|
We heard this from Bob Koons: I have only exchanged an email with Linda Ryan, but know that Kevin Ryan passed away on Saturday (April 25 2020). If I get an obituary from her I will forward it (below). Kevin was a proud father, treasured his family, and remained positive through all of his illness.
----------------<photo below>----------
Kevin Ryan: Hero, Protector, passed away April 25, after a heroic battle with cancer.
He will be so greatly missed by his wife of 46 years, Linda Ryan (Stiess), daughter, Vickie Fagan, (Stow), sons Christopher (Cuyahoga Falls) and Craig (Hilton Head, SC), grandchildren, Evie Ryan, Wilder Ryan, Finley Fagan and Sully Fagan and loving companion, Maggie Mae.
Above all, Kevin was a proud papa. He cherished the time he spent with his four grandchildren. Kevin retired as a Director of Quality Control but after retirement he couldn't easily give up his love of his profession, working part time at Reuther Mold. Kevin and his family were grateful for all of their kindness over the last year. Kevin was proud to have played football at the U. of Virginia and later graduated from the University of Akron. He loved traveling to places on his "bucket list" with his wife, Linda, and over the years developed a creative passion for wood carving. He was a member of AOH and a proud Irishman.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life with occur in his favorite location, The Outer Banks, at a later date.
Life will never be the same without our PAPA!
|
Claudia Schuck (Berarducci)
So sorry to hear of Kevin's passing. Deepest sympathy to his family and closest friends during this difficult time.
Jerry Rand
My sympathies to Kevin's family. He was a great guy at Brush and will surly be missed my many.
Debbie Aveni (Juker)
May You Rest In Peace ~Prayers for your family. Debbie Aveni Juker
Fred Nevar
Sorry to hear of the passing of a long time friend to so many. Deepest sympathies to Kevin's family.Jeffrey Blackwell (Blackwell)
Like so many of you, I was deeply saddened to learn of Kevin’s passing. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family. Kevin’s life sounds as though it was one well-lived. Too short, as all our lives are, but a good life, filled with reciprocated love.
Kevin and I were teammates for three years in both wrestling and football. Kevin wrestled heavyweight and typically there was usually only one other heavyweight on the team. I wrested one or sometimes two weight-classes below Kevin (165/175) so that made me one of the “bigger” guys on the team. In order to give Kevin some different competition in practice our beloved coach, the late-great, Jim Smith, would give me the unfortunate task of “wrestling” Kevin. In reality, it was mostly me trying to keep away from him during take-downs and then trying to get my face off the mat when Kevin started from the top-position. As I recall Kevin was about 6’4” and 240 lbs. at that time. Not that big by today’s high school standards, but a really big guy back then. I have seen Kevin referred by many of you as a “gentle giant” – well that’s because you didn’t have to wrestle him or line-up across from him on a football field!
In football, Kevin and I were not only teammates. For the most part we played next to each other and practiced again, against each other. Kevin was a two-way tackle (offense and defense) and I was a two-way end. He was a fierce player whether in a game or on the practice field and it was my sincere honor to play alongside him on teams, that many of you will remember – were simply awful!
As I reminisce about Kevin, and perhaps because I see so many familiar names in this post, sharing their sadness, I couldn’t help but think about 1970 juxtaposed against 2020 – and the times we are living in now versus those times. There is never a good time to die, but now it is even worse because of the virus. We can’t share our grief at funerals or life celebrations as we usually would. So, my heart really goes out to Kevin’s family right now because of this.
I don’t want this to be too lengthy, but many of you will recall that 1970 was a difficult time as well. Fifty years ago things were tumultuous, and uncertain. And like now, the country was deeply divided. All of us remember the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement and Kent State. Regardless of what side of the fence you were on then, or where you stand now, the most important thing to remember, is that if you’re reading this, then you’re still standing – just as our country is still standing. As individuals and as a nation we have survived and I firmly believe we will survive today’s pandemic as well. And as a result, become both stronger and better as people and as a nation.
I see names within this post of folks that I went all the way through school with – K-12. People who I haven’t seen since graduation in most cases. Yet I remember many of you and hope that life is good for you all. You know, as you go through life, it’s said that certain people leave footprints across your heart. It is easy to see that even if Kevin had been much smaller in size, he still would have left “giant-sized” footprints across the hearts of those who truly knew and loved him. RIP Kevin and God Bless. And stay strong and safe, my old classmates. We’re Americans and this too shall one day be a just a memory of another challenge in our lives that we’ve overcome. God Bless.
Jeff Chapman
After reading Jeff Blackwell's wonderful tribute, I decided to say something too. I knew Kevin from our many classes over six years at Memorial and Brush. Although I didn't know Kevin as well as many of you, I knew him to be very well liked, and an all-around good guy. And I knew that much of what he had become as a young man was because of his family and upbringing. On Mother's Day, not enough can be said about the importance of this.
Also, because most of us are at home more than usual due to the pandemic, now may be a good time to reach out to our old friends via this Class of '70 website. I did this a few years ago with my old pal Bruce Darling, and was glad I did, especially after his untimely passing. In closing I would like to say rest in peace, Kevin. All of these comments written in your memory are a tribute to you, and are proof that the world is a better place because of you.
Robert Koons
I have been forwarding your posts to Linda Ryan, and she sent me the following note..... "I'd like to thank all of you for your lovely heartfelt posts about Kevin. He was a truly wonderful person, amazing dad and devoted "Papa". No one could ask for a better husband. We all miss him so much, but your memories of Kevin brighten our hearts and lighten our load. God bless you all!
Bill Young
Thanks Bob!
I was wondering if anyone was doing this!
Doug Kohl
Good to know, Bob. Thanks for sharing.
Fred Luxenberg
I never knew Mr. Ryan so this is a comment, not a memory. I did know many of the people making recollections and reflections. It has been my life experience that only great people have these many people that cared so deeply and that much about him for these many long years. That I did not know him is in my estimation my loss.