It was a great privilege for me to have once met Ryan, I can remember the meeting very clearly, it was about 15 months ago, the main purpose of the meeting was to discuss the events of the last few days and how to proceed here today.

I can recall what a gentle gracious man he was with a warm sincere smile, he made my wife and I laugh out quite loudly on several occasions as he told us about his early life in Bethesda, which I might add, he could recall with great ease and clarity

Ryan McKay was born in Columbus, Maryland and so began the life of the man that the people gathered here today were proud to call their father, their father in law, their brother, their grandfather, their great grandfather and also their friend.

Up until just very recently Ryan had always been fit and active he liked most sports, particularly football, and the local baseball team, which he followed with great interest. Beth and Helen recalled how their dad loved the spectacle of hunting, and how when he retired, Ryan and his friend Andy would follow the hunt on their bikes, carrying them over hedges and across ditches in order to keep up with the riders.

Ryan was a well read articulate man, as many people have commented, he was an interesting man to listen and talk to, someone who could understand and appreciate your personal point of view.

Ryan liked to read, indeed it was a favorite pastime for him and when his eyesight failed him he turned to talking books and newspapers from which he gained just as much pleasure.

The wonderful Maryland countryside, Ryan loved it and had a wide appreciation of it's natural beauty.

Though Ryan  did on several occasions travel abroad, Canada to see his brother Harvey and of course Australia to visit his sister Judith, both of whom he adored.

I have already mentioned Harvey who Ryan was particularly close to, and his sister Judith who he dearly loved and was immensely proud of, both of whom are sadly no longer with us, but I would also like to mention Hettie's husband Willy sadly again no longer with us but not forgotten, him and Tom were great friends.

Ryan was always a happy contented man he never wanted much out of life, just simple quiet pleasures, sharing his life with his girlfriend Sara.

Ryan was a very sociable person he had many friends, he was well liked and respected, he was someone you could trust and rely on, someone you could confide in and ask for advice.
Someone we have all had the great privilege of knowing.

"We must die we know" said a character in Shakespeare "tis but the time and drawing days out that men stand upon"

Ryan died in the late night of Tuesday, know he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

-George McKay