ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla.-- An empty seat remains around the Ford family campfire, a seat where 19-year old Ryan Ford spend much of his childhood.
His father, Bubba Ford, affectionately calls the wooded yard Ryan grew up in, "Ryan's World," and tells Action News, that's where his son spent most of his time, and had his best memories.
"He was quite a little hunter, made fires just anything you can do as a kid he was just full of life," said Ford. "He just wanted to be out here, he wantd to be in the woods, he couldn't sit in the house, couldn't play video games just had to be outside."
That's why Ford's family is holding a celebration at "Ryan's World," on Friday evening. They're also remembering Ford by repairing his prized possession, his old pickup truck that he was working on and never got the chance to finish.
"He's got friends they want to finish it for him, they want to see it through," said Ford.
Ford's father hopes the truck is ready to drive for his son's funeral on Thursday. He says it's what Ryan would have wanted.
In the meantime, Dad is getting ready for the celebration of his son's life in the back yard on Friday. He says anyone who has ever met his son is invited.
"Anybody that ever met Ryan was his friend," he said.
The celebration will kick off Friday shortly before sunset at 5 p.m.
