Golf Tournament Planned to Honor Tioga County Investigator Ryan Bunce

A special golf tournament is being planned to honor the life of Ryan S. Bunce, a Tioga County Sheriff's Office investigator who passed away unexpectedly in March at just 32 years old.

The first-ever Ryan S. Bunce Memorial Golf Tournament will take place on August 15th, 2026, at the Golf Club at Owego. Organizers hope the event will become a yearly tradition that celebrates Bunce's life while helping causes that were important to him.

Tournament Will Help Ryan's Children and Local Students

Members of the Tioga County Sheriff's Office organized the tournament to support Bunce's family and continue his legacy. Money raised from this year's event will benefit his two young children, Everleigh and Colter.

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Funds will also support the Ryan Bunce Memorial Scholarship at Spencer-Van Etten High School. The scholarship was created to honor Bunce's love for the outdoors. It helps student athletes who share his passion for hunting, outdoor activities, and sports.

Remembering a Dedicated Officer and Family Man

Bunce, who lived in Spencer, began working for the Tioga County Sheriff's Office in 2014. During his career, he earned a promotion to investigator and built a reputation as a respected law enforcement officer. Friends, family members, and coworkers remember him not only for his work in law enforcement but also for being a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

Event Open to Golfers and Non-Golfers

The tournament is expected to draw around 200 golfers and will feature two separate sessions. People who do not golf can still take part in the event. Meal tickets and raffle opportunities will be available, giving community members another way to show their support.

Anyone interested in registering, volunteering, or becoming a sponsor can visit the tournament's Facebook page or email RSBTournament@gmail.com for more information.

Community Partnership Made Event Possible

Tournament organizers also thank the Southern Tier Law Enforcement Memorial Association for helping make the event happen. The committee says the partnership has been a key part of starting what they hope will become an annual event that honors Ryan Bunce's memory while helping others.