Harry Francis Ryan

Harry F. Ryan was born in Malta, MT on September 23, 1931 to Rev. Harry and Versa Ryan. He was their only child. Being that Harry’s father was a minister, he was known as a “preacher’s kid”. His father and mother served churches in MT, OR, and WA so Harry lived in quite a few parsonages before heading off to George Fox College in Newberg, OR. Music was a big part of his life. He had a beautiful tone on the cornet and sang in the Seminars at Western Evangelical Seminary. He also directed numerous church choirs. While in seminary, he sang in the choir that performed at various churches throughout the Pacific Northwest. One of these churches happened to be where he saw a young lady who he thought was “pretty cute” and wanted to meet her. As it so happened, the brother of the young lady also sang in the group, so Harry was introduced to Marlene Harris and they started to date. Harry and Marlene were married, May 16, 1957 at Willamette Boulevard EUB Church where Harry directed the choir.

Harry’s career goal when he was a boy was to be a farmer, like his Grandpa Hopper. Instead, he heard the Lord calling him to shepherd the many members of the congregations he served.

Harry and Marlene started their life together as a couple and in their life of service to the Lord while Harry was finishing seminary. They first served Bethany Bible Church in Portland, OR. Upon graduation they were appointed to serve Beaver UMC. Their first child, Melodi, was born while serving there. From OR the family moved to IL and pastored churches in Woodbine, Smithfield, and Point Pleasant. Their twin sons, Jeffrey and Scott, were born while living in Smithfield.

The desire to farm was still a part of Harry’s make up and he took advantage of an empty field behind the Smithfield parsonage where he planted various vegetables. He would borrow a tractor from one of the local farmers, till the ground, and grow the best corn on the cob. He also drove school bus to supplement the family’s income.

Harry moved his family to AZ where he was appointed pastor of the Eloy First United Methodist Church. His extracurricular activities there were to serve as president of the local Lion’s Club and continue hosting the annual ecumenical turkey dinners to support the community and missions. From Eloy the family moved to Phoenix where Harry served as pastor of Desert West UMC. During that time Desert West and Brook’s Memorial Church merged to become Christ UMC where he co-pastored with Rev. Dennis Ramsey. From Christ UMC he went to Paradise Valley as an associate and played on their softball team. Harry’s last pastorate was Bethel UMC. He retired in 1997 after serving as a Methodist pastor for 40 years.

Harry was a friend to all he met. He never stopped being friendly. While Marlene shopped, he made cell phone calls to friends and family. If no one answered, he would find someone to chat with in the mall.

He will be greatly missed by Marlene, his wife of 65 years, his three children and their spouses, 5 grandchildren, extended family members and many friends. As a friend expressed, “He lived a loving and righteous life filled with incredible kindness. It was a blessing to know him.”