Roger Albert Ryer

Roger was a Christmas baby, born on December 25, 1939, in Barrington, Nova Scotia, to the late Burnley and Nora Ryer [Shand].

Roger was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Marlene Ryer [Schnare]; his sister Ruthie (Malcolm) Swim; his brothers Clinton (Jean) Ryer and Johnny Ryer.

He is survived by his children, Kimberley Ryer and Kevin (Samantha) Ryer; his three grandchildren, Brody, Jordan, and Ethan; his beloved cat “Kit”, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Roger was raised on the family homestead in Barrington, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. As a boy, he spent countless hours playing with his siblings, cousins, and friends. He enjoyed baseball, swimming, cowboys, slingshots, and dipping gaspereau (kiack) from the river. He had many fond memories of the annual family summer picnics in Upper Clyde River.

Growing up on the homestead also meant plenty of hard work. Roger spent many hours stacking fire wood, gardening, cutting hay, gathering eggs, hunting, and tending to cattle. These experiences shaped the hardworking man he would become.

As a young adult, Roger moved to Toronto, Ontario, where he worked as a specialty meat cutter for the Dominion grocery chain. Eventually, his love of home brought him back to Nova Scotia, where he entered the lobster-buying and shipping business alongside his brother Johnny Ryer, cousin Charlie Ryer, and dear family friend Sonny Fisher.

In 1971, Roger and Johnny established Ryer and Ryer Lobsters Ltd. in Indian Harbour, near Peggy’s Cove. It became a prominent name in the community and in the lobster industry.

Soon after Roger and the Ryer family were introduced to the Piet Verwijs family located in Yerseke, Netherlands by Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM).

Verwijs was looking for live lobster and KLM was looking for more freight. This relationship has lasted over 50 years and became a passion for Roger and Ryer Lobsters. Piet’s son Hanz and grandson Pieter have become close family friends.

Many of Roger’s relationships with fishers,customers and other dealers grew into cherished lifelong friendships, reaching from coast to coast and across the world. He especially enjoyed working alongside his family—Dean, Kim, Kevin, and Brody right up until his final days. Roger treated his employees with tremendous respect and kindness, always seeing them as part of the family.

Above all else, Roger loved spending time with the love of his life, Marlene. Together, they enjoyed playing weekly in the St. Margaret’s Bay Legion cribbage league, spending time in Sambro visiting his in-laws, travelling to their summer camp in New Ross, and many trips to the family homestead in Barrington.

Roger will be remembered for his hard work, his love of family, and his passion for lobster and cattle. With his unmistakable big smile and warm heart, he had a special way of making everyone feel welcome. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In keeping with Roger’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at Snow’s Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax NS B3S 0E1.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Roger’s memory may be made to Hope for Wildlife, a place that held special meaning to him.