In and of itself grieving is never fun, however, the memories shared and history told lend a continuity to the continuation of the life lost. Francis Patrick Ryan was to me; a protector, antagonist, coach, and a model of independence. He could think, act, and speak for himself. As I reminisce they are traits I admire.

Impact, drive, ambition, independence, compassion, a giving heart...

Words can fill a whole page, but may the words be told of his story that all who met Pat can tell.

The physical life is finite, may his infinite life be in God's House. 

Like all my deceased family; parents, John and Patricia, brothers Kevin, Joe and Tim may their infinite lives be a continuation in God's House.

May all who encountered Patrick be blessed with health, prosperity and happiness. If your self improvement program has room, incorporate some of Patrick's traits. Of course, the good ones and those you admire about him. My, I cannot recount any bad or negative traits, as he was a master at improving, for he loved the cultivation of his relationships, and in them he was teachable. Thank you Patrick.

Respectfully,

Mike Ryan (brother)

Dear Sean Ryan,

I have been deeply chocked by the death of your Father Patrick Ryan. I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this very difficult times. I am at a loss for words during this sorrowful time. Please know that I am thinking of you deeply and praying for peace and comfort from our God. Please accept our most sincere sympathies for the loss of your Father, a friend of mine who hosted me several times during my fundraising visits in Olympia, Washington State. May the prayers of all people who love you bring solace to you and your entire family. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. May our loving God continue to comfort you and your family.

Patrick Ryan your father had a Big Heart of Compassion in Action, a Big Heart of generosity to help those in need.

We will be and remain very grateful to him for who he was for our school in Burundi, myself and my family. Attached are pictures showing few of many things that he did for our school and community in Burundi. Please, read the message below.

Prosper Ndabishuriye

General Coordinator of JRMD



FRIENDS HELPING US MEET THE NEEDS

OF IWACU KAZOZA SCHOOL

Happily, I would like to let you know that Patrick Ryan, my host from April 1st-May 20th, 2014, donated 10 laptops to Iwacu Kazoza School. These 10 laptops will greatly contribute to help provide good education to the 450 students, schooling at Iwacu Kazoza School. I am very grateful to him.

Iwacu Kazoza School still needs 10 more computers to help provide a qualitative education to those children who could not have access to education without your help, and the help from friends, and friends of friends.

To know and learn more about Iwacu Kazoza School, please visit the following link: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/providing-education-to-450-youths-in-ruhagarika/

Once again, thanks to friends and friends of friends who continue to make possible the education of 450 students, schooling at Iwacu Kazoza School.

Prosper Ndabishuriye

General Coordinator and Founder

Pat’s uncanny way of engaging in conversation with the mantra of :“I don’t need to know more than you, I just need to know as much as you do” was what attracted me to pursue his friendship. Through friendly competition we made the best of our interaction by giving each other tidbits of our expertise. Diving was the glue that kept us in contact. I admired his thirst for knowledge and his tenacity to acquire it.
He will be greatly missed by his beloved family as well as the hearts of all souls that he touched with his cycling endeavors. I will missed my friend and an amazing ambassador of the underwater world.

Pat rode his bike across the country! He wrote detailed logs about his trip and sent them to a group of people via email. I actually saved them all and pasted them into a document to share with Pat which he really appreciated. He said he really didn't think anybody cared about his story. Pat made an impact on the world with his many fundraising bike rides, swims, mountain climbs, and just plain writing a check. He started the Class of 1977 Endowment at Providence and encouraged other alums to support it. Pat was fun, smart, and interesting........I miss him. 

Among the many causes Pat passionately pursued, he made a lasting impression on his Providence High School Class of 1977 by doggedly encouraging classmates to contribute to the class endowment fund which would serve as a resource for financial assistance to future PHS families. Pat believed everyone could give something to the effort, and couldn't understand why some people didn't or wouldn't contribute. He wanted to make the world a better place and thought each of us should leave some type of legacy for those coming after. PHS Class of 1977, you lost a good one. May his light shine on through the help that future Pioneers will receive as a result of Pat's dedication and persistence. Rest in peace, Pat.

Hello Sean,

I'm sorry, I could not find any photos of your father, though I know I surely took some when he and I went to the Body Worlds exhibit when we were at that NVTI school in Denver! That was such an interesting trip. We also teamed up when we were in D.C. for training, and had a fascinating time touring Smithsonian museums. Your father Pat also visited my husband and me, in Silverdale, for dinner a few times, when he was in the area, and once he took my friend Becky and me to the "Bodies: The Exhibit" show in Seattle (which was NOT at the same level as the Denver tour, and an entirely different production). He and I, because he was willing, (I suppose you could consider it what on active duty we used to call "intrusive leadership" had conversations on such a wide range of topics-- which maybe many people wouldn't want to go into, but which many more (including me) are just waiting to have those conversations with. We discussed dilemmas of faith, how to overcome adversity, relationships, marriage, our careers in the military (of course),  Anyway-- I really appreciated that someone could bond with me with military commonality being the starting point, and engage in full and honest conversation even when we had such wildly differing viewpoints (not on everything, but, some things).
I"m happy that you have a good history with him! I hope your heart is full of much to remember, and appreciate, and that you know you are very loved by him.
Today is the 5th anniversary of my father's death. The love never dies, the memories are forever. I would be appreciative of anything you wish to share with me regarding his ceremony!
Very sincerely,
Heidi Hottinger

I was a First Sergeant with Pat in Spangdahlem Germany. The are two pictures of me with Pat and Kelly Martin in your pictures. He was a good man, First Sergeant, and friend. May he rest in peace!

