It is with heavy hearts that we, the family announce the peaceful passing of Don Ryan, on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born in Sydney, August 20, 1944 and was the son of the late Max and Marguerite (Reader) Ryan.
Don was raised in Whitney Pier however; his love of boats and the sea inspired him to leave home at an early age. He loved to share stories about his seafaring days with his family and friends. Following this period he returned to Cape Breton and married the love of his life, Gloria McInnis.
He went to work for Sydney Steel plant for 30 years in the mechanical department. He had a great work ethic and took pride in working hard and providing for his family until ill health forced him to retire in 2000.
Following his retirement, Don enjoyed taking trips, spending time with his family, reading, watching his grandson and going for short drives in his truck to look at the harbor and watch for boats coming in.
Don served on the Board of Directors of the Steel City Credit Union and the Whitney Pier Community Rink. He was also very involved with Steel City Minor Hockey for 20 years. He thoroughly enjoyed taking his son, Jason to the rink and watching him playing hockey as he grew up. Don served in many different capacities helping the teams his son played for, as well as serving on the executive for many years as Treasurer. Don made many friends in the rinks. He also was an avid Eagle fan and enjoyed attending the games.
Don will be sadly missed by his wife, Gloria and his two children, Kari Lynn , Sydney and Jason (Lisa), Fredericton, NB and grandson, Max whom he truly adored. Don is also survived by his brothers, Bob (Lynn Skeard), Sydney, Wayne (Margaret Munro), Goose Cove, Barry (Lynne Leslie) Comox, BC; sisters, Sharon (Terry) Donovan and Shirley (Phil) Lundrigan, AB. He is also survived by sister and brother in-laws, Raymond and Sheila Geddes, Patricia and Gerald Caracci, Peter and Shirley McInnis, Chris and Ruth McInnis and Terry MacKenzie.
He was predeceased by a nephew, Christopher Ryan and niece, Terri Lynn Ryan.
Memorial Service for the late Don Ryan will be celebrated at the Pier Community Funeral Home, All Faith Chapel, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Monday, June 28, 2010. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 9-11 a.m. with memorial service to follow with Rev. Maggie Coleman officiating. Reception will be shared after the service. Interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Don’s memory may be made to the Autism Society of Cape Breton, palliative care or to RIGHT-TO-PLAY.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of the Pier Community Funeral Home.
Don will be mainly remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to all.
“May you sail again on calm seas”
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