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Obituaries » Donald M. Ryan

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September 1, 1946 - July 27, 2020

Burial Date August 5, 2020

In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place, and due to current restrictions, a private memorial will be held, followed by committal ceremony with full military honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery. A public memorial will be held in the near future, when it is deemed safe to gather. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for the educational expenses of his granddaughter, Madison, c/o the funeral home.

Share your Memorial with Family & Friends

Don —Joyce too—are among my all time favorite volunteers at Red Cross. Fun, engaging & competent. I am very interested to learn Don was born in Batavia, NY where my friend now lives (married Dick Barie, in case anyone knows that family). I know we Red Crossers who knew Don already miss him. He was the best of us; we were lucky to know him.

Posted by valerie opdyke on August 11, 2020

My deepest sympathies to Joyce and family for the loss of Don. I have many fond memories of Don as we worked on many volunteer committees together. He was responsible for encouraging me to join the Senior Services Board of Directors. Don had a very wry sense of humor and was always quick with a joke. He truly was an advocate for the elderly and took his passion very seriously. I was fortunate to call him a friend. He will be missed.

Posted by Cynthia Stannard on August 4, 2020

It was a pleasure to serve on the senior board with Don and a pleasure getting to know you too. God bless you and your family in this difficult time.

Posted by Kathy Grueter on August 4, 2020

Sincere condolences to you Joyce, and to the whole family. Don was certainly a character to be reckoned with! But it was always clear how much he loved his family. My thoughts are with you. Carol Riddle-Wallus

Posted by CAROL RIDDLE-WALLUS on August 2, 2020

Don was an inspiration to many of us and was a person of rich integrity I consider it a privilege to call him friend.

Posted by joe schmitt on August 2, 2020

Our prayers, love and thoughts are with you Joyce and family. My brother always had a huge love for others and always willing to help. The memories of all the fun times we shared will always be with us. We loved all the support and dedication he gave to our son, Kyle during his process to make Eagle Scout. We love you and will miss you Don!

Posted by Dave and Laura Haynes & Family on July 31, 2020

Thank you for being such a loving and caring Papa, You helped me raise and incredible daughter. You will be greatly missed by your girls, thanks for the goofy times when we would “get in trouble “ with Gigs then laugh and get in more trouble. We will also miss our card being “signed “ by Rascal and Rosie. I have so much to say but at a loss for words. Love Jennifer’s did Madison

Posted by Jennifer and Madison VanDoren on July 30, 2020

I worked with Don for the past 20 years or more on Senior related issues and he was in of the most dedicated and honorable individuals I have ever known, Joyce, my hopes and prayers go out to you and your family Steve Ellis

Posted by Steve Ellis on July 29, 2020

My deepest sympathies to Joyce and the Ryan family on the passing of Don. Don not only served his country for almost 30 years, but also served his community for many years. He was an asset to the advocacy for seniors for many years. Don will be sorely missed by many and the Kalamazoo community at large. All the best and comfort to Joyce. A chilli dog in his memory.

Posted by John D. Hilliard on July 29, 2020

Don was an amazing Man that I had the honor and privilege of working for at Senior Service. I was blessed with watching him deal with people and his take charge to make sure things got completed. Don followed through with projects so that they were professionally complete! He had a great sense of humor and outstanding writing capabilities! As a people person he has made a large impact on the Kalamazoo community in which has helped make it a better place for Seniors. Joyce I am so sorry for your loss as I know he was the foundation of your lives and the love he had for you! He will be greatly missed by this great community and all.

Posted by Ralph Gates on July 29, 2020

My deepest sympathies to Joyce and family. Don was a great advocate for seniors in Kalamazoo County and throughout the State of Michigan. I enjoyed working with Don and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Ryan family during this difficult time.

Posted by Cindy Albrecht on July 29, 2020

Dearest Joyce and Family, We are so sorry and saddened with Don’s passing. Please know we are keeping you in our prayers. He was a wonderful, gracious, and loving man who gave his all (plus). Don honored all he met and helped many of us to become better people. He challenged with respect and supported with love, always looking to find a way to help those in need . Thank you Don for being a man of change and force of love. Rest well Don. I will miss you!!!!

Posted by Anne and Louis Zemlick on July 28, 2020

I will never forget your Donald Duck imitation and how proud I was seeing you in your Air Force blues. I’m going to miss you so much, Dad. Love, Teresa

Posted by Teresa Ryan Carson on July 28, 2020