 

Elaine Hamilton


Your dad was being promoted to SMSGT so we had a little party at my house for him. So you know that your dad's hair was going gray even back then. We were teasing him about looking older than his age and what the pictures would look like when on Monday he would receive his stripes at Commander's Call in front of the base. We'll I'm a brunette and was thinking about dying my hair a darker color. We thought it would be a lark to dye your dad's hair. So that night we died it pitch black ⚫ it was so funny.... we were surprised he still got his stripes pinned on that Monday.  People were court-martialed for less. We had some really good times. Your dad has been a good friend over the years.  He spoke of you proudly and was joyful about his grandsons.  Much love in Christ. You are in my prayers. 

We are so sorry to hear about your loss Sean. We would have absolutely been at the wake to honor your dad but we will be out of town. We love your family so much and will be praying for you as you navigate this very difficult time.

We are heartbroken.

Patrick Francis Ryan's services are scheduled.

My Fathers Wake will be held at Funeral Alternatives in Lacey WA on August 8th, 2021 from 1330 to 1600. Location address is (2830 Willamette Dr NE Lacey WA 98516)

My Fathers Military burial will be held at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent WA On August 9th, 2021 at 10 am. Location address is (18600 SE 240th St, Kent WA. 98402)

If you plan on attending his burial please arrive 15 mins early to allow time to join the procession, There will be a 30 min service followed by a 1 to 2 hour wait time till we can visit Dads finial resting place. 

We will have some finger foods at the wake so if you would like to just come by and spend some time together you will not leave hungry. My Dad would never let anyone go home hungry. Hope to see as many of you that can make it to either service to honor my Father Patrick Francis Ryan.  

I am saddened to learn of Pat's passing away. I've worked with him at Navy Mutual Aid for the 14 years as he shared his expertise with our military members.
We saw him yearly at our work symposium's and he always had great advice to share with all of us.
He will be missed. Blessings to his family at this difficult time.

Farewell my old friend! Hard to believe it’s been 27 years since we first met; Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany back in 1994—what a ride. You the squadron First Sergeant and me one of the many Senior NCOs in the squadron. Turns out we had similar personalities and clashed not long after meeting; we’ve been pals ever since. Even though we lived far apart and didn’t visit often we never drifted apart. Some refer to this as “Bookmark” friends. I am so pleased you visited in June and we had those few days to catch up. Love and miss you my friend! 

Pat Ryan had this hard exterior and a strong/tough persona all just to shield this kind, gentle, and caring soul. So many of our fellow co-workers thought he was too tough on the troops. Amazing how many of those troops reached out to him years later just to say thanks—thanks for getting them on the right path. He believed in discipline, accountability, and responsibility in all facets of his life; military, civilian, work, play, and home. He had a strong foundation of duty, honor, and country and lived by and promoted the Air Force Core Values; Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in all we do. Pat loved God, his Country, and his Family with every ounce of his being.

Sean, may God Bless you during this time of heartbreak and sadness. Please know your father had a deep love for you and your family and he was proud of the man, husband, and father you have become. Looking at the pictures you’ve posted on this tribute page everyone can see his love for his family, brothers and sister included. We all pray for you and the whole family as you grieve and try to cope with his loss. May God Bless you all. 

Let me share these words I wrote for another occasion as they certainly are appropriate now:
Pat was given to us by God for these many years
He knew taking him would cause confusion and tears
Through our faith we accept His higher plan
Taking our patriarch to be with a greater clan

Thank you God for the time we were able to share
We know he is now comfortable within Your eternal care

My brother Patrick. Much loved. Always present.
Joan

My great friend Patrick Ryan and I took multiple trips cycling hundreds of miles together, my heart is heavy. He was a true mentor in my life and reached millions of veterans along the way. He went above and beyond for everyone who entered his world. Pat thank you for your selfless service and motivating those around you to be more than they thought they could believe. I finally made it Pat! I'm finishing up my Doctorate degree in 2 weeks I wish I could have told you. Thank you for your wisdom you brought into my world. God bless.

Pat you were the best uncle I could have wished for in this life. You grew as a person with age like all the Ryan's. You went out of your way to help others. You always had good advice. May you dance in heaven with those that went before you and who are yet to arrive! You are gone too soon and I will miss you more than I told you while you where here.

Patrick Francis Ryan was a God fearing man. He is survived by his son (Sean Ryan) and 2 beautiful grandsons (Lane Ryan and Jaxx Ryan). He proudly served his country for 20 years in the Air force where he reached the rank of SMSGT. He advocated for the success of others. Caring in ways we often couldn't understand. He never gave up hope and helping others grow. It was his passion. He loved to ride his bike! He loved scuba diving! He loved learning! He loved his grandchildren with all of his heart. My Dad was driven, focused, calm and serious. He loved to laugh and teach his grandsons new things.

My father loved Christ and the joy he experienced when his son and 1st grandson were baptized filled his heart. One of the last things he said to me was don't ever stop pointing my children's hearts towards the Lord. Loving God gives us freedom. I love you Dad.