David Leroy Ryan

1940 - 2021

David Leroy Ryan
Scottsdale, AZ - David Leroy Ryan, 80, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away peacefully on May 25, 2021 after months facing an unexpected health battle. David was born October 11, 1940 in Kansas City, Missouri to Harry Leroy and Mary Louise Ryan. David received a BS in Economics in 1964, attending both Kansas University and Washburn University, following which he continued his studies receiving his JD from Washburn University in 1966, followed by his LLM from George Washington University. David served as an attorney for the Federal Interstate Commerce Commission, in Washington DC, after which he returned to Topeka, Kansas where he found his passion in teaching, and took utmost pride in his long career as a Distinguished Professor of Law at Washburn University. He will also be remembered for his years of service to the Topeka Transit Authority. David was a true gentleman scholar. David married Rita Kay Abel, the love of his life, on July 1, 1961 and had been looking towards their 60th wedding anniversary. During David's time in Topeka, he enjoyed friends, family and fellow faculty. He enjoyed an active life along with his children, including over a dozen marathon runs, holidays on the slopes in Summit County, Colorado, and time sailing both his Skipper Snipe, Skol on Lake Shawnee and then his 34-Catalina, Pretty Lady on Lake Perry. David was known as a prolific storyteller at gatherings and was in perpetual "professor" mode. David and Rita Kay retired to Scottsdale, Arizona bringing the Pretty Lady in tow, where she enjoyed at home at Lake Pleasant. He embraced his new home in the Sonoran Desert, and became a committed Master Steward serving the McDowell Mountain Conservancy. He continued as an educator serving the trails aside his new home. David maintained his love for the Rocky Mountains as well, where he returned for many summers. Over the last many years David found peace and contemplation in worship at Saint Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church. David is survived by his wife, Rita Kay, his three daughters, Lori Ryan, MD of Scottsdale, Arizona, Heidi Oberrieder, RD of Manhattan, Kansas, Wendi Ryan of Scottsdale Arizona, his brother Michael Ryan of Eugene, Oregon, his sister Joan Ball of Kansas City, Missouri, his four grandchildren, Rebecca, Ryan, William and Carly, three nieces, two nephews and their families. He is fondly remembered by his family for his many hand built projects, from the complete wooden kitchen for his young children to his single-handed multiple room addition the family home on Lakeside Drive, the years of family adventures, the enthusiasm in which he endlessly pursued knowledge, and for the shared years he and Rita Kay enjoyed with their daughter Wendi following brain injury. He was most certainly one of a kind, and will be terribly missed. A future Celebration of David Service will be held at Saint Barnabus on the Desert Episcopal Church in Paradise Valley, Arizona on Friday, September 3rd, at 3 pm. As social distancing measures remain in transition, please contact rememberingdavid2021@gmail.com to receive updates and registration link if such remains required for the gathering.