Thomas Michael Ryan
July 8, 1946 - February 19, 2025
Tom Ryan, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, at the age of 78 due to complications from Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s dementia. Though his body slowed, his warmth and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ never wavered. A Catholic boy through and through, he lived with a reverence for his Savior and a steadfast love for his family, friends, and community.
Tom was born in Anacortes, WA, the eldest of ten children to Mora J. Ryan and Thomas W. Ryan. He spent his early years in the Seattle area, attending Assumption Catholic Elementary School and graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1964.
In the fall of 1965, Tom received his draft notice and enlisted in the U.S. Army that December. He left for boot camp in January 1966 at Fort Ord, California, as a member of Battalion 21, Platoon 4, and graduated on February 22, 1966. Following basic training, he attended Engineering School at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before continuing to Fort Benning, Georgia, for jump school. On July 1, 1966, Tom deployed to Vietnam, where he served for 18 months. He was awarded two Purple Hearts for combat-related injuries and concluded his military service with the rank of Sergeant (E-5). His time in the Army instilled deep love for his country and a profound respect for service.
After his military service, Tom attended Shoreline Community College, where he studied Architectural and Industrial Graphics and served as student body president. After earning his AA degree, he was accepted to Western Washington State College in Bellingham. It was there, on Western’s campus, that he met the love of his life, Joan (Cushman) Ryan. They married on June 16, 1973, and celebrated 51 wonderful years together this past June. Joan was not only his wife but also his best friend, travel companion, greatest source of strength, and in later years, his devoted caregiver. Together they raised two sons, Shawn and Paul. Tom was a wonderful father and grandfather, sharing his love of woodworking, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, gardening, reading, camping, singing, and more with his boys and seven grandchildren.
Tom was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus as well as local fishing organizations. He served as a volunteer firefighter for the San Juan Fire Protection District 3, a CERT instructor, and, together with Joan, was named the 2013 Washington State Parks Hosts of the Year. His love of music and the arts led him to sing with the Everett Chorale and even take the stage in community theater, most memorably as Rooster in Annie at the Royal Theatre in downtown Friday Harbor. Tom was also an excellent cook, his favorite Thanksgiving contributions of rutabaga and Brussels sprouts remained a family joke—enthusiastically prepared by him and politely ignored by everyone else.
For over 30 years, Tom shaped young minds as a dedicated educator in the Friday Harbor and Snohomish School Districts, as well as in Canada. A Star Trek fan, he boldly ventured where few had gone before, inspiring a love of exploration, science, and adventure in his classrooms and beyond. He taught woodshop, drafting, PE, robotics, math, and more. His students fondly remember building CO2 cars, pen holders, and countless projects that sparked creativity and ingenuity. In 2007, he was awarded Washington State Teacher of the Year by the Washington Industrial Technology Education Association. Tom retired from teaching in June of 2010.
Tom’s kindness, gentleness, and warmth will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Joan; sons Shawn (Holly) and Paul (LaDonna); as well as seven grandchildren who loved him deeply.
Tom spent his final year under the compassionate care of the staff at Quail Park Lynnwood (Tribute Care) and Evergreen Hospice. His family is forever grateful for the kindness and support he received.
Arrangements are being handled by Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills. If desired, the family kindly requests contributions be made to the Snohomish Education Foundation or Evergreen Hospice.