Daniel Joseph Ryan, of Grand Rapids, went peacefully to Heaven on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 after a courageous battle against cancer. He was 54 years old. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack & Liz Parsh and Thomas & Evelyn Ryan and his beloved Uncle David.
Dan was born to his parents, Bob and Jackie Ryan, on November 27, 1969. Dan was a high-energy child who often sought out adventure. As a child, his mother often said, “If he was my first, he would have been my last”. He could be found riding his bike as far as Holland State Park from the Northeast side Grand Rapids at age 10, or swimming in the middle of Lake Michigan off his dad’s sailboat. Throughout childhood, Dan created life-long friends, who he continued to work with and spend time with throughout his adult life.
Dan graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central in 1987 and continued his education at GRCC and Ferris State University where he earned a degree in Diesel Mechanics. However, Dan’s ambitions were not limited by his degree. He worked in many trades over the years, including teaching adults with special needs at Lincoln School, as a hot dog vendor in downtown Grand Rapids and as a carpenter. Many will often remember Dan sharing his hotdogs downtown with hungry people or engaged in a construction project. His career in carpentry ultimately led him to a project manager position at Architectural Glass and Metal (AGM). His illness caused him to retire in 2023. We are forever grateful to AGM and its employees who stood by Dan until the very end. Dan left his mark on many commercial projects in West Michigan as well as home remodels in the area.
Dan’s favorite place on this Earth was his cottage on North Lake in Baldwin, Michigan. There he was surrounded by friends, family, food, and adventures. He was often found grilling and making sure there was enough food for anyone to join. He enjoyed kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing on the Lake with his family and grandson. As a young adult he could be found on his motorcycle on the back trails. As he matured, he traded in his two-wheeler for a safer, family friendly jeep so his grandson could join him on rides. He was playful and athletic and could even do a headstand on his paddleboard when asked. Dan was curious and positive and always saw the best in every situation. This attitude carried on through to his final moments when he left his earthly body unafraid and with a curiosity to explore the other side of eternity.
Dan is survived by his wife Katie of 16 years; his children Dani, Andy (Chelsea), Katelynn, and Elizabeth, and his grandson Joe Cool. He is also survived by his parents Bob and Jackie Ryan; his siblings, Timothy (Linda) Ryan, James (Julie) Ryan, and Susan (Mark) Schumaker; his mother and father in-law, Dave and Mary Kirvan; in-laws Amanda (Marc) Kroll, John Kirvan, Rachel (Percy) Neyra, Matthew (Melissa) Kirvan, many close friends including Shawn Lemm and Ken Inman, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Dan, born on Thanksgiving Day, leaves us all thankful for his kindness, love, and generosity. As Dan bravely faced his transition onto hospice care, he reminded us that “this is not the end” Though life on earth must conclude, Dan’s spirit lives eternally with Jesus Christ in Heaven.
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