Gerard "Jerry" Stanley Ryan

It is with deep sorrow that the family announce the passing of Gerard ‘Jerry’ Stanley Ryan — a dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Over the past 15 years, Jerry truly was a Huntington Warrior.

Born June 30, 1944 in St. John’s, NL, Jerry resided in Lourdes, in Port au Port West, Grand Falls, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL, and in Halifax, NS where he retired in 2008 after being diagnosed with Huntington Disease.

In 1964, he received a Certificate in Radio and Television Servicing from Washington, DC, and began working as an electronics technician. He owned and operated Jerry’s Radio and TV Sales and Service in Stephenville, NL. In the early 1970s, Dad studied in Philadelphia, USA. In 1989, he completed study at the College of Trades and Technology – Seal Cove Campus, NL, and was hired as an electrical instructor.

In 1966 he met Anne on St. Patrick’s Day, and they later wed in St. John’s, NL. They had 4 children, and for 10 years they were foster parents.

While living in Port au Port, Jerry volunteered at Our Lady of Mercy Church, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He liked to fish, grow vegetables, and play accordion.

In the early 1990s, Jerry began travelling across Canada on work contracts, beginning with the Hibernia project in Seal Cove, NL, and working in NB, ON, Fort McMurray, AB, and Halifax, NS. He also worked in the Republic of Turkey.

Jerry was predeceased by his wife of 57 years Annette (nee Gushue) of Port au Port, NL; parents Margaret (nee Benoit) and Stan Ryan, and his brother Robert Ryan. He is survived by his sons Robert and Steven (Katie), his daughters Deanna (Neil) and Patricia (Michael); grandchildren Christopher Ryan, Chantel and Cory Meister, Alexandra and Melanie Brothers. Also left to mourn are his three brothers, Bill (Ilona), Andy (Norma) and Jim (Kathy); and his five sisters Bernice, Maureen (David), Doreen (Don), Lorraine (Harvey), Patricia (Gilbert), and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry favoured traditional Newfoundland and Irish music very much, especially songs featuring accordion and fiddle. He honed his skills learning tunes on his Hohner accordion. His favourite songs were ‘Vive La Rose’ and ‘Christina’s Reel-Tootsie Wootsie’, by his Uncle Emile Benoit; and ‘Grey Foggy Day’, by Eddie Coffey. He enjoyed wood carving, and made several intricate pieces, including miniature Newfoundland killick anchors, and novelty souvenirs. In his later years, Jerry developed a keen interest in birds, especially cardinals, having the opportunity to observe them and many other species while residing at Sagewood.

A very special Thank You to the amazing staff at Sagewood Continuing Care in Sackville, NS, where Jerry resided on Cranberry Cottage for the past 8 1/2 years, for the care, compassion and support he received from CCAs, Nurses, Administration, Recreation Team and Therapists, Volunteers, Dr. MacDonald and Dr. Gobran. Jerry participated in the many activities offered, and is remembered fondly for his impish smile.

Sincere appreciation is extended to his team at the Neurological Clinic at QEII Hospital, especially Dr. Roger McKelvie, Dr. Sameh Hassan; and Barbara Horner, Huntington Society of Canada – Atlantic Region. We are very grateful for your advice, care and support.

On Saturday, June 8, a graveside service for Jerry will be held at 11 am, at Mount Olivet Cemetery Columbarium on Mumford Road, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 2 pm at Local Council of Women Halifax-George Wright House, 989 Young Avenue, in Halifax.

A gathering is being planned for family and friends to remember both Jerry and Anne, in the event hall at Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church Complex in Port au Port, Newfoundland, on Friday, August 16, 2024 from 6pm-9pm

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Huntington Society of Canada (huntingtonsociety.ca), Diabetes Canada (www.diabetes.ca), Cancer Research Society (societederecherchesurlecancer.ca/en), or Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church (www.ourladyofmercynl.com) in Jerry’s memory.

‘The song is ended, but the melody lingers on …’