many friends.

Ryder's enthusiasm for life showed in his love of sports. He was a gifted athlete who figure-skated, played hockey, swam on the swim team, sailed and was co-captain of the soccer team in high-school. Ryder found his great love for ski racing at 10, moving quickly up through the ranks of the Ford Sayre Program, into FIS racing where he had considerable success.

At 17 Ryder went on a 3-week Outward Bound sailing course out of Rockland, ME, an experience that made a lasting impression. He was hired by Outward Bound to staff one of their business training seminars, and it seemed a great match for his skills and interests.

In high school Ryder was a National Merit Semifinalist. He was recruited by the Naval Academy, but opted for early-decision at Dartmouth, a school where he was fourth generation, in the class of 1997.

At Dartmouth, Ryder was a Geography major, like his father. He was selected for Green Key, was on the activities planning committee, and was a founding member of the Dartmouth Entrepreneurship Society. It seemed likely that he was headed for the Tuck School of Business.

After graduation in 2000 however, Ryder's life took a different path. His new path took him west to California in his VW van, a trip taken by many a young man looking for a future and the meaning of life. He made many friends in Berkeley, but eventually returned to the Upper Valley to live.

Once back, Ryder came down with a long-term illness from which he spent the next 15 years recovering. Mercifully, and with great commitment and endurance, he was able to accomplish this recovery during the last few years of his life. Ryder learned a lot during those years and was a truly inspiring human for winning this fight.

Ryder was the eternal optimist, and he awoke everyday with hope in his heart and new ideas to pursue. He had a keen mind, a creative spirit, a kind heart, and he lived by the principle of Liberté, Egalité, and Fraternité. He loved to travel.

Ryder was also a loyal friend and a devoted son, brother, nephew, and uncle. He had a deep respect and compassion for others, and he lived by a strong moral code. Ryder was a cherished ally, who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Ryder is survived by his mother Jane Sherwin, and stepfather Eric Hasse, as well as his father Robert Sherwin, and stepmother Christie James. He is also survived by his four siblings: Nicole Dancause, Zephyr Hanna, Brittany Sherwin, and Tyler Sherwin. Ryder leaves behind six nieces and nephews: Maya, Summer, Gaby, Luc, Alexis, and Maxine, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of Ryder's life will be held at the Norwich Congregational Church on June 17th at 2 p.m., with a reception to follow at Farrell Farm in Norwich, VT. All are welcome. Ryder will be buried at Hillside Cemetery in Norwich.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Ryder's honor to the Dartmouth financial aid fund at https://www.dartmouthcollegefund.org/ or to your favorite local charity.

The Rand-Wilson Funeral Home in Hanover, NH is assisting the family.