Joseph Ryan Obituary

RYAN, Joseph Anthony, ED. - Joseph Ryan died peacefully at Trillium Hospital in Mississauga on 16 May 2009, at the age of 89. He was predeceased by his wife Irene, twin brother William and sister Kathlene. Born in Montreal, Joe attended school at Port Arthur and trained to be an apprentice dental technician. He joined The Lake Superior Regiment in 1938 and took part in a Guard of Honour for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. In 1939, Joe moved to Toronto and joined The Royal Regiment of Canada. He went overseas with the Royals in 1940 as a Signaler and served in Iceland and England. Joe was with The Royal Regiment at Dieppe on 19 August 1942. He survived the battle, but was taken Prisoner and spent 33 months in a German prison camp, Stalag 8B. He was liberated in 1945 and returned to civilian life in Toronto. Joseph operated a dental laboratory in Toronto and later in Mississauga. He helped form the Denturist Society of Ontario and spent four years as President. Joe was a Past President of the Dieppe Veterans' and Prisoners' of War Association and The Royal Regiment of Canada Association. He was also a Trustee of the Foundation. