Merle Richard Ryan passed away on January 24, 2024, in Sault Ste Marie after a brief illness. Merle was born in Royal Oak Michigan on November 5, 1931, to Wayne Ryan and Hilda (Compton) Ryan. He was the youngest of four boys - Ronnie, Melvin, and Keith.
Merle graduated from Hersey High School in 1949 and served in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division from 1951-1954, as a paratrooper, recording 27 jumps. He married Lila (Line) Ryan in 1954 and relocated to Cadillac Michigan. It was there that he built his first home. Merle worked for Michigan Bell for 11 years traveling the state which landed the family in Sault Ste Marie in 1959. He managed the Lock City Home Center for 9 years before becoming a builder, establishing Ryan Builders. Merle remodeled and built homes for many residents in the community, along with his 10 rental properties. After 20 years as a contractor, he retired and continued to build three homes for Habitat for Humanity where he was awarded the “Golden Hammer”.
In 1978 Merle married Patricia (Schrumpf) Ryan his wife of 42+ years before her passing. They had a wonderful life together traveling all but two states attending car show conventions, and cruises and then wintered in Leesburg, Florida for 21 years. Merle was continually active in the antique car community restoring a 55 Crown Victoria, a 55 Ford Fairlane and a 65 Chevy Truck of which you will continue to see cruising the streets of Sault Ste Marie. Merle enjoyed hunting, old cars, crosswords, Sudoku, sports, horseshoes, collecting stamps, watching the freighters, and spending time with his family. His ventures took him on big game hunts to Colorado, Wyoming, Alaska, Canada, and Montana. His mounts include a dull Sheep, whitetail deer, mule deer, moose, elk, and caribou, several of which you will find at the Antlers Restaurant. He continued to play golf through the summer of 2023, he enjoyed many years on the golf leagues at the Country Club, Tanglewood, The Oaks along with golfing with his children and grandchildren. He had a hole-in-one at the Arlington Golf Course in Leesburg Florida.
For those of you that knew him, he was always on the go whether it be coffee at McDonald’s or attending the social groups at the West Pier Apartments. He was an avid walker, whether in the halls in the winter or around the building in the summer. After Patricia’s passing, he continued to live alone handling his bills, groceries, caring for himself, and cooking. He had a full and active life and leaves behind a legacy of strong will, determination and a giving heart. Work first, play second was his motto.
Merle is survived by his three daughters, Paula Ryan Jagodzinski (Dave) of Charlevoix MI; Brenda Ryan Cook (Curtis) of Indian River, MI; Christy Ryan Dias (Joe) of Soo Ste. Marie Ontario; five stepchildren Larry Jacobsen of Menasha, Wi; Lori Jacobsen, (Matt); Steve Peterson (Dayna) of Rockwood, MI; Julie Adams (Greg) of Clarksville TN; 10 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, brothers, and wives.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life at the Elks Lodge on July 21st, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm to share in his memories and his love of life.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Merle R. Ryan please visit our Sympathy Store.
Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
