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RYAN, ALAN R. Grand Rapids Alan R. Ryan, 88, was emblematic of a generation of leaders who dedicated their lives to giving for the betterment of others. Mr. Ryan, who will be remembered for his quiet and thoughtful generosity and passion for community service, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 13th, surrounded by his family. Ryan led a distinguished business career spanning forty years, including leadership roles with The Keebler Company and later as President and CEO of the Burry Division of the Quaker Oats Company, where he was also Corporate Vice President. During those years Mr. Ryan also served as President of the Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturer's Association and was on the Board of Directors of United Jersey Bank and The United Way of Union, New Jersey. Mr. Ryan will be remembered for his love of the city of Grand Rapids, where he was born and raised and, ultimately, returned after his retirement. It was then that he began his second career as a tireless community advocate with a vision focused on higher education, healthcare services and the arts. Ryan served for more than a decade on the Aquinas College Board of Trustees, most recently as Chairman. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary's Health Services and The Grand Rapids Art Museum, was on the Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors of the Van Andel Institute. He was also a strategic business consultant to Chadalee Farms and served on its Board of Directors. Sister M. Aquinas Weber, a close friend and colleague, remembers Mr. Ryan as "... a gentle gentleman, a loyal friend and a great leader. He served and gave unselfishly of his time and expertise to improve the organizations where he served, profit or non-profit." Ryan's vision also focused on ensuring a strong future leadership base for Grand Rapids. He initiated several scholarship programs to benefit local youth, including The Ryan Scholarship, which uniquely joined local Catholic Secondary Schools, Aquinas College and the Grand Rapids Community Foundation in a cooperative venture to mentor and educate the best and brightest of the city's deserving youth. As a young adult, Ryan was selected during WWII for Naval Officers Training and served his country proudly, stationed in Okinawa. Later, he graduated from Northwestern University and Harvard University's Graduate School of Business Advanced Management Program. In 2009, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Service by Aquinas College. Mr. Ryan was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn Hawk Ryan. Today he is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Cosmos Ryan and his three devoted children, Mary Conrad (Robert), Mark Ryan (Sharon), and Constance Thomson (Roger), Beth Cosmos. Ryan's grandchildren were perhaps even his greatest joy. He will be greatly missed by Alexis Conrad, Stephanie and Annie Ryan, and Carolyn and Jack Thomson, Christopher Cosmos, and Michael Lechner, who knew him as Poppy, and who he proudly viewed as early leaders of the next Greatest Generation. Visitation for Mr. Ryan will be held at O'Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel in Grand Rapids on Saturday, June 15, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Mass will be celebrated at 10 am, Monday, June 17, at Saint Andrew's Cathedral. Donations may be made to The Constance Ryan Seeley Foundation at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
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I will always treasure our time together. You were the kindness most gentle hearted and loving person. I am proud to have known you and will always have you in my thoughts.I will miss you.
teresa howard
June 21, 2013
I know you were a good and talented man, Mr. Ryan, because I know your daughter. Rest in peace.
Ellen Plusker
June 18, 2013
I knew Mr. Ryan from years ago when I worked at United Way and he was a volunteer. Didn't know him well but his kindness and dedication was very clear no matter who you were.
Debbie Knooihuisen
June 16, 2013
Our thoughts are for the family as he will be missed today but loved forever.Thank you for letting us enjoy the journey the past few years..you were so thoughtful to our company and to my sons Lance,Lenny and Luke.In my 33 years of Home Care many will be remembered and a few become part of the family...we laughed alot...we cried a few times...we even got flooded out...that was a first!!.Alan was a gem and you LOVED him..and he loved you... and he loved KIDS...gosh he came alive around little ones.thank you and great job Margaret..We will see you soon.
Love Larry and Arlene Treece
June 16, 2013
Mrs. Ryan, my prayers and thoughts are with you and the family. It was a true pleasure to get know this wonderful man. He will be missed by many and remembered by all who knew him. My condolences go out to you, the children & grandchildren.... Elizabeth
Elizabeth Barber
June 16, 2013
I knew "Al" when I was a fledgling college student fresh out of Catholic Central in 1953, and worked as his secretary while he was Advertising Manager at Hekman Biscuit Company. He encouraged my secretarial skills, and understood my need to finish college. I would see him again, later in life as he served on the Board of Trustees at Aquinas College when I taught there. He was a remarkagble human being. I share your loss.
Mary DeWitt
June 15, 2013
Dear Margaret, Beth and the entire Ryan Family,
We are all saddened to hear about Alan's passing, but with sorrow comes joy, as a family we all celebrate the extraordinary life and achievements of such a talented and giving man. Whenever we were in his company, his presence warmed the room. His excellent example in life set the bar for future generations. His soft spoken mannerisms and his love of family truly displayed his magnanimous heart. Alan will surely be missed.
Love, Shawn, Ann, Kristen, Rob, Jenny, Shannon and Michael III
Shawn Kelly
June 15, 2013
Robert Achterhof
June 15, 2013
What a great human being. In the time I worked with him at Aquinas, he taught me so much about how to treat people with dignity and respect while making a positive impact on the community. I will smile every time I sit on the Ryan Deck at the Carriage House.
David Weinandy
June 15, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Alan's family. I had the privilege of serving on St. Mary's Hospital Board under his compassionate leadership. For Alan's care, concern, vision for the future, competence, and gentle spirit, my prayer is gratitude.
Sister Rosemary Smith, RSM
June 15, 2013
A great man who lived a great life . . . I adored Uncle Al. On behalf of myself, Ryan, Katy and Charlie to the entire extended Ryan family, our hearts are with you with the passing of this extraordinary gentleman, father, husband, uncle, in-law, grandfather, patriarch, philanthropist, giver and freind.
Dan Reid and Family
Dan Reid
June 14, 2013
We will always have fond memories of special times with Alan; such a gentleman with a great spark for fun.
Love, Jan and Mike Bennett
June 14, 2013
Dear Margaret, my deepest sympathies in the loss of your wonderful husband. My prayers will be with you. Blessings, Marcia VanderWoude
Marcia VanderWoude
June 14, 2013
Margaret, Beth, Mary, Mark, and Constance,
We know Alan through our Aunt Margaret. We were so happy for her when she met and married Alan. He was a joy and inspiration to talk with. His many stories, gentle approach, and loving way he (and his children)integrated our Margaret and Beth into his family is a true blessing for all of us.
He will be greatly missed.
with love,
Dan, Kim, Mattie, Adeline, and Riley
Kimberly Kelly
June 14, 2013
Uncle Alan, was a great man who was also loved and dearly respected by all his Ryan/Bowers nieces and nephews!
Cassandra
June 14, 2013
Mr Ryan will be greatly missed by those who loved him at Tre Cugini. Deepest sympathy to you, Mrs. Ryan and your family.
June 14, 2013
Mrs. Ryan: Although our time together was brief, Mr. Ryan touched my heart in many ways. I appreciate having had the opportunity to experience your generosity and spirit. He was a true gentleman of a great generation and will be missed, that is certain. It was my privileged pleasure to be among his loving care givers.
Linda Fick
June 14, 2013
Dearest Margaret,
Our deepest sympathy to you and the Family for your loss. Alan was truly a gentle-man and a loving soul. We are proud to be among those he called dear friends. His laughter, humor, kindness and thoughtfulness will always be remembered. We will miss him and will cherish our many fond memories.
May you find comfort in your faith, family and friends.
With Love,
Bob and Jan Fryling
Jan Fryling
June 14, 2013
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