James McLeod (Bae) Ryan
James McLeod (Bae) Ryan, 73, of Baddeck, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at the Victoria County Memorial Hospital. Born and raised in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia to the late James and Philomena (MacDonald) Ryan, he lived his life throughout the Maritimes, settling in Baddeck with his family in 1977.
Jim was extremely loving and proud of his wife of 48 years, Pat (Martell), and his girls, Kelly (Hicks) and Cheryl; his sons-in-law, Dave Hicks and Brad Schauermann, and his grandchildren, Islay Rose Hicks and Angus James Hicks, all of Calgary. Jim was also fortunate to have the love of Janice (MacRitchie) Cox; life-long friends, Gina and Willie Hunter, and very special family friend, Bernadette Matheson. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie and Douglas Scott of New Canaan, Connecticut; his brother, Terrance of Lunenburg, Massachusetts; his uncle, the Honourable Murray (Rick) Ryan of North Sydney, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim was predeceased by his sister, May Evans; his brother-in-law, Freeman Evans, both of Millvillage, NS, and his sister-in-law, Alice Ryan of Lunenburg, Massachusetts.
As a young man Jim worked in hydrographics, travelling by boat between South America and the Arctic. He spent his early career years in finance, contracting, and retail businesses and over the past 20 years Jim was part of the Victoria Standard team, working in advertising and sales. Jim was a devoted and reliable volunteer in the community dedicating his time and leadership to many organizations over the years including St. Michael’s Parish Council, Baddeck Lions Club, Baddeck Ecumenical Choir, Baddeck Men’s Choir, and St. Michael’s Parish Choir, the Victoria Highland Civic Centre, Gaelic College of Celtic Arts, Meals on Wheels, Baddeck Village Commission, and the Baddeck Volunteer Fire Department. Jim also looked forward to volunteering each year for 29 years at the Cabot Trail Relay Race. His roles as project manager and chauffeur for a gaggle of highland dancers and sports teams were some of his most gratifying responsibilities of them all. He enjoyed politics, golf, and travelling. He was a gentleman with a full heart and kind words for all, deserving of the respect he received from all those who knew him.
However, nothing in Jim’s life compared to the love, pride, and commitment he had for his family.
A special thank you to the entire staff of the VCMH in Baddeck for the love, support, and exceptional care given to all of us. Also thank you to Dr. Brendan McCarville and the nursing staff of the CBRH, the exceptional EMS team, and the generous people in our community.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, from
3 until 7 p.m. at MacAskill’s Funeral Home, 43 Grant St., Baddeck, NS. Funeral services for Jim will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Baddeck, NS, on Thursday, December 21, 2017, at 11 a.m. with reception to follow at St. Michael’s Parish Hall.
Memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to the Victoria County Hospice Foundation or charity of your choice.
Under the direction of MacAskill Funeral Home, Baddeck, NS.
