Ryan Neil Vierra August 23, 1968 - February 26, 2021

August 1968 – February 2021 

Ryan Vierra, a resident of Denair, California, passed away peacefully at his home with his loving daughters and wife by his side. He had battled Metastatic Prostate Cancer for thirteen months. He was only 52 years old.

Ryan was born in Turlock and raised on his family farm in Stevinson to Linda and Clarence Vierra, who preceded him in death. He attended Hilmar High School where he excelled in football and track & field, and where he also met the love of his life. After high school he then went on to Modesto Junior College where he continued his passion for both sports. While at Modesto Junior College, Ryan received a full-ride scholarship to California State University Northridge in track & field. This laid out a strong foundation for Ryan’s love for strength sports.

Ryan competed as an amateur athlete in the Scottish Highland Games for 7 years before turning professional full time. Ryan was a great ambassador for his country and for his sport, traveling all over the world competing. He was a 5-time World Highland Games Champion where he set numerous records on and off the field. He will go down in the history books as the greatest Highland Games athlete of all time. Ryan was also a part of helping run the IHGF (International Highland Games Federation). Even during his time still competing, Ryan was an assistant coach at California State University Stanislaus where he coached track & field and received the NCAA Assistant Coach of the Year.

Ryan’s passing has left a huge hole not only in his family’s hearts, but in the Highland Games and track & field community. His immense kindness, camaraderie, and willingness to share his knowledge and time will live on within each person he came in contact with.

While Ryan was a tremendous coach and athlete, he was also an outstanding and loving husband and father. He enjoyed watching his three daughters Brooke (23), Faith (18), and Cheyenne (16) play numerous sports such as golf, basketball, softball, gymnastics, and even continuing his legacy of throwing in track & field. His other hobbies consisted of spending quality time with his loving wife of 35 years, Christina, by going hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling.

Viewing will be held at Allen Mortuary on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 from 4:00-7:00p.m. with a rosary to follow at 7:00p.m.  Rosary may be viewed at https://viewlogies.net/allen/pW1UR8ET6

PIN: 452197

Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 10:30a.m. with interment to follow at North Hilmar Cemetery.