Francis (Frank) Joseph Ryan, born February 27, 1933 in Sydney, Cape Breton. He was the son of the late Jack and Mary (McNeil) Ryan. Being a true Cape Bretoner, he always had a story. Frank spent his younger years living in Iona and Sydney where he drove a horse-drawn milk wagon. Eventually he made his way to Toronto where he worked odd jobs. Frank later moved back to Nova Scotia, settling in Bible Hill, where he put down his roots and became employed at Stanfield’s. He also had a side job as a crossing guard with his wife, Debbie.
Frank met Debbie at the legion, where they spent their weekends cutting up the
dance floor. They made Bible Hill their home and settled to build their life with their daughter,
Robyn. Family was always important to Debbie and Frank. Many weekends were spent with
their family, and kitchen parties were always their favorite time where they would dance the night away with Donna (Jim) Whidden, Bonnie (Mike) MacSwain and Sherry (Big Rob) McCallum.
Frank enjoyed many things in life, but his grandchildren – and extended grandchildren
were the best part for him. Connie (Steve) Lumsden gave him his grandson, Jason, who
shares his enthusiasm for wrestling. Robyn gave him his granddaughters, Brittany (Jon)
Brown, Mirandya and Madison (aka, the girls) and his extended granddaughter, Nichole
(Lexie, Levi and Brandy).
Once retired, Frank took on volunteering for the Colchester Food Bank and played Santa
for many years. This also turned into yearly Christmas Eve trips with his good friend and elf,
Randy Cavanaugh, where multiple nips of moonshine kept the sleigh moving to the many
children’s homes.
After his wife Debbie passed, Frank went for a sleepover with Robyn. This is where
home would be for the 10 years, living with Robyn and her husband, Greg. Living here
also kept him young, watching his girls with all their comings and goings, and always
amused by the “get ups” and complimenting them on them as well.
Frank looked forward to his weekly visits from Donna when she would bring him his
stack of break-open tickets. His weekend parties at home would involve playing along with his spoons with Warren, Donnie and his nephew Dennis, playing guitar.
Frank’s chain of grand daughters continued to grow when Brittany and Jon gave him
his great grand daughters, starting with the oldest, Lennox, then Laken and his namesake,
Lainey Josephine. Frank’s girls all took care of him and were with him until his last breath on Friday October 8, 2021.
Frank is survived by his sister, Gertie, brother, Jackie and a large extended family
with too many to name. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Debbie and grandson
Brandyn Cavanaugh, sisters Louise and Christina, brothers Harold and Bobby.
Cremation will be taking place. A graveside service for Frank and Debbie will be held
Friday, October 15, 2021 at 3:00pm in Bible Hill Cemetery located at 41 Warren Drive, Bible
Hill. Masks Required.
On-line condolences may be made at: www.ColchesterCommunity.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Francis ‘Frank’ Joseph Ryan Friday October 8th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia