Ronald J. Ryan
June 02, 1932 – July 25, 2020
Ronald J. Ryan, 1932-2020 (Torbay, NL) – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ron Ryan Sr. He passed away on July 25th, 2020, at the age of 88. Ron was a wonderful father, husband, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He is predeceased by his wife Mary (nee Coady), son Ron Jr., parents Edward and Molly Ryan, brother Pat and brother-in-law Bill Woods. He leaves his loving family, wife Shirley and children: Roxanne Antle (Bill), Rosalie (Ron Jr. deceased), Colleen Kavanagh (Chris), Robert Ryan (Mary-Tom Tipton), Tara Power (Terry), Andrew Ryan (Joanie) and Scott Edmunds (Tracey). Also mourning his passing are his sisters: Helena Woods and Sr. Mary Ryan, his brother Leo Ryan, and sister-in-law Mona Ryan. Ron had 14 cherished grandchildren: Adam (Ashlin) Kavanagh, Allison Kavanagh (Brad Swain), Ryan Antle (Whitney Chesney), Devonne Ryan (Adam Cahill), Natalie Ryan (Matt Sears), Heidi Kavanagh (Mike Murdoch), Megan (Danny) Noseworthy, Jamie-Lee Ryan (Frank Fowler), Ronald Ryan (Nicole Mallay), Jeremy Ryan (Stephanie Whitten), Kyle Power, Taylor Power (Colin Pumphrey), Emily Edmunds and Jacob Edmunds. He also had 6 great-grandchildren whom he adored: Lincoln Noseworthy, Charlie Swain, Emsley Antle, Elise Kavanagh, Arlo Noseworthy and future Baby Swain. Ron also leaves many friends with whom he enjoyed reminiscing about the “good old days”; in particular, Hubert Bourne, Don Morrissey, Paul Dunphy, and Stan Whitty.
Ron was a kind and generous man with a lifelong commitment to volunteering. In 2013, he was awarded the Seniors of Distinction Award for his community building contributions. As the first Deputy Mayor of Torbay, he was a caring community leader with a charitable heart who prided himself on helping out all those in need. He was instrumental in incorporating the Town of Torbay alongside the first Mayor and his best friend, Bill Manning. Additionally, he was involved with the construction of the Torbay Town Hall, the original Holy Trinity Elementary, the current Holy Trinity High School and the former Camp Carey Girl Guides Camp. Ron’s faith was integral to his daily life. He held an executive position on the Cowan Plaza Bingo Group that fundraised to assist in building the existing Holy Trinity Church, he was President of the Holy Trinity Parish Council and he was a longtime member of the Holy Name Society. A farmer first, Ron was a member of many farming committees to ensure farming sustainability and food security in our province. He held executive positions on the Board of Directors for the Department of Agriculture and Swine Producers of Newfoundland and Labrador. Ron’s volunteer commitments extended to the Parent Teacher Association at Gonzaga High School for his first two boys and St. John’s Minor Hockey Association. Ron was also involved in the establishment of the Torbay Volunteer Fire Department. In fact, the department was run out of his driveway for the first month!
People who knew Ron would say he was tenacious and of high integrity. After finishing high school at the original schoolhouse in Torbay, Ron started his career in Goose Bay, working in construction on the American Air Base. He then transferred to Canada Post where he completed 34 years of service, retiring in 1987 as an Operations Financial Manager. Once retired from Canada Post, Ron returned full time to his true love: vegetable farming and hog production on Wind Gap Road. Ron was tremendously social and derived great pleasure from meeting people while selling vegetables on his farm. He worked tirelessly in his endeavours and was a silent, unassuming pioneer for his community.
Ron leaves a timeless legacy. As the ultimate family man, he celebrated all of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments and cherished their many visits and calls. His family would attribute their successes to the behaviors modeled by Ron. Leading by example with his quiet determination and dedication, Ron lived a full life. He felt blessed and proud to have such a close family with endless support. Ron often said he had “no regrets”.
Ron’s family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to the outstanding staff at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home. The compassion and care they provided was unparalleled during the last three years of his life. In Ron’s memory, we request you plant a tree, flower or vegetable. Donations to the Belles with Balls NL-Ovarian Cancer Research and Education NL, Heart and Stroke Foundation NL or Canadian Cancer Society NL would also be greatly appreciated.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, funeral and wake arrangements are altered. Limited visitation is Monday, July 27th, 2020 from 2:00-6:00 PM at Caul’s Funeral Home in TORBAY with a private funeral mass on Tuesday, July 28th, 2020, live stream will be made available via Facebook Live at The Holy Trinity, St. Agnes’, St. Michael’s Parishes Facebook Page.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ronald J Ryan 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Torbay, Province: T-N