Good men are born into this world with a desire to do well. They want to excel, leave their mark on the world, for themselves, and for those that love them. Sometimes the journey of life appears easy while the journey of others is a struggle from the beginning. But a true champion is the man who arrives at the end of his journey having learned the lessons from life. Bill Ryan is that kind of champion.
Bill Ryan was born into a kind of paradise for boys who love the outdoors. His parents lived in the various compounds that housed the workers and their families for the local power company. His love of nature and the earth’s magnificence was nurtured from his youth. It was his haven. It was his safe place. Home was often not a comfort to him in his young years. His mother struggled with mental health issues. In short, even though his father and mother loved him dearly, it was a place of emotional chaos. It was hard for Bill, the youngest of three boys. The elder sons were grown and moved out of the home years before Bill. He witnessed his mother’s struggle and his father’s frantic fight to keep a home and a job. His fishing pole and hunting rifle were his friends. He found the peace, beauty and tranquility he searched for, even in his later years.
Bill Ryan and his family eventually landed in the South High area. What he found in this neighborhood would change his life forever and into the eternities. He found Pat Fry. They were together from Junior High on. Dad was dashing and Mom was so beautiful but most important she was fun. They had wonderful days of cruising in his roadster, being with friends and falling in love. They married when they were 18 and 19 in the Salt Lake Temple.
Bill Ryan bounded into college and beyond. He had his own life to live and a lovely one to care for. They went to insurance school and he landed a great job in Salt Lake City with Aetna Life and Casualty. He now had the tools, the incentive to excel, and his beloved companion.
Bill Ryan was always the first to introduce himself and offer a firm handshake. He was a natural salesman and was charming and good looking. He could talk to anyone at any time. As the years have passed, we missed his fearless friendship to any one at any time. If you were someone who broke down on the side of the road, if you were lost or stranded or just in need of a listening ear and a bit of advice, he was there for you.
Bill Ryan was full of passion. Whether it be chasing bad guys in the neighborhood, stopping errant youths who were speeding in front of our home or chasing a deer down a mountainside, he was all in. He loved all the messy, dirty, wet, and muddy parts of hunting. It gave him a rush as well as the sense of accomplishment.
Bill Ryan also had passion for his most important people-- our beautiful mom and his kids. He loved teaching us to love the mountains, to respect nature, how to tie a fly, gut a fish and set up a proper camp. He loved getting in the 'Minnie-Winnie' and having Mom all to himself. We all treasure the time at Lake Powell on the good vessel, Pisces. He would cliff dive on ledges higher than believed head first. He taught us to enjoy the desert, siphon gas and he could snore so loud it echoed off the walls of Moki Canyon.
Bill Ryan showed us what good men do. They care for their wives when they can barely make toast themselves. They hold tight when their sweethearts get wobbly, they make the choice to follow her to assisted living even when that wasn't what they had in mind. Good men give blessings of release, hold their sweethearts’ hands while they pass. Good men wait for the day when they can join their soulmates.
Bill Ryan excelled in completing his struggle. He did the best with what was given to him.
Bill Ryan was a great man.
Thank you to Cottonwood Creek Living Center, Canyon Creek Living, Hillside Rehabilitation, Highland Care, and especially the Auberge/Silverado Community, Dr. Stephen Fehlauer, and Encompass Hospice. There are too many to name individually who have so beautifully cared for both Mom and Dad. You're not just caregivers, doctors or wonderful hospice workers. For us you are more. Because of your kind care, tender time with Dad, you are now part of our family. We will always love you.
We celebrate his life, we mourn his passing, and we are glad his limitations are over, and we rejoice in his reunion with mom. He passed away on November 14, 2019 in Millcreek, Utah of natural causes. Bill is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Fry Ryan. He is survived by his children and spouses; Tristan Shields, Curtis Ryan (Faith), Heidi Skanchy (Tony), Holly Decker (Drake), Craig Ryan (Julie), 14 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held Friday, November 22 from 6-8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 23 at 11 a.m. at the same location with a viewing one hour prior. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary.
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