Obituary of Malcolm Francis Ryan
Dad read the Obituaries every morning to see if his name was there. So, Good Morning Dad, here it is –
Malcolm Francis Ryan, 85, of Portaupique, passed peacefully on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 in Debert Court. Born in Great Village, he was the son of the late Lyman and Violet (Blair) Ryan.
Except for his very later years, he worked full-time and part-time at the same time. Malcolm was most proud of his Service with the Navy and adorned his space with HMCS BONAVENTURE memorabilia. Known as “Mac” by Mom and family friends, he was also known as “Chuck” to his Shipmates and patrons of the various Junior Ranks and Officer Messes where he worked part-time as a Bartender. Upon retirement from the Military in 1976, he worked as a custodian at Lawrencetown and Middleton Regional High Schools. Malcolm was also a Commissionaire and hired himself out (along with Mom) to paint houses and other odd jobs.
“Dad loved Mom, his Navy days, picking marsh greens, fishing trout, and gathering bottles to pay for 4-wheeler gas.”
Wisdom was shared while shuffling cards and counting cribbage. He and Faye often visited or were visited by friends to play 45s. Dad was fond of going “30 for 60” or “Moose” (60 for 120, New Brunswick rules), drawing a fresh hand and pulling off a win. Wisdom was contained in wit. It was succinct, surprising, hilarious and best suited to outhouse walls. He built a life, family, cabins, bunkies, and hen houses, together with his loving wife, out of odds and ends that fit together well and had fun along the way.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Faye (Drew); children, Susan Crocker (Alden), New Albany; Christopher (Lorraine), Greenfield; Cindy Ryan (Mike Mackay), Portaupique; Scott, Charlottetown, PEI; Paulo (Loree Fox-Ryan), Italy Cross; siblings, June Wilson (Foster), Portaupique; Aubrey (Susan), Truro; David (Margaret), Hilden; Barbara Ryan, Great Village; grandchildren, Billy, Adrienne, Adam, Nicholas, Ceara, Aiden, Shawna, and Kyle; step-grandchildren, Jordan, Ethan, Mason, Keira, and Tyler; great-grandchildren, Russell, Angus, Everly, Fraser, Olivia, Kenzie, Charlee Mac, Harlow, Bentley, and Emmett.
In addition to his parents, Malcolm was predeceased by siblings, James, Etta, Everett, Merle, and Richard; and grandson, Shane.
The family is grateful for the care and attention Dad received at the Debert Court Nursing Home. Siblings recognize the astonishing level of attention and care provided by our sister, Cindy, upon whom Dad relied as courier, taxi, admin assistant and selfless, loving daughter.
A Graveside Memorial and Committal will be held in Nova Scotia’s Valley in the Valley Crossroads Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation and/or the Diabetes Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).
