Quick Search

Jeremiah 'Jake' Ryan

Jeremiah 'Jake' Ryan Jeremiah 'Jake' Ryan

Born In: New Waterford
Born: April 12th, 1923

Passed in: River Ryan
Passed on: September 19th, 2014

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather Jeremiah 'Jake' Ryan on Sept. 19, 2014, at the Taigh Na Mara continuing care facility, Glace Bay surrounded by family.
Born in New Waterford on April 12, 1923, he was the son of the late Jeremiah and Mary Sarah (McLellan) Ryan.
At the age of 17, in 1940, Jake joined the Cape Breton Highlanders. He spent the next two years training at Aldershot, N.S. He then went to London, England for another year of training. He initially fought in Holland. On Sept. 1, 1943, he was involved in the invasion of Italy. He had returned to Cape Breton in 1946 and the following year began to work in the coal mines.
Jake loved playing softball and 45s. He was a dancer and put his whole life into volunteering. He was a service officer for the Royal Canadian Legion for 25 years and was also president of the Cancer Society for 25 years. Jake was also a president of the Royal Canadian Legion.
My father would describe himself as a simple man of simple means and simple pleasures. He didn't realize what a difference he made in this world. His life was one of service to his family, community and country.
Defining my dad the words which come to mind— loving, kind, loyal, dignified, courage, reliable, decent, hard working, a good man. His faith and belief in a loving God gave him much-needed support through some very hard times.
Living through the Depression he knew all to well the affects of poverty and how it can make a child feel. At 17 he enlisted in the army ... his words ... the first time he ever got a new pair of shoes.
He was sent overseas still a teenager and over the next four years experienced the ravages of war. Barely 21 he sustained severe injuries in Sicily. The doctor who surgically reattached his arm and leg ostensibly was a miracle worker.
Most of his life he lived with pain rarely complaining. Many nights when I was a child and he assumed we were all asleep you could hear him as he sat in our kitchen crying and remembering what he had experienced.
For almost 70 years he was a driving force committed to bettering the lives of veterans and their families. So many people he helped to obtain fair pensions and assistance in his town. Over the years the DVA got to know and respect him. He understood no one should ever forget.
He loved New Waterford and the people who live here. Countless hours he spent volunteering for organizations like the cancer society as well. He also was very aware of those in need in the community. Our father never walked away from a need child or family. Quietly and not looking for recognition many times he would share the little bit he had or find a place to provide what was needed. He got involved. He made a difference.
Above all my dad loved his family. He was fiercely loyal to his children, his grandchildren and his extended family. He took great pride in all we did. He always strove to be fair, sometimes it wasn't possible. But he always tried. He was generous to his children and grandchildren.
His love for Christmas and the circus stick out in my mind. His energy for them was contagious. He would drive my mother crazy. Early November and early June he would start bugging her wanting her to make sure they had enough to celebrate. Of course most of the time they didn't but somehow they managed and always had enough to share.
Our father was a good man. Despite all of his challenges he encountered he persevered and made a difference in the lives around him. His life was full and meaningful.
He is survived by his sons, Jimmy (Cheryl), River Ryan, and Jeremiah (Odile), Sydney; daughters, Murrina Ryan, River Ryan, Geraldine (Wesley) Rose, Alton, Ont., Sadie (Dr. James) Calvin, London, Ont. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jamie Calvin, Kaelen Calvin, Wesley Rose Jr., Alexandria Rose, Jeremy Rose, Sarah Ryan, Patrick Ryan, Curtis Ryan, Meagan Buchanan.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Berniece, son Jeremiah Basil, daughter Marina Anne, brothers, Duncan, Hughie, sisters, Mary, Cecilia, Maggie, Marie, and brother in-infancy Hughie.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014, from 6-9 p.m. A funeral mass will take place on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. in the Parish of Saint Leonard with Fr. Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be held in St. Michaels Cemetery followed by a reception at the Parish Hall, Convent Street. All are welcome.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave., New Waterford.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jake’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
To send online condolences to the family go to www.mclellanfuneralhome.com.
A special thanks to Margie Jury, for all the help over the years and thanks to the nurses and staff of the Taigh Na Mara. You provided excellent care not only for our father; but also for other families as well.


Condolences

 

ANNOUNCEMENT PUBLISHED IN

Tribute

Local Services

John D. Steele’s & Sons LTD. Monument Manufacturers
902-794-2713
Website

Thoms Flowers
902-849-8989
Website

Leave a condolence

comments powered by Disqus

Quick Search

Place an Obituary

MEMORIAL WEBSITE

Create a Memorial Website