Donald Steven Ryder

With heavy hearts, the family of Donald Steven Ryder, announce his passing on November 11 2020 at 3:00 pm “quitting time”. He was born in Kelowna on May 25 1939 to Jack & Margaret Ryder; being the 7th of 12 children. Don is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne; who he celebrated 62 years of marriage on Sept 6, 2020. Dad is also survived by his 5 children, Donna (Shawn) Campbell, Sandra (Frank) Lenarcic, Greg Ryder, Terri (Jodie) Phillipoff, and Tammy (Tim) Ervin. And of course, his fur baby cat “Boots”. Grandchildren, Jessie (Dan), Ryan (Allison), Dustin, Spencer (Bret), Amber (Steve), Amanda, Leah, Kimberlee (Ray), Johnson, Jordan, James, Marissa, and Keira. Great Grandchildren, Parker, Khloe, Riley, Jake, Mila, Nevaeh, Mariah, and Aubrie. (2 more due in the spring of 2021). Donnie is also survived by his siblings, Pat, Sam, Ross (Anne), Jean, Linda (Phil), and Shirley (Lorne). He is predeceased by both parents, siblings Jackie, Nellie, Bill, Bert, and George. And his dog, “Misty”. Don is also survived & predeceased by brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, and many nieces and nephews. Don and Yvonne made Kelowna home, except for a short time in Alberta. Don made sure he always provided for his family. He would make sure his kids had a new outfit on when they would visit mom in the hospital during her surgeries. His love for farming came true when they purchased 10 acres in Joe Riche in 1987. Enjoying his hobby farm for 13 years. He spent most of his adult life in the roofing industry; where he worked for others, and into retirement had his own small business (Don’s Roofing). He came out of retirement to do estimates for his son Greg’s roofing company. In 2015, he decided to retire for good; and dad and mom spent every moment together until his passing. Don loved the game of golf. As a young teenager, he became a caddie at the Kelowna Golf & Country Club; where he learned the game and even won the Junior Club Championship. (Dad was still waiting for his trophy; as the previous year’s winner had not turned it back in.) Don also enjoyed his many fishing and hunting trips with his brother-in-laws; even, catching a hook to the nose. There will be no service at this time. A celebration of life will take place in the spring.