John Collins RYAN

John Collins RYAN obituary

John Collins RYAN

John RYAN Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on Feb. 14, 2015.
John Collins (Colin) RYAN October 7, 1922 - February 5, 2015 In loving memory of "Colin," who passed away at age 92 on February 5, 2015. Colin was a resident of George Derby Centre in Burnaby, BC during his last four years of life. His family is most grateful for the compassionate and loving care he received from the staff of Special Care Unit - East.

Colin was born in Victoria, BC on October 7, 1922 to James and Annie Ryan. He was the fifth child of six children. His siblings were Jim, Frank, Kay, Don and Jean. His family moved to Burnaby when Colin was five. He attended school at Inman Avenue Elementary and graduated from Kingsway East which later became known as Burnaby South Secondary.

In WWII, Colin served proudly as a navigator in the Royal Canadian Air Force where he was stationed in England and saw active duty in Europe.

In 1946, Colin married the "love of his life," Lola Saunders. They were happily married for 57 years and resided in Burnaby for almost fifty years before relocating to New Westminster. Lola passed away in 2003.

All his working life, Colin was a passionate businessman. He introduced the Lower Mainland to television in 1950 with the opening of a string of "ABC Television" stores. He later added Victoria and Nanaimo to the list of cities served by BC's first television retailer. Later, in 1960, Colin founded "J. Collins Furniture Gallery" which eventually became known as "J. Collins Thomasville Gallery." He served as president until his retirement in 1987.

Colin was an active Rotarian for many decades. He served as board member with The Fraser River Society, and also proudly served on the Burnaby Hospital Foundation for many years including one term as its chairman.

Colin joined The Vancouver Golf Club in Coquitlam, BC over fifty-five years ago. For most of his lifetime he was an active and avid golfer enjoying multiple rounds each week with his many friends. The club was also a fixture in regular family celebrations.

Colin was a wonderful husband and father and a great friend to many! He loved singing, dancing, travelling and hosting parties!

He leaves behind his younger sister, Jean Wike and family of Nevada; his son, Dennis; daughter, Candice (Rob) Hopkins; daughter-in-law, Cindy; grandchildren: Sean (Melisa), Scott, and Shayla Ryan; Nicole (Brad) Gordon, Kimberly (Eric) Pinkham, and Ryan Hopkins; great grandchildren: Melia, Matea and Logan Ryan; brother-in-law Stan (Kathy) Saunders and family; and many nieces and nephews.

A "Celebration of Life" for Colin will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at The Vancouver Golf Club: 771 Austin Avenue, Coquitlam, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Alzheimer Association of BC would be greatly appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign John RYAN's Guest Book

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March 12, 2015

Shelley Cranley posted to the memorial.

February 26, 2015

Frank Stock posted to the memorial.

February 17, 2015

Ed Sorel posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Shelley Cranley

March 12, 2015

Brother Col, Uncle Col - Please keep the light on upstairs for the rest of us. Rest in peace! Love, Jean, Carol, Ryan, Shelley

Frank Stock

February 26, 2015

Rest in peace Collin. I remember the fun time playing golf with you in Reno.

Ed Sorel

February 17, 2015

I will be out of the country in March and regret not being able to attend the celebration of Colin's life. From the few times we were together I remember him as a friendly and gentle soul. Rest in peace Colin.

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Sign John RYAN's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 12, 2015

Shelley Cranley posted to the memorial.

February 26, 2015

Frank Stock posted to the memorial.

February 17, 2015

Ed Sorel posted to the memorial.