Francis Edward "Ted" Ryan

July 18, 2021
In loving memory of Francis Edward "Ted" Ryan
Ted Ryan, 74, experienced a brain hemorrhage and passed away surrounded by family at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail, British Columbia on July 18, 2021.
Ted was born in Kelowna to John and Mary Ryan and relocated to Nelson in 1950. He attended St. Joseph's School and L.V. Rogers Secondary School, graduating in 1965. He remained enthusiastic about staying connected to his hometown classmates, helping to plan reunions. He continued his education with a Survey Technology Diploma from BCIT.
Ted and Carol married in 1969 and chose to live in Nelson. For over two decades, Ted enjoyed his surveyor career with BC Hydro involving hydro-electric projects. In 1982, Ted and Carol became part owners of the local Dairy Queen, where they hosted annual bike-a-thons to raise funds for the Ernie Gare Athletic Scholarship Society.
In 1989, Ted traded his work boots for a career in real estate, which was well-suited to his life experiences and personality. He became an award-winning Realtor who took great care and satisfaction in helping his clients in the community that he loved. In 1992 Ted and Carol sold the Dairy Queen to work together as team in real estate, until his retirement in 2013.
Ted enjoyed volunteering with the Nancy Greene Ski Team, the Nelson Junior and Senior Maple Leafs, and as committee chair of 1989 BC Winter Games closing ceremonies. He gave his expertise to the Nelson Advisory Planning Commission, including the Centennial Waterfront Pathway project. Ted was interested in local politics and lent a hand to candidates whom he believed would be well suited to lead his community.
He cherished rehearsing and performing with the members of Nelson's Heritage Harmony Barbershop Chorus. He could often be found on the Granite Pointe Golf Course early in early mornings, playing over one hundred 9-hole rounds in recent seasons, and took pride in his two holes-in-one.
He especially enjoyed Friday nights at Mike's Place Pub with his pool-playing pals; social gatherings with friends, co-workers and neighbors; sporting events involving golf trips, Grey Cup, NHL and World Junior Hockey; and traveling to destinations throughout Asia, Europe, Australia and North America with family and friends.
Ted is survived by his wife Carol; children Jennifer (David Haffey) Ryan, Sheila (Brent Raymond) Ryan and Brock (Jessica) Ryan; grandchildren Jack and Ellie Ryan; sister Kay (Wayne) Schweitzer; and many nieces and nephews. Ted was predeceased by his parents John and Mary, and siblings John, Larry, and Sue Ryan.
The family invites you to attend the celebration of Ted's life on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Lakeside Park in Nelson, BC from 1 to 3 pm. Please share your memories of Ted. We feel fortunate to be able to gather in remembrance; please respect any Covid guidelines that are in place. For more information, contact jennifer_ryan@rogers.com. A private family interment service for Ted and his brothers will follow in Spring 2022.
Donations in his honour to his favorite charity, the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation (https://klhf.org/wp/giving/) are welcomed. The Ryan family would like to thank the compassionate staffs of Kootenay Lake District Hospital Emergency Department, Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Palliative Care Department, Nelson BC Ambulance Services, and Nelson Fire Department, and all of our friends and family for their support at this difficult time.