Clifford Ryan

Clifford passed peacefully on July 26, 2013 at the age of 89 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa after a fall and brief illness. Pre-deceased by his wife of 65 years, Ruth (Hobbs) Ryan. Loving father of Marilyn Simpson (Rick), Fred, Neil (Diane), Sharon, and Brenda Jeffs (John). Lovingly remembered by his 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchilden. Dear brother of Rachel (Viney) Ryan of Ottawa.

Cliff was born in 1924 and grew up in Birchy Cove on the beautiful but harsh shores of Newfoundland, the son of a fisherman/WWI veteran. Cliff spoke fondly of his life in Newfoundland and taught all of his children and grandchildren to appreciate their Newfoundland roots.

Cliff worked a variety of jobs in his youth, including carpentry, cab driving and cable installation. Cliff met a pretty teacher from a neighbouring town, Ruth Hobbs, and married her in 1947. In 1950 Cliff and Ruth moved to Oshawa, Ontario to start a family and a new life. Through persistence, Cliff obtained at job at General Motors and worked there for 31 years until his retirement in 1982.

Despite the lack of educational opportunities in 1940's Newfoundland, Cliff was an intelligent man. He always knew just the right way to get a job done, often creating his own tool or gadget in the process. Cliff’s hard work and appreciation for the value of a dollar allowed him to build a wonderful home and cottage for his family. His passion for the cottage on Pigeon Lake is shared by all in his family and by many friends who have visited. Many hours were spent enjoying the company of friends around a card table, at a dance or out in the duck blind every fall.

Cliff passed on to his family a love of the outdoors, the ability to laugh at oneself, to work hard, respect others and not judge. Most importantly, he taught all of them how to be great parents, aunts, uncles and recently, grandparents. He adored children and always went out of his way to create happy memories.

Cliff always said the love and happiness he received from time with his grandchildren "kept him going". They were the light of his life and his pride and joy. Their memories of fun times with “Poppy” or “Grampys” will last a lifetime.

A private family burial will be held at Ebenezer Cemetery on August 2, 2013.