TIMOTHY JAMES RYAN

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TIMOTHY JAMES RYAN Tim passed away September 13, 2017, after a brief illness, at the age of 76. He is survived by Mary Louise, his wife of 55 years, and their three daughters: Kathleen (Sean Strong), Jennifer (Peter Sigurdson) and Kerry (Jeope Wolfe). Tim also leaves his grandchildren Anna, Duncan and Scout; his brother Russ, sister-in-law Barbara, and their children; as well as cousins near and far. He was predeceased by his parents Jim and Norma. Tim was a man of integrity with a strong sense of responsibility to his family, friends and community. He was always ready to help anyone who asked. Tim greeted everyone with his cheery smile and quick wit. He loved to discuss local politics, offer an opinion on almost anything, and cuddle babies (as he was doing in the photo above). Tim believed in hard work and commitment; family lore has it that he never missed a day of work for illness. Tim's meticulous nature and head for numbers served him well as a Chartered Accountant for more than five decades. He spent the last years of his career as an instructor in Business Administration at Assiniboine Community College in Brandon, which proved to be the most rewarding period of his working life. Tim retired in 2002 only to take on more work than ever before - as a volunteer. Most recently, he shared his time and talents with the Irish Association of Manitoba, Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir, various scholarship committees, and the Western Canada Aviation Museum. He was also active in the community life on the street where he and Mary Louise lived for more than 50 years, organizing block parties, Manitoba Marathon relay teams, Christmas caroling to benefit the Christmas Cheer Board, and helping neighbours in need. Tim and Mary Louise explored their Celtic roots on trips to Ireland and Scotland, socializing at the Irish Club, taking in the Celtic Colours music festival in Cape Breton, and perhaps enjoying a pint or two of Guinness. They spent summers at Penneberries, their cottage in Whytewold, where their girls have fond memories of bonfires, canoe adventures, and card games on the verandah. Recently, winter ski trips to Fernie were replaced by warmer getaways to Portugal. A third-generation Winnipegger, Tim maintained an encyclopedic knowledge of local history and geography (specializing in River Heights, Eaton's, and the best way to get somewhere during rush hour), which he was delighted to employ in conversation. Always a Bombers fan, he cheered for the Blue and Gold in his final days in hospital. As a close family friend commented just after Tim's passing, "without a doubt, all his books are balanced and his accounts are paid." Tim's family would like to thank the staff of the Grace Hospital, fifth floor. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Tim has asked that friends consider a gift to CancerCare Manitoba (675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9).

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 16, 2017