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ROBERT KEITH RYAN
Born: Feb 24, 1931
Date of Passing: Jan 01, 2021
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ROBERT KEITH RYAN
Predeceased by his wife Colleen in 2019; and siblings, Margaret, Herb and Jim, he is survived by his children, Sheilagh, Nancy (Marc Arbez), Neill (Lisa Pilkington) and Chris (Renee); and grandchildren, Pierre and Jacques Arbez, Haley and Keira Ryan and Ethan and Cole Matthews.
Family was very important to Keith and he loved the opportunity to visit with all his various relations at his and Colleen's Rosser home.
Keith was born in Winnipeg on February 24, 1931, the first child of Ed and Edna Ryan of Rosser, Manitoba. He went to Prairie Star and Little Mountain schools, sometimes being taught by his Aunt Dorothy Ryan. It was during these formative years that Keith developed strong friendships and a strong sense of belonging to the farming community. He often spoke endearingly of how he could ride his pony to school and skate on the creek next to the house all the way to the Turbett's home. High school was at Gordon Bell High School in Winnipeg and then it was on to the University of Manitoba. Lifelong friends were made at both those educational institutions. Keith also studied the violin, played for many years and maintained an interest in classical music through his life.
Keith's family belonged to Sparling United Church in Winnipeg and he met Colleen McKendry at the church's Young People's group. Keith and Colleen were married at Sparling in 1954 and, after a short time living in Winnipeg, they moved to the Rosser house built by Keith's paternal grandparents in the early 1900s.
Keith was a proud Manitoba farmer through good times and bad, from the time of working together with his father to operating a much larger farm with sons, Neill and Chris. He was just at ease in a suit attending a board meeting as he was in his overalls sitting in his combine. As a young farmer he became involved in the Farmer's Union followed by Red River Co-op. He later joined the board of the Winnipeg Airport Authority, as well as on the local Liberal Party association. He could be relied upon to pen letters or voice concerns regarding local and national issues that affected the farmer's way of life.
Throughout his life he felt that he was the most fortunate person in the world and he demonstrated a deep generosity to his family, neighbors and communities. Keith was willing to share what he had with others. His generosity was only surpassed by his ability to make friends. His smile, genuine curiosity and open mindedness allowed him to make friends in all corners of the world. He will be missed by many people.
The family would like to acknowledge the special care that Mafi and Nelia gave to Keith over the last two years.
A day of celebration will be held when we are once again able to gather together.
Flowers gratefully declined, but donations to Siloam Mission would be appreciated by the family.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 09, 2021
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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My Sympathies to the family. Phone calls, lunches out & farm visits at his and our place were always a good memory. Keith would need something for his Walker Mower. Keith was always going to go back to live on the farm yet, but I guess it wasn't meant to be. One time when we were with Keith & Colleen - they were in total glee when we took them to the Farm House Cafe in Rosenort - which is actually the house that my maternal Grandfather grew up in. Good food and a good chat was enjoyed by the four of us. He was always a good customer - always paid his bills and never short changed me. Thanks for the friendship - Posted by: David Hiebert (Customer & Friend) on: May 20, 2021
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I knew Keith and his family from a very young age as my Grandfather and later my father and Uncle both worked for him on the farm in the 60s/early 70s. He would often take me on trips to the city. My 1st visit to the WPG Airport was a trip with him to see the planes land and take off. The last time I saw him was 2 1/2 years ago at my Father’s Memorial service and had a very nice visit with him. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Rick Byron (Friend ) on: Jan 25, 2021
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Its never easy to lose someone you've known for so long, someone you consider family. Keith, was a very grounded and logical individual. A farmer through and through, a man who put family, friends and life above all else. A man of great integrity and heart. Some of my earliest memories are of Keith and my father having coffee in a restaurant we own in the area. At my fathers funeral two tears ago I said I would never look at that business the same again after Keith is gone, and sadly that day came. As sure as the sun rises and sets, so was seeing Keith pull up to have his coffee. I learned many pearls of wisdom in the time I knew him, and my life was made better because I knew him. I'm sure Keith, Colleen and my dad are having coffee now somewhere. My condolences to the entire Ryan family, its been a hard couple of years for both our families, but I'm blessed to have known them for as long as I did. - Posted by: Nick Stamatis (Friend) on: Jan 20, 2021
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Sorry to hear about the passing of Keith. He was a lovely man. Mom and Dad (Jean and Jack Oatway) always spoke fondly of your father. - Posted by: Karen and Brian Kolosky (Family friend ) on: Jan 15, 2021
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Our thoughts and prayers to the family at this sad time. - Posted by: Emil & Katie Hoas (Friend ) on: Jan 11, 2021
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Sorry to hear of the passing of Keith. I always enjoyed our visits when he came to the Rosser elevator and was honored to have him as a client. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time. Sincerely, Dean and Donna Couvier - Posted by: Dean and Donna Couvier (Friend and client ) on: Jan 10, 2021
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Although we did not spend much time with Keith it was obvious that he cared deeply for his family and will be greatly missed. We grieve for your loss and offer our heartfelt condolences. May the many good memories you have sustain you during this time. - Posted by: Paulina Boulet and Wayne MacDonald (Sister-in-law and brother in law to Sheilagh) on: Jan 10, 2021
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I have known Keith since I was a young man while working at north west auto. He would drop off the old ranchero at the shop , he would tell me stories heading to and from the farm after dropping off his car for repairs. Interesting man who always had words of wisdom and discussed issues around his community. As I got older I would drop by just to chat , he always had time to ask about my work and ask about his old friend Dennis Taylor... Always ask if I had time for lunch at Oakpoint if Dennis was around off to lunch we went ...A great man and he will be surly missed . May he RIP My condolences to the entire Ryan family.. - Posted by: James Naylor (Long term friend ) on: Jan 09, 2021
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I am sad to hear that Keith has passed, but is is back with Colleen. I will always miss his smiling face and the conversations we would have on my trips to Winnipeg. Keith always enjoyed the home made rootbeer we would make at the Railway when we visited. I will miss not getting to see him again. Our sympathy goes out to his family. - Posted by: Whit Johnson (Friend) on: Jan 09, 2021
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I met Keith during my time at Hi-Tech Hydraulics. He was a true gentleman. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Kathie Bartel (Business) on: Jan 09, 2021
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I met Keith during my time at Hi-Tech Hydraulics. He was a true gentleman. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Kathie Bartel (Business) on: Jan 09, 2021
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My dad and your dad were on the Red River Coop board for many years. When your mom and dad would come to our farm many topics were discussed. The last few years that I brought gas to your dad he would always come out and have a little chat. He was always a wealth of information. Our sincere condolences to all the family. - Posted by: Kevin McMullan (Friend) on: Jan 09, 2021