Joseph Patrick John Ryan

Age 88, passed away suddenly on May 30th while surrounded by family in Camp Hill Veterans’ hospital. Joe was born on June 16, 1925 in Halifax, where he lived most of his life. He was the son of Joseph Patrick Ryan and Helen Madelyn (Gummels).

In his early years, Joe was a member of the Saint Patrick’s Social Club and later the Saint Joseph’s CYO. It was here that he met his future wife, Barbara, when they performed in the play Peg O’ My Heart. He served overseas in England from 1944-1946 with the RCAF. Joe worked in the insurance business for all of his working life. Family was paramount and he was blessed with a close and active extended family. Joe was the quintessential Frank Sinatra fan. He was smitten as a teenager and never lost his passion for “Ol’ Blue Eyes”. His love of jazz pulled a close second with an “ear” that could name any tenor sax player after only a few bars. Joe also derived great pleasure following baseball and hockey during his lifetime. In recent years, he treasured his time with the “coffee boys” in mornings at Halifax Shopping Center. They nurtured his gregarious spirit and provided a sounding board of kindred souls.

He is survived by his son Richard Joseph, (Sherry), Middleton NS, sister Marguerite (Micky) Ryan, (Dartmouth NS), Sister-in-law, Nancy Greene, brother-in-law and best friend, James Power, brother-in-law William Kiley, (Dartmouth NS), grandsons Daniel, (Halifax) Michael (Katherine) (Wolfville NS) step-grandson Nicholas Hynes (Trevor) (Tantallon NS) He was predeceased by his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Barbara Mary Power, brothers George (Bus) and Cyril (Bud), brothers-in-law: Donald, Paul, Courtney, sisters-in law: Doris, Margaret and Carolyn.

Visitation will be held in J. A. Snow Funeral Home 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax, NS 2-4 and 6-8 Monday, June 2. 2014. Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Benedict Parish, Halifax on Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 at 10:30 am. Cremation has taken place under the direction of the Snow’s Funeral Home. Family Flowers only. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Society or Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Joe showed remarkable strength and courage through several health challenges during recent years, but when the time came, he embraced his passing so that he could be once again with his beloved, Barbara. Interment will be in the Gate of Heaven columbarium. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the palliative care team and the nurses, staff and comrades of Camp Hill Veterans’ unit.