Percy Ryan

On Tuesday, January 31, 2023 Percy Ryan, beloved husband of Jean Ryan of Calgary, Alberta passed away at the age of 85 years.

“A life well lived!” This is the way Percy’s stepson John has described him. Percy was known to be a wonderful, caring, hardworking, responsible, and loving man to his family and friends.

Percy was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on December 29, 1937 to Nina and Patrick Francis Ryan. He was their only child and was, according to his mother, the best son anyone could ever ask for.

Moving to Flin Flon, Manitoba at an early age and spending time with his beloved grandparents was a highlight for Percy. He had his Uncle Norman, Aunt Fran, cousins Gordie and David there, and he made many lifelong friends.

At an early age his entrepreneur skills surfaced when Percy was selling newspapers. Percy realized he could make a bit of extra cash by also selling papers to patrons at the nearby beach. At a very young age, he saved his hard earned cash, and helped his parents pay off any outstanding debts and grocery bills instead of using the money for himself.

This was only the beginning, as Percy was always an optimistic person. He spent his youth in Flin Flon, and has always kept in touch with Jim, one of his best friends. They met each other 66 years ago!

Percy was the best storyteller ever, and had a memory to be envied. He loved the outdoors, and enjoyed camping, hiking, and fishing. Percy also loved seeing and being at waterfalls. We all have very happy memories of the times we were outdoors with Percy, “Dad”.

Percy was a down to earth and avid gardener. He said the best part was when he harvested his bounty and shared it with so many people. Percy took produce to our doctor, dentist, hair stylist, neighbors, people who worked at the bank we deal with, friends, and even strangers who happened to stop by to admire his bounty.

Percy was the father of one boy, Patrick; three daughters, Tammy, Kathleen, and Jackie; the beloved stepfather of his second wife Jean’s four children Gerry, Gordon, Susan, and John. For the past 48 years, Jean was the love of his life, as he was hers. When Percy was asked how long he had been married, he generally replied “Not long enough”.

In 1998, Percy and Jean went to Ireland to meet his father’s family, and celebrate his 60th birthday. It indeed was a trip to remember.

When he moved to Calgary in the 60’s, Percy had several different occupations, but settled on his self taught Calgary Porcelain and Fibreglass Repairs. He excelled in this profession and worked until he finally retired at the age of 80 years.

In 1985, Percy had Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was given two years to live. After 34 radiation treatments and with the passage of time, he was in remission until September 2022. At this time Percy was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a very aggressive form of brain cancer, which took his life the following January.

His best friend, Jim, was with Percy right up until the end. We are grateful for his support during Percy’s battle with cancer.

His stepdaughter, Susan, spent four hours with her Dad the night before Percy passed. She also was with him at the hospice when Percy slipped into unconsciousness.

Percy did get to celebrate his milestone birthday of 85 in his own home with his wife Jean and stepdaughter Susan. Many of his friends came to congratulate him.

Percy adored his little tuxedo cat, who he called Katy. Katy was always by his side right up until Percy entered hospice on January 16, 2023.

Percy will be mourned and greatly missed by his wife Jean, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a multitude of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of Percy’s life will be held in the spring 2023.