The Man You Could Call: Ryan Sargent on Legacy, Loss & Small-Town Values

Today’s episode is about coming home—the pull of small towns, the values they instill, and the people who shape us long before we realize it.Our guest is Ryan Sargent, originally from Bothell, Washington, and a Chelan High School graduate, Class of 2010. Like many people raised in a small town, Ryan left after high school to figure life out, only to discover that the place he came from was always quietly calling him back.Ryan, the son of Bill Sargent—a respected coach and mentor—grew up rooted in small-town values after his family moved from Bothell to Lake Chelan Valley. After graduating, he spent time in Phoenix attending college and working at a Verizon collections call center, then moved to Seattle where he spent six to seven years at FedEx Office, nearly managing his own store. Still, something was missing. Ryan chose to return to Chelan—not for a title or paycheck, but to be closer to his dad and reconnect with a grounded way of life. Today, he works for the Chelan County Road Department, taking pride in maintaining the community that shaped him.Now 34, Ryan continues to live by those values—hard work, connection, and giving back. He’s set to marry Lexie Garvey this July, whom he met at Buddy’s Tavern—friends first, the Chelan way. His siblings, Willy and Brea, and their mom live near Olympia, and together they share a dream of building a family compound rooted in legacy and togetherness.Bill Sargent was more than a coach—he was a mentor, builder, and trusted friend. From coaching football across Manson, Chelan, and Inglemoor High Schools to building homes and helping others without expecting anything in return, Bill lived with purpose and generosity. He loved music, dancing, fishing, and mentoring youth, and was known for his steady presence and genuine care for others. He passed away suddenly two years ago, but his legacy lives on through his children and the many lives he impacted.To honor Bill and who he was to so many people, we want to close this introduction with a short poem titled:The Man You Could CallIf life ever bent you sidewaysor the road got hard to read,Bill was the guy you’d call upwhen you didn’t know what you’d need.He listened more than he ever spoke,let the silence do its part,then offered truth, not easy words—the kind that lands straight in the heart.He didn’t sell you sunshineor dress things up in lies,he gave you solid footingand helped you see through clearer eyes.You could count on him at midnight,or laughing in the light,for a straight-up answer in the darkor a dance move done just right.He knew the game was balance—work hard, then have your fun,leave people better than you found them,and don’t forget to dance when the day is done.Most folks get one true anchorin the storm, if they’re lucky at all,Bill somehow became that anchorfor a whole lot of us who called.Tribute to all our friend: Bill Sargent