MARQUETTE - Dr. Randy O. Ryan, DVM, age 73, of Marquette, passed away Monday morning, July 16, 2012.
Born October 24, 1938 in Alhambra, California, a son of Carl G. and Doris L. (Cook) Ryan, Randy was raised in California and Buffalo, New York. In the early 1950s, the family moved to East Lansing and it was there that he met and later married Jane A. McCann on June 22, 1962. The couple made their first home in East Lansing while Randy was enrolled at Michigan State University pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 1963 and then served in the US Army Veterinary Corps from 1963 until 1965, stationed in Modesto, California. Following his honorable discharge, Randy practiced in Flint from 1965 until 1968 when he, Jane and children, moved to Marquette. The family quickly fell in love with the beauty of the area and its people, while Randy partnered at the Marquette Veterinary Clinic, Harvey, for many years, retiring in 1998. Randy found in the Marquette area a place of comfort and recreation. He enjoyed the outdoors and all that nature had to offer. He was a serious fly fisherman, grouse hunter, sailor, hiker, and downhill skier.
When not outdoors, he could often be found creating new dishes in the kitchen, woodworking, whittling and carving, or pursuing his interest in history, especially Western history, and the events of World War II. His musical interests extended to being a self-taught player of the clarinet and flute and a lover of Dixieland Jazz, a pastime both he and Jane enjoyed, having attended several jazz festivals throughout the years. Randy always had a hobby, finding fulfillment in one area and then moving on to the next. In retirement, he and Jane volunteered as rangers for the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for four years and for the Hiawatha National Forest for eight years serving on Grand Island and the Big Island Lake Wilderness Area.
Randy was a member of Marquette noon Rotary for 40 years and was active in the national, state and local veterinary associations throughout his career.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Jane; sons, Stuart Douglas (special friend, Betsy Cappoferri) Ryan of Negaunee and Grant Matthew Ryan of Marquette; a sister, Mary Ann (Bert) Heinold of Scottsdale, AZ; sister-in-law, Anne Ryan of Grand Ledge; and nephews, Steven Heinold of Woodland Hills, CA and Jeffery Heinold of Haleiwa, HA. In addition to his parents, Randy was preceded in death by his brother, Patrick O. Ryan; and a niece, Kathleen Ryan.
Honoring Randy's request, no services will be scheduled. Memorials may be directed to UPAWS (Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter) P.O. Box 968, Marquette, MI 49855 or the Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front Street, Marquette, MI 49855.
The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at www.swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com.