Tucker Community Foundation announced a new endowment created by James (Jake) and Patricia Gosa to celebrate the life and talents of their son Ryan. The Ryan Patrick Gosa Fund will provide grants for educational opportunities in the liberal arts in Tucker County.
Throughout the late 80’s and 90’s the Gosa family lived in Winchester, Virginia and frequented Canaan Valley. They eventually purchased a vacation home at Black Bear Woods and devoted much time and energy to the Canaan-Timberline Junior Ski Racing program. Jake Sr. served as president, his older brother Jake II coached, and his sister Jessica along with Ryan, enjoyed much success as racers. Pat did all of the associated volunteer work from timing to recording scores.
From an early age, Ryan displayed an intense interest in reading and learning. He attended high school at Burke Mountain Academy to pursue skiing and develop his academic interests. With a passion and talent for journalism and creative writing, his senior year was spent abroad studying Shakespeare and honing his writing skills. After graduating from Burke, he attended Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY, where he graduated with distinction.
Ryan was a gentle soul with a sharp and entertaining wit and he is remembered by his loving family and many friends across the country. For the past several years Jake and Pat, along with Ryan’s siblings, nieces, and nephews have awarded a pass-through scholarship in Ryan’s memory to Tucker County students pursuing a career in journalism. By creating a permanent endowment, the Ryan Patrick Gosa Fund will celebrate his life and his love of writing, the arts, and athletics for perpetuity.
The Ryan Patrick Gosa Fund supports Tucker County liberal arts projects and programs related to journalism, theater arts, physical arts, STEAM Education, the social sciences, et al. The first grant will be issued in the fall of 2017. The fund is donor-advised allowing the fund advisors to make recommendations on distribution.
To support the Ryan Patrick Gosa Fund, donate online at www.tuckerfoundation.net or mail a check to TCF, PO Box 491, Parsons, WV 26287.