'Ryan, we're going to miss you'

ROY — Utah State University student Ryan Wayne McEntire — one of eight USU students and one faculty member killed Monday in a single-vehicle accident — was remembered Thursday by family for his crooked smile, his "simple" way and his love of life and nature.

McEntire, 22, an agricultural machinery technology major who planned to marry in December, was recalled by his father, Wayne McEntire, as a playful person, someone who loved tractors and who loved playing in the dirt since he was a child.

"Ryan, we're going to miss you," McEntire's father said during funeral services. "And, yes, it does hurt."

McEntire's funeral was the first for those killed in the crash. He was buried Thursday afternoon at the nearby West Point Cemetery.

Funeral services for the remaining seven students killed and for USU instructor and academic adviser Evan Parcel Parker will continue today, Saturday and Monday.

McEntire's father said his son had worked for Parker since he was 16, and he would drive tractors for the instructor for free. The USU van was returning from a field trip in Tremonton where students were looking at new technology in farm machinery.

Parker, 45, was supposed to have been honored at an award ceremony Thursday, which USU spokesman John DeVilbiss said has been postponed. Parker was to be honored as Adviser of the Year.

McEntire's uncle, Lee McDermott, told those who crowded into Lindquist's Roy Mortuary that his nephew loved and respected his parents.

Before Monday's trip, McDermott said, McEntire checked in with his mother on the phone and told her, "Everything is great, Mom — I love you."

McEntire served a mission from 2002 to 2004 in Seattle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His mission president, Alonzo Hinckley, said he now considers the accident scene as "holy" ground.

"You cannot subtract the sum of that man," Hinckley said, "and not feel a loss."

McEntire's brother, Dan, said, "Ryan left with the best of the best."

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E-mail: sspeckman@desnews.com