Obituary of William Douglas Ryan

William (Bill) Douglas Ryan, 79, of St. Marys, ON passed peacefully surrounded by his family’s love at 1:44 pm on Friday November 24, 2023.

Welcomed to Heaven with love by his Grandson William (Will) Anthony Simons, Parents, William (Bill) and Alice (Flannery) Ryan, Mother- and Father-in-law, Dennis (Bud) and Madeleine (Reynolds) McMahon, Brother-in-law Maurice McMahon, and his best friend Joey Maloney who passed when they were 16 years old, as well as several cherished family members and friends.

Survived by his loyal and loving Wife of almost 60 years, Anna Marie (McMahon),  Son, Michael (Lisa), Daughter, Katie (Matt) Simons, adored Grandchildren, Shane, Shannon, Cameron, Kasen, Luke, William, August, Nicholas, Veronica, Owen, Jack and Annalise, Brother Terrance (Terry), Brothers- and Sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Bill, affectionately known as Billy in his early years, was born and raised in St. Columban, ON. Bill farmed alongside his parents and brother, living without hydro and indoor plumbing for many years. Bill loved to play hockey and was involved in 4H. He proudly shared with his Grandsons that he played in Young Canada Week in Goderich, ON! Bill moved to Kitchener, ON when he was just 16 where he worked in automotive and construction and began to forge his own way in life. Bill loved a good party and wasn’t afraid to crash them. In 1964, he did just that, and met the love of his life, Anna, when he popped over to introduce himself and get involved in the card game that was going on. Bill and Anna married on June 12, 1965 and welcomed their first child, Michael in 1966. Bill continued to work in automotive supplies and began his first business in the 1970s. Bill loved to watch his son play sports, enjoyed travelling, snowmobiling, and camping. In the early 1980s Bill began trucking full time as an Owner Operator. He enjoyed travelling throughout North America and always had many pictures and stories to tell! In 1985, Bill and Anna welcomed their second child Katie, and began the process of parenting again! In the 1990s Bill took some risks and began his own Trucking Company - owning a fleet of 9 trucks - his pride and joy. Bill made many great friends through trucking, who became his family, too. With the new millennium, came many health challenges that Bill took in stride and fought through with bravery and determination. Through his Will to survive, he saw graduations, weddings, births, and all the regular days in between. He even learned how to use a Smart Phone! Bill will be remembered for his great sense of humour, his never-ending stories, the time he always had for a chat, his avid love for the Toronto Maple Leafs and his great love for his family. 

Thank you to St. Marys Memorial Hospital, CCAC, the Alzheimer’s Society, St. Marys Mobility, Friendship Centre, VON Nurses, Action Health Care, Dr. Donaldson and the team of compassionate and loving Nurses, PSWs, Recreation Staff of Kingsway Lodge, and Community Supports who gave Dad the best care and a great final stretch of life. 

Visitation at the Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home, 47 Wellington St. S. St. Marys, on Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 4 to 6 pm, followed by a private family service.

Memorial donations may be made to the

Alzheimer Society
1020 Ontario St #5, Stratford, ON N5A 6Z3

or the Parkinson Society
4096 Meadowbrook Dr #123, London, ON N6L 1G4

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