Robert D Ryan

After a joy filled life of 93 years, our family regretfully says good-bye to Robert Daniel Ryan - loving husband and father. We were privileged by the blessings of God to share our lives with him. Robert was born May 10, 1928 in Newburgh, NY and spent his childhood between New York City, with his Mom, and Washingtonville, NY with his grandparents. During childhood he spent weekends sneaking in to Yankee Stadium or milking 200 dairy cows. Robert left home at 17, with his Mom’s permission, to join the United States Army Air Corps - later transitioning to the United States Air Force. His military life gave him opportunities to do many tasks, from mundane to unique. He served from the end of WW2, through the Korean War and Cold War periods. He fondly looked referred to his book of life as a series of chapters and eagerly moved forward in anticipation while preparing for the next chapter.

In his spare time, Robert always looked for the joy in life for himself, and others. While serving in Greenland, he did additional volunteer duties of working the Air Force Radio Station and running the slot machines for entertainment. In Panama, he helped with the hosting of celebrities visiting the installation. He was able to actually cut a few records (platters) for his personal use, including Joanie James whom he admired.

He never backed away way from a challenge. He was a master planner, project manager, and leader. While stationed in Japan in the 1950’s (during the time of the occupation), he was among the first American military members to marry a Japanese girl, live off-base, and had to fight the system up the rankings to bring his new wife - along with a homeless dog- back to the United States. While stationed in Oklahoma, they both learned the challenges of interracial marriage at the time when it was illegal in that state.

When his career took him to Kauai, they were only but a few of the non-locals in the area, but quickly became a part of the island’s fabric while working at Barking Sands. His giving attitude always opened doors of friendship and trust.

After retiring from his position with the ICBM Missile program in the United States Air Force at Vandenburg AFB, he worked for Kentron Electronics, worked closely with Boeing and went into Civil Service in California at Pillar Point/Point Mugu Naval Station, before retiring to Lake LA, CA. Retirement life was spent traveling around the United States and Canada as time allowed while always taking care of family, and finally settling down in Grovetown, GA for the last chapter of his journey.

Robert loved animals, and they loved him. His childhood pet was Petie the rabbit in addition to the family dog. On the farm in New York, he cared for the dairy cows. In his adult life, he cared for many dogs and cats, silver pheasants, peacocks/hens, ferrets, birds, fish and all the other strays that found a way to him.

We, the family are left behind to remember a man who never tired, no matter how hard the task. The past 6 years were his own hard fought battle with MDS blood cancer. With no cure, he stood up to the challenge, trying new treatments as they became available and was ready to place the worldly fight aside when the attempts became futile.

He was our rock, and we lovingly accept that God gave him a full life and blessed his peaceful passing. He will be forever remembered by his wife-Dorothy Claire; children, Karen (Mike) CA, Kelly-Shea (GA), Matthew/Crystal (GA), special children Adora, Tristan and Joey and his furbabies, Emily, Miss Callie and Gertie Lew; sisters-in-law, Colleen, Yvonne, Sheila and Patricia (and their families who all reside in Canada); nieces Eileen and Diane (both in New York); in addition to the circle of family and friends.

In honor of Robert’s memory, please consider donating blood or platelets to your local blood bank/Red Cross or a donation can be made to catscradlerescue.org, Dogwood Park Clinic, Dogwoodparkclinic.com or any organization that helps with the needs of our military. If so desired to send flowers, please use a local florist of Ladybugs, Martina's or Flowers on Broad. There are also other local florists you can choose from.