Ryan Brecko

Ryan James Brecko, 27, of Baker City, OR, died Sunday, March 12, 2023 following a motorcycle accident.  A Celebration of Life and Last Call will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023~ 1 p.m. at the Baker Rural Fire “Payton Station” (3855 23rd street) in Baker City. A reception will be held immediately following the service at the Elks Lodge (1896 2nd street) where food will be provided.

Ryan was born March 11, 1996 in Portland, OR.  He was raised and educated in Beaverton, OR where he graduated from Westview High School in 2014.  Ryan then attended Portland Community College where he earned an associate’s degree in 2016 for welding.

Ryan worked at Marvin Wood Products for the past 2 years.

One of his proudest accomplishments was graduating from Fire Academy in 2022.  He was a fire fighter in Baker County for 4 years.  He served with the Greater Bowen Valley Rural Fire Protection District, Baker Rural Fire Protection District and the Baker City Fire Department.  Ryan absolutely loved going out on fire calls.

Ryan met Katie Toman-Poe through an online dating site after she responded to his message. They talked and texted over a couple days before they decided to meet. When they did, they found they had an instant connection. Ryan had taken Katie out shooting the day he asked her to be his girlfriend.  He did this by writing her a letter that stated, “check yes or no”.  Katie immediately accepted they have been inseparable for 6 years. 

Ryan liked watching movies, especially the movie “Cars”.  He also enjoyed taking the dogs on walks, shooting, duck hunting, taking naps, motorcycle riding and side by side riding. 

Ryan was patient, loyal, understanding, unique and hard working.  He had a very kind heart; he would help anyone and rarely said no.  He had a great laugh and sometimes the mouth of a sailor.

“Ryan was a very loving son and brother and the joy of our lives. We will miss him with all of our hearts”.

Ryan was preceded in death by his grandparents Richard and Ardyce Brecko.

He is survived by his parents Nadine Flath and Brad Brecko; brother Chase Brecko and half-brother Bryan Brecko; half-sister Alexis Mackie;; grandparents Elmer and Jackie Flath; fiancé Katie Toman-Poe; fur babies Dallas, Baghera, Luna, Emma, and Shadow. 

The love and support for our family from this community has been tremendously comforting and is greatly appreciated. Thank you for all the hugs, kind words, and fond memories you have shared with us.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Ryan the family suggests the “Hunt of a lifetime” through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PO Box 543, Halfway, Oregon 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com