Oct. 30, 1938 - Jan. 8, 2015. The man we first loved, and have loved our entire lives, our hero, who was always the role model of the man we dreamed we would grow up to marry, has gone "home" to be with Mom. The man who let us stand on his feet while he taught us to waltz around the kitchen floor, who carried us in his arms, tucked us in at night, read to us, taught us math and spelling, who put worms on our hooks while teaching us to fish, who used road pylons and broom handles to teach us to park and drive, who killed insects in the middle of the night when summoned by childish screams of terror, the man who believed in us, and instilled in us the belief that we could be anything we ever dreamed of, the man who proudly gave us away to be married to men with similar ethics and values, and the man who was as adored by us as we were by him, has been freed from his earthly chrysalis and joined Mom in the spiritual realm. Dad left this world as did Mom, peacefully holding hands with those he loved, while hearing the words "I love you" being whispered in his ear by his family. Dad was smart, strong and brave to the very end. His exemplary behavior of a "gentleman" never wavered. He was truly our knight in shining armor and set a high standard for other men to emulate. He will always represent to us what a "DAD" should be to his children. Dad was lovingly and gently taken to Heaven by the angels who passed before him: his beautiful wife, Lydia (nee Hynes); his Father and Mother, William and Mary Ann Ryan; his brother and sister-in-law, Philip and Rita Williams; His Father- and Mother-in-Law, Edward and Bridget Hynes; his brother-in-law, John Will Hynes; and his Son-in-Law, Kenneth Hickey. He leaves beautiful memories for his heartbroken family: Daughters: Darlene (Jean-Claude Derible) and Rolanda; grandchildren: Chantelle (David Keen), Declan, and Andrew; great-grandchildren: Riley and Noah; Sister-in-law: Sharon Hynes; Brothers-in-law: Edward Hynes (Marg), Reg Hynes (Mary), and Hughie Hynes (Anna); nephew and best friend, Andrew Williams; and attentive friends and care-givers: Berkley Reynolds and George Ebsary. Dad will be dearly missed by this circle of love, as well as a much larger circle of extended family and friends both in NL and in other parts of North America. The family wishes to send a sincere thank-you for the care and compassion shown to him by the nursing, medical, dietary, and housekeeping staff at Chancellor Park Nursing Home and North Pond Manor. While we weep for our loss, the mere mention of his name will forever bring a smile to the face of every person he ever encountered on his journey through life, as we think of his quick wit and larger-than-life presence. Cremation has taken place. To share memories of Dad's life, you may visit Cauls Funeral Home, LeMarchant Road, on Saturday, Jan 10th or Sunday, Jan 11th, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral to be held at St. Patrick's Church, Patrick Street, at 930 a.m. on Monday, Jan 12th. Flowers graciously accepted or donations may be made in his honor to a charity of one's choice. Dad, we will love you and miss you forever. Until you come, with Mom, to take us home to be reunited as a family, you will live on in a sacred place in our hearts. With all our sincere gratitude for all you have given us, we say, Thank-You. Darlene and Rolanda.