Robert Lee Ryan

Papa grew up on a farm in Gooding, Idaho with three brothers and four sisters. He married Bonita Roberts on November 9, 1947 and had a wonderful marriage for 59 years. Together they raised three boys in Twin Falls, Idaho. Papa worked for

the Idaho Power Company for 16 years and then entered the ministry as pastor of the Eastgate Missionary Baptist Church, in Walla Walla, Washington in August of 1968. This began the work that he loved so much. He served the Lord there until August of 1995 when he retired and moved to Olympia to live with his son Randy and family. Papa loved to garden and was known for his abilities as a master gardener. But most important to him were his Savior Jesus Christ, and his family.

“Occasionally, out of our sea of acquaintances one rises above the normal who is worthy of greatness. Robert Ryan is one of those persons. His right to fame lies not in his ability to make profound statements nor to perform outstanding feats, but in the steady dependability that makes one trustworthy. Robert only pastored one church – for twenty seven years. He served as Clerk Treasurer for the Northwestern Association of Missionary Baptists for fifty years, leaving that post in 2010 for health reasons. He was chosen the original Clerk/Treasurer of the Northwestern Loan Association which post he held until retiring in 2010. The Northwestern Association opened the Northwest Youth encampment in 1966. In 1969, Robert Ryan volunteered to do the cooking for camp. He, along with his wife Bonita and the volunteers, mostly from the Eastgate Missionary Baptist Church of Walla Walla, served in this position through 1996, a mere twenty seven years. Robert never demanded attention. He didn’t strive to be a leader, but in his low key, down to earth demeanor and his consistent faithfulness to whatever task was laid upon him, he earned the love and respect of those who were privileged to work with him.”

Papa is survived by one brother, Conard Ryan of Dallas, Texas, two sons, Ron (Shiree) Ryan of Polson, Montana, Randy (Mariann) Ryan of Olympia, Washington, 9

grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Bonita Ryan and his son Basil (Sue) Ryan.

A memorial service is schedule to take place on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at Sunbreak Missionary Baptist Church 7722 Yelm Hwy SE, Olympia, WA.