Obituary of Michael Dennis Ryan

<p>RYAN, MICHAEL DENNIS- It is with deep sadness that the family of Mike Ryan announce his death on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at the Dr. V.A. Snow Centre, following a period of failing health. Mike was the loving husband of Mary Eleanor (nee Regan) for 53 years. Mike was born in Newcastle, N.B. (the beautiful Miramichi) on March 29, 1927 to the late Annie B. (nee Whalen) and the late James W. Ryan.</p> <p>Mike is survived by two of his sisters Mary (late Eugene) Bowlen and Genevieve (Marc) Langis, and a brother Joseph Ryan.He is predeceased by a sister Catherine (late Gordon) Cook. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Dr. Bud Regan (late Shirley) and his sister-in-law Pauline (Bill) Boucher.Mike is well-loved by his seven children and their spouses; Rosemary (Stephen) Wilson, Nancy Ryan-Henderson (John Henderson), Eleanor Ryan (Richard Mungall), Janice Ryan, Maureen (Joe) Mason, Kathleen (Colin) Grant, Michael (Carolyn McGinnis) Ryan.Mike was very proud of and engaged in the lives of his fifteen grandchildren; Gregory Ryan, Bridget Collrin,Geoff and Brendan Wilson, Nell and Byron Henderson, Luke Mungall,&nbsp; Shannon and Sarah Mason, Nick, Alex and Danny Grant, and Searlait, Maghnus and Mairead Ryan, as well as his nieces, nephews and close friends.</p> <p>Mike had been a CNR policeman for 34 years, after serving in the RCAF. Mike was an active sports enthusiast; participating in his early years in boxing, basketball and marksmanship, in his middle to later years in tennis, swimming, skating and badminton, and in his last years as champion of his grandchildren's endeavours. Mike was inducted into the NB Tennis Hall of Fame as a "builder" this past July.Mike's faith and family were center to his life. His love of music and humour, walking his dog, and talking to friends, colleagues, neighbours and family were his favourite pastimes. He took great pride in his Irish heritage. Mike was a devout parishioner of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for more than 50 years and a member of the Legion of Mary under Father Phillip's direction.</p> <p>Resting at Fitzpatrick's Funeral Home, 100 Waterloo Street, Saint John,visiting hours will be held on Monday, August 2, 2010, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm.with a Mass on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 12: 05 pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery. If a charitable donation is being considered in Mike's memory, the family would appreciate donations to the Dr. V.A.Snow Centre. The family would like to thank the caregivers of the Dr. V.A. Snow Centre for their kindness and compassion. A special note of thanks to Beverly Saunders who provided our father with such warm and good-natured assistance. <br /><br /></p>