Michael Ryan

1937 - 2025

Michael (Mike) Dennis Ryan was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Anne and Bill Ryan. His family later relocated to Spokane, Washington, where Mike graduated from Gonzaga Prep in 1955. He lettered in baseball and also played in the Junior Flyers Hockey League. Mike continued his education at Eastern Washington University, graduating in 1960 and lettering again in baseball. During his senior year, he met Jonette Margaretich, who would become the love of his life.

After graduating, Mike and Jonette married and moved to San Antonio. There, Mike completed officer training with the U.S. Army's Medical Service Corps. The couple then settled in Jonette's hometown of Everett, Washington, where Mike earned a master's degree in education at the University of Washington.

Mike began a 36-year career in education, teaching at Sultan Middle School, Olympic View Middle School, and Mariner High School. He was one of the original faculty members at Mariner High School when it opened in 1971. Mike taught Math and Sciences and coached both the baseball and golf teams. He retired from Mariner High School in 1996.

Golf was a lifelong passion for Mike. He achieved four holes-in-one and played 603 different courses, meticulously recording each round in large scrapbooks. In 2005, he was recognized as one of three golfers featured in the Seattle Times Spring Golf Section's "People Who Played the Game." The article celebrated his devotion to chronicling every round and his enthusiasm for golf. He continued to play into his eighties, always carrying his clubs on his back.

Mike was a devoted Catholic and attended St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Everett. He was a loving and kind father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, dedicated to his wife Jonette and their three daughters: Rosann, Kelly, and Colleen. The family enjoyed many trips together, always accompanied by a beloved family dog.

Mike is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jonette; daughters Rosann Ryan (Devin Bishop), Colleen McGee, and Kelly Ryan (Mark Putnam); five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The family is grateful for the three loving years Mike spent at Brookdale Memory Care. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association of Washington are appreciated.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated November 8th at 10:00AM at St. John's Catholic Church in Mukilteo.