James Joseph Ryan
Born In: St. Brendans Newfoundland
Born: November 7th, 1952
Passed in: Valley Colchester County
Passed on: June 15th, 2016
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of James Ryan on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 in the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro after a lengthy illness.
Born in St. Brendan’s, Nfld. on Nov. 7, 1952, he was a son of the late Jack and Frances (Mackey) Ryan. He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Judy (Walker); his two children, Janine Ryan, and Shaun (Jaimie) Ryan, both of Springhill; his two cherished grandchildren, Kael and Elliott, who will miss their “Poppy” very much. Jim is also survived by sisters, Joan (Len) McMurrer, Ottawa, Ont., Angela (George) Quirk, North Sydney; brothers, Leonard, Truro, Randy (Sandy), Springhill, John (Michael), Ottawa, Ont., Michael (Leanne), Halifax; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim’s family moved to North Sydney in 1965, where he enjoyed playing hockey, made many new friends and continued his education graduating from Thompson High School in 1971. He took an apprenticeship with CNR in Moncton, N.B. and then began his railway career in 1973 in Sydney while obtaining a business degree at CBU. He was a hard working very conscientious employee for over 30 years with CN, Via Rail and CBNS Railway until 2008 when illness finally prevented him from continuing on with a career he took great pride in; working his way up to management positions in various parts of Canada. His work ethic was simply that every job deserved to be well done. While living in Dartmouth and Ottawa, Ont., Jim found the time in his busy work schedule to become involved in assistant coaching of minor hockey where he believed how you played the game was more important than the outcome. Jim enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors whether he was working in the yard, out in a boat fishing or simply walking in the woods, never forgetting to respect the environment. He developed a special bond with family pets over the years, enjoying their company and always keeping their well-being in mind. Although he left Cape Breton in 1987, he and his family always found time in the summer to return for family gatherings and relaxation. Jim faced the daily challenges of his illness head on with courage and strength, while his faith allowed him to accept God’s plan for him.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank Jim’s many health care providers over the years: Dr. Lori Wood, Nova Scotia Cancer Center, Halifax for her tireless efforts since 2000 in the treatment and management of his disease, Dr. David Blair, longtime family physician, Dr. Donald Rowe for his daily monitoring of Jim while in hospital, Dr. Courtney Smith and the nursing staff of the Palliative Care Unit at CEHHC, for their compassionate care and support during his illness and final days. Dr. David Henderson and Sue Gibbons for their many home visits to treat Jim. He received excellent care from the nurses in the Medical Day Unit and the Chemotherapy Unit of CEHHC. We greatly appreciate the many volunteers of the Hospice Society who brightened Jim’s Day. Many thanks also to the VON staff of Colchester for their dedication to Jim’s day to day care while at home.
Visitation will held this evening, Friday, June 17 from 6-8 p.m. with prayers at 7:45 p.m. in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 18 at 11 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 669 Prince St., Truro. Rev. Father Dariusz Miskowisz, officiating. Reception will follow in Campbell Hall. Interment will follow in Cape Breton at a later date.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the SPCA, Palliative Care Unit of the Colchester East Hants Health Centre or charity of choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, Truro.
Online messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.ColchesterCommunity.com.
