RYAN, Gordon
June 14th, 1923 - March 23rd, 2007
Gordon was born in England, but proud of his Irish heritage.
He went to Grammar school in Wolstanton, Newcastle, Staff, England and joined the Royal Air Force in 1939. He was a pilot in the RAF during WWII. At the battle of Nijmegen, Holland November 1944 his plane was shot down and with the help of the emergency parachute he jumped out of the burning plane. Dutch farmers saved his life in time. He returned to England, was honoured for his bravery and became a member of the Caterpillar Club.
In Canada he was a mechanic and later a secondary school teacher of French and History at Queen Elizabeth High School, Surrey. He retired in 1988.
He volunteered for many years as president of the Pacific Condominium Association of BC, and will be remembered for his sharp wit, dry humour and loyalty to friends. A heartfelt thanks goes to the incredibly caring staff in the Palliative Care ward at Peace Arch District Hospital, and especially Dr. Charles King.
Gordon leave behind his loving wife Hildegard and many friends. No service by request. A celebration of Gordon's life will be held at a later date.
If you wish to make a donation to the charity of your choice in Gordon's name, it would be appreciated.