John Paul Ryan

From Colliers, NL
Ryan, John P. September 25, 1951 - June 3, 2020 John Paul Ryan of Colliers, Conception Bay: passed peacefully away June 3, 2020 at Woodford's Comfort Manor, Holyrood. Predeceased by his wife Anita Veitch, and his parents James and Bridget (nee McGrath) Ryan. Leaving to mourn his sister Marie Hunt (Brendan), their children Ryan (Cherri-Lee), David, John (Danielle), Aaron, Claire (Michael) and his great-nieces Caitlin, Natalie and Anna Hunt, Alice and Olivia Finigan. His brother Jim Ryan, Edmonton (Gail), their children Darcy (Maureen), Sheila (Monce), Colleen (Neil) Shannon (Brandon), Caitlin (Mike) and Tim (Wendy) and his 10 "out west" great nieces and nephews, his aunt Genevieve Alo and uncle Slim Goodacre and numerous cousins and friends. In his life time John was not a morning person, and he always took his time doing everything, but when it came time for him to go, he went at the crack of dawn, quickly and without any fuss. He always enjoyed a bit of irony. John started his working career as a teacher but soon left it to pursue a variety of callings before settling into acting. His first taste of it was in amateur theatre, where, as a member of Centre Stage Players he won many awards. With his wife Anita, he took part in many productions and enjoyed taking their plays around the province, the country and foreign shores. Moving from amateur to professional brought him to the Trinity pageant with Rising Tide Theatre, helping to bring laughter and tears to audiences from near and far as they recounted our history in drama and song. He was the merchant who brought a tear to everyone's eye as he had to refuse credit to hungry folk who had nowhere to turn. In the winter season he brought many a laugh with "Revue" around the province. He loved theatre, loved a good recitation, a good song or poem. He was an avid reader who filled his house with books. With some neighbours in his hometown of Colliers, he helped keep the tradition of "the Wren" alive by visiting from house to house on Boxing Day and reciting the tale of the Wren. The reward for their recital was usually a Christmas libation and an opportunity to spin more yarns and enjoy the party. John had a distinctive, resonant voice and could be heard anywhere speaking at gatherings and special events. He read a reading at Pope John Paul's Mass in Quidi Vidi in 1984. He could be called upon to screech-in visitors, was rarely stuck for words and could use any excuse to propose a toast. While he and Anita loved to put on a show and take the show on the road, that love of life diminished when Anita passed away and when he became ill. He settled for lots of TV and despite everything, his political commentary was sharp to the end. John's family would like to thank Dr. Paul Walsh and Woodford's Comfort Manor for the excellent care that he received, even as he did not always go gentle into any good night. But gently he has gone now and we shall miss him. Due to restrictions imposed by COVID-19, a private funeral service will be held at Dunphy's Chapel, Holyrood with Interment to follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Colliers In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory made to The Gathering Place, St. John's.