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1200 North Cloverdale Road
Boise, Idaho
Paul Ryan Obituary
1955 - 2014
Paul Ryan, M.D. passed away peacefully on November 18, 2014 surrounded by his family and loving friends. Paul was born on November 4, 1955 in Whittier, California to George and Mary Ryan.
Paul's adventurous life began in Southern California as the oldest of five, and he took the oldest brother role seriously, always with mischief. Ever since Paul was 10 years old, he wanted to be a doctor. He followed his dream, attending UC Irvine for undergraduate studies and UC Davis Medical School. He held a fellowship at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts and selected Boise, Idaho for his residency at St. Luke's Medical Center. He later chose to practice family medicine and worked at a St. Alphonsus Medical Clinic for 7 years. His desire to be independent led him to open a private office, Initial Point Family Medicine in Meridian with Mark Grajcar, D.O. He took great joy in helping others and relieving their suffering. His patients always felt they were going to see their friend, not their doctor.
Paul married Susan E. Ryan in 1985 and after they moved to Boise, they had two beautiful daughters, Amelia and Grace. The family enjoyed many things, especially camping, skiing, traveling, and the Oregon coast. They always had dogs that were considered their extra furry children.
Paul was an information seeker, always reading the New Yorker Magazine and medical publications; he and his daughter, Amelia read and discussed books together. He loved cycling a LeMond road bike and participated in the Seattle to Portland Ride with good friends. He also loved downhill skiing, especially with his younger daughter, Grace. His affinity for good coffee was infamous. However, his main hobby was BASEBALL, everything baseball. He boasted of trips to Cooperstown to the Baseball Hall of Fame, participated in Spring Training Baseball camps with professional players, and collected memorabilia. Listening to games on the radio was how he preferred to follow a game. His path also led him to practice Buddhism which gave him the peace he sought.
After his divorce, he met Laurie Barrera, with whom he has spent the past two years. Together they shared many activities, a deep appreciation for love and happiness, their Buddhist sangha, hiking with the dogs, cooking and bicycling together as well as travel adventures.
Paul Ryan will be deeply missed in our community. He is survived by his former wife, Susan E. Ryan, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; daughters Amelia O. Ryan and Grace D. Ryan of Chicago, Illinois; brother Joseph O. Ryan and wife, Donna of Fullerton, California; sister Mary Ryan Barney and husband, Joseph of Yuma, Arizona; sister Kathryn Ryan Imhoff and husband, Scott of Alpharetta, Georgia; girlfriend, Laurie Barrera of Boise, Idaho; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Ryan and a brother, Thomas W. Ryan.
The family wishes that any memorial donations to be made to the Idaho Humane Society, Idaho Botanical Gardens or Boise State Public Radio. There will be a Celebration of Life in June of 2015, to be announced.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Ryan
November 18, 2015
Paul was my doctor for several years and every time I had to see him it felt like I was visiting a friend . I miss you doc! Matt Pape
JaLee Ogle
June 16, 2015
My heart is sad. I just found out about Paul Ryan's passing. He was my Dr. for many years but as it's written he was a friend. After moving back here I always meant to stop in and see him but I didn't. This is my loss. I would love to have hugged him one more time.
YOU WILL BE MISSED.
Jim & Jan Rogers/Dudding
December 1, 2014
I was shocked when my son told me Dr. Ryan had passed away. He has been our family doctor for many years. Of all the doctors I have ever visited he was the VERY BEST. Compassionate and professional. Doctors like Paul are few and far between and he will be greatly missed. Out best to his family.
Mark Mitchell
November 26, 2014
Dr. Ryan was such a great doctor but also a very good guy. He took care of my Mom and Dad and they thought the world of him. Our family will miss Paul.
Denise Fullmer
November 25, 2014
I will miss him and his humor so much.
Mark Hodges
November 25, 2014
I just found out about Paul's passing, and am beyond sad. He was a great doctor, and I am fortunate to say, a great friend.
My deepest sympathies to all of his family and friends.
Kim Chalifoux
November 25, 2014
I've been blessed to have been a patient of Dr. Ryan's for 24 years and feel as though I've lost a dear friend. He was a brillant man and will be missed more than words can say. The world was a better place with him in it. My deepest regards go out to his family. Kim C.
Luke & Sonya Rabe
November 25, 2014
An AMAZING doctor! My husband was his patient and just recently saw him for a hernia issue. Dr Ryan was a bit short staffed on that day so he took the bull by the horns and started to type in all the information into the computer, except the computer wouldn't work. He had such a great sense of humor about the situation that my husband and I were both laughing. He made an awkward moment quite funny and enjoyable! We will miss him dearly, he took his job seriously and took time discussing needs and concerns which is sadly, not the norm, but for him it was standard. Our thoughts and personal prayers go out to his family and friends at this difficult time we have lost a wonderful man and an amazing Doctor.
Becky Shriver
November 25, 2014
I am so deeply saddened by this loss. Paul was a fine human being filled with loving kindness and compassion, making him a great doctor and friend. He was my husband's doctor and friend for the last 15 years of his life. We were so very grateful for his personal and professional help over the years. The world is a better place because of him and a poorer place without him.
Quinton Winfrey
November 24, 2014
Man, I am so sad to hear this. Just received a letter in the mail to alert me. I never called him Dr., just Paul. He has helped me and my family through a tragedy over the past years and just recently said to me 'you never know when it's your time.'As we are both HUGE baseball fans we talked forever about the game and probably delayed other patients over our discussions. The world lost one damn great Dr. I will miss him very much. Thank you to all the help you've given me and my family Paul. You can now meet the greats in baseball heaven. RIP buddy.
Dianna Castano
November 24, 2014
I worked with Dr Ryan for almost 5 years as a hospice RN. I have been shocked and saddened by his passing despite my familiarity with loss in my work. I do know without a doubt, he is in a good place and happy. A little bit of him will be with all of us. His sense of humor lives on forever.
Ginger Smith
November 24, 2014
I am just heartbroken to learn of the loss of a dear dear Friend and family Doctor. He was so knowledgeable in all aspects of health, We had complete faith in Him. It was Him that found my Husbands Brain Cancer after the Hospital had cleared him. Wonderful Man whom adored his Girls(Ladies now)
All my Sympathy to his Family. To know him was to Love Him.
November 24, 2014
I worked with Dr. Ryan at Family Practice Associates many years ago. He was always teasing and a great joy to be around. Periodically I would bump into him at the hospital and he always had a smile for me. I will miss him greatly. Lori Delaney
Dave and Renee Galligher
November 24, 2014
Words cannot adequately express the sadness over the loss of such a wonderful person and doctor. Dr. Ryan was our family doctor for over 18 years. He was so active and always had a funny story going with my husband. They say that time heals all wounds which is true, but one never forgets the love and laughter once shared. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
joshua mackie & family
November 24, 2014
Paul, a superb neighbor and friend from the outset. We miss you.
Tom Dougherty
November 24, 2014
My heart is heavy over the loss of Dr. Ryan, who for over 20 years walked with my parents through their lives and with my family and my brothers family. He was always so straight and caring. He always told me how much he appreciated my father praying with him after every visit. Now we get to pray for his dear family in this time of loss. I will certainly miss him--
Kathy Root
November 24, 2014
Dr. Ryan was my doctor and friend for the past seven years. He was a very doctor, who made you feel as if you were his friend as well. He truly cared for his patients. He will be greatly missed by my husband and I.
November 23, 2014
Dr. Paul Ryan was our doctor for 20 years. We will truly miss his medical advice and life advice. He was always attentive and caring whenever we'd see him. He was truly a great doctor and person. We will miss him.
Netti Davis
November 23, 2014
How can this dear, funny, intelligent man be gone in the blink of an eye? Every single day, he made someone's life better for having known him. We should all be so blessed. To his daughter's, he loved you to the moon and back, but then you already know that. I am so sorry for your loss. RIP
Terry Maret
November 23, 2014
Dr. Ryan was our family physician and will be sorely missed. Our community lost a good citizen of the planet.
Stephanie Johnson
November 23, 2014
Dr. Ryan was our family doctor and friend for over 16 years. He was my parents doctor and friend for even longer. He always "Told it like it was". He will be greatly missed by all of us. RIP Dr. Paul Ryan.
William Gardoski
November 23, 2014
Doc Ryan, after 25 Years as your patient and friend, I will miss you so very much. Your loving way with people, your humor and kindness, will forever live in my memories. You will never be forgotten. RIP with Love.
Mike and Susan Winsel
November 23, 2014
Oh no! Dr. Ryan, you will be so missed in our family. This is such sad news... What a great doctor and a really nice man. It's a huge loss for the community and for our family. May peace and comfort find your family at this very difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
November 23, 2014
Dr. Ryan we will miss you so much. You will forever be in our hearts. Our family is grieving. Rest in peace my friend.
Denise Arellano
November 23, 2014
PauI was one of the first people I met at Beginners Mind Sangha, and I quickly began to love hearing his Wednesday night discussion group wit and wisdom. Paul, you will remain with us.
Matt Pape
November 23, 2014
Dr. Ryan was my family's doctor for several years, but I also felt he was a friend. We will miss him dearly.
November 23, 2014
I was saddened to hear of Dr.Ryans death. I worked with Dr Ryan at Family Practice in Boise He was a mentor and friend and will be missed by all. Mitzi Crowson Family Nurse Practitioner
Lori F
November 22, 2014
I am so sad tonight to read that one of my favorite people has passed away! He was such a caring and understanding person. I will miss so much having him as my doctor and feeling that he truly cared and listened. He will be so missed.
November 22, 2014
We are in shock, he along with Dr Brown became our rock. what will we do with out him, our family was with him 15 plus years, he wasn't just our Dr he was our loyal medical /friend. The Goade/Hayles family.
frank aden
November 22, 2014
It is just so hard to believe he is gone, he was one of the greatest Doctors I have ever know. I have mentioned him in the opening of a book on Boise I have written that will be released in Feb, It is was not for him the Book would not have been written
Phil Nelson
November 22, 2014
I'm unbelievably sad. Dr. Ryan was my doctor since I arrived in Boise in 1999. He was also my sons doctor, and had become my dads doctor in the last year. He always took the time to sit with me and communicate with me as not just a patient, but a human being. He will be greatly missed by my entire family. My thoughts are with his family and friends. His was life taken too soon.
November 22, 2014
We are most certainly saddened to lose our friend and doctor, Paul Ryan. We had great respect and genuine affection for Paul. Paul truly cared for not only his patients, but his friends, his family, and all of mankind. Our best to his family, Harold Miller and Barbara McNeil
Bill & Debbie Allen
November 22, 2014
Lost a team mate, a friend and a very good doctor. I met Paul in the Boise M.S.B.L. where we played on the same team. I appreciated his passion for the game and his recounting of past games and camps he attended! If time permitted we talked of our children's aspirations and he of his two daughter's Amy and Grace the love of his life, you could tell. Paul,may the infield grass always be short and the clay have that satisfying crunch beneath your cleats. Peace my friend---
Diane Brown
November 22, 2014
I was very saddened at the news of Dr. Ryan's passing. While I have not been a patient of his for very long, I will always remember how he put me at ease the first time I met him with his down to earth way of explaining things. It was very evident that he cared deeply about his patients. I will miss him! My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
tyler frizzell
November 22, 2014
Paul helped introduce me to the Boise medical community 20 years ago and I always valued his wisdom.
November 21, 2014
Dr Ryan was an amazingly talented & gifted Doctor and a very special man. He put sunshine into people's lives daily. He will be greatly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. Wendy and Jay Kappel
November 21, 2014
Losing Dr Ryan is a great sadness to our family and to the World. He was the best doctor I have ever had but you didn't feel like you were going to the doctor as he treated you more as a friend. Our condolences for his family and may he rest in peace forever. So sorry and so shocked to have this wonderful man taken away in the blink of a eye. We will miss you Dr. Ryan! Suzanne Johnson and Heidi Metcalf
November 21, 2014
I was shocked and deeply saddened by Dr. Paul Ryan's passing. He truly was not only a wonderful Doctor but a gentle soul as well. My prayers and thoughts are with the Ryan family, his college's and friends. I will miss you.
Dee Frasier
Rick Jones
November 21, 2014
Paul has been our family Dr. for 23 years. Over time and also being in the medical field, Paul has been a friend to my wife and I. 15 years ago I had deep depression and he helped me through it , if not with his help I probably would of died.
Thanks for everything Paul. We love you. May God bless and be with your family. Rick & Elaine Jones
November 21, 2014
I meant Dr Ryan back in 1995 as a Respirtary Tech for Interwest Medical. I then became his patient. I also was a health tech and took care of Amy his daughter who I just loved. My whole family goes to Dr Ryan. He will be missed so very much. My prayers are with his family and workers. Lynn McDaniel
Bob Boyno
November 21, 2014
Lost a good friend and a great doctor, I've been seeing and socializing with Paul for about 20 years. His kindness and attention were much appreciated and his knowledge would sometimes outdo the specialist. Lets hope he's up there shortstopping the big leaguers.
Bill & Claudia Kreamer
November 21, 2014
Claudia and I are extremely saddened by Paul's passing. He has not only been our family doctor for the past 25 years, but a trusted friend. He was such a rock for Claudia and all that she has gone through with her health. We will miss him so much. We want to express our heartfelt condolences to his family at this difficult time.
Jack & Joyce Tice
November 20, 2014
I can't believe this! I've known Paul since 1996. He was referred to us by another doctor. Paul and I have seen our ups and downs but we always worked it out. He is well loved by our family and he had recently been helping my husband suffering from diabetes and stem cell stroke. He will be missed sooo very much by us.
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