Richard Owen Ryan's Obituary
Rick was born in Santa Cruz, California on October 14, 1938 and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family March 1, 2006 after a 2 1/2 year courageous battle with lung cancer. Always the optimist, Rick fought to the end never losing his smile or sense of humor. RickÂ's final wish to be baptized was fulfilled on February 25, 2006.Rick was a Tacoma area resident since 1949 having attended Fern Hill Elementary, Stewart Junior High and Lincoln High School. Rick was a longshoreman for over thirty years and a proud member of the I.L.W.U. Prior to his retirement in 2003, Rick was voted by his peers to serve in the distinguished position of dispatcher for the local longshoremen union hall.In his free time Rick enjoyed fishing, hunting, NASCAR, socializing with friends and traveling. Rick especially looked forward to his annual trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with his brother Barry and friends as well as spending time with his family during Christmas, his favorite holiday.Rick was preceded in death by his father Oliver Owen Ryan and his mother Vivienne (Ryan) Grout. Rick is survived by his aunt, Virginia Reed, Sacramento, CA; brother Barry Ryan, Spokane, WA; and his daughters Maureen Ryan, Newport Beach, CA, Karri Ryan, Billings, MT and Shelley Ryan, Tacoma, WA. Rick is also survived by numerous cousins and a multitude of friends.Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 in the Mountain View Valley Chapel. Reception to follow at the AMVETS Hall, 5717 S. Tyler Street.The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made in RickÂ's name to Â"The Association for Roy YouthÂ", c/o P.O. Box 398, Roy, WA 98580. (A division of Boys/Girls Clubs of America).
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