Philadelphians MC was shocked and saddened to learn of the recent passing of long-time former member, Captain, and Life Brother Ryan Goldner at the age of 52.
Ryan was a force of nature. His humor, creativity, and passion for serving the LGBTQ+ community were undeniable. His energy and laughter ignited and overflowed every single room he entered. With a few bucks and a trip to the Dollar Store he could whip up costumes, props, and themes for the most amazing cocktail parties, fundraisers, bar nights, leather contests, and trivia nights imaginable. As one of the producers of the American Leather Family weekend he helped create a legacy of service to the community. One of his super powers was motivating people around him to dig in and get involved.
He was the brains, heart, and soul behind countless signature Philadelphians MC events and traditions, including: Water Ballet at Olympia (mermaids, swans, sharks, Jackie O’s, Amy Winehouses); the Living Nativity at the Bike Stop; the Jenny Jones Make-Over Challenge at Tri-Cen; the Potomac MC Liver Transplant cocktail party at Olympia (“Don’t take your livers to heaven, heaven knows the Potomacs need them here”); Fritos in my Speedos at State Fair; the Bacon Toss at Tri Cen; the Burning of the Barbie on the Bonfire at State Fair; Trivia Night fundraisers at the Bike Stop; Greased Pig Wrestling at State Fair; twisted table decorations at Olympia (“My Little Centaur”, “Philadelphians Eating Tasty Animals”); hyper-specific leather contest themed eye opener cocktail parties at Pennsmen runs (“Mr. International House of Pancakes Leather,” “Mr. All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet Bar Bear”); and many, many more.
After moving on from Philadelphia, Ryan and his husband Scott Reikofski, along with their many cats and a dog, lived in Wilmington, DE, and Phoenix, AZ, before emigrating to Ajijic in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Ryan gave freely of his time and energy to so many groups everywhere he lived, including SafeGuards, Philly AIDS Thrift, the Mazzoni Center (all PA), the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (AZ), and Ajijic Cares (MX).
Our hearts are with Scott as we remember Ryan and all that he did for the people in his world everywhere he went. He will be greatly missed.