Obituary of David James Ryan

Beloved Father, Brother, and Friend passed away peacefully after a long, courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis on Monday June 5, 2017 at the age of 51. He is survived by his children Benjamin Raymond and Nora Rose, along with their Mother, Jennifer Quinn; his siblings Vicki Ryan, Kathy McDonough (Skip), and Mike Ryan; along with many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Bev Ryan. Dave was born on September 16, 1965 and was the youngest of Ray and Bev’s four children. He was raised in Shoreview in a tightly knit neighborhood, with many of those relationships continuing for his entire life. This was most especially true with the Lentsch family who have been there for Dave in so many special ways in the past few months. After graduating from Mounds View High School in 1984, Dave attended and graduated from St. John’s University in 1989. He began his career in sales at Midwest Lumber in Stillwater, where he also chose to live with his former wife, Jennifer, and start a family. Their son, Ben, was born on September 18, 2000 and their daughter, Nora, was born on July 5, 2004. His children gave him so much joy, and truly were the reason that he fought to stay independent and as healthy as possible for so long. They were the light in his life always! One of Dave’s favorite things to do was golf. And, he was really good at it! It was something that his dad taught him, and that he did with both of his parents. We know that he is playing golf with them again with a whole body, as well as riding his four wheeler with his chocolate lab, Maggie running beside him! He has made it to the 19th Hole! The family would also like to say a special thank you to Tyrone Carter. Without Tyrone’s wonderful, above and beyond care the past few years Dave may not have been able to stay home for as long as he did to be with his children. There will be a celebration of Dave’s life on Wednesday June 14, 2017 from 4-8 PM at the St. Paul location of The Cremation Society of Minnesota, 1979 Old Hudson Road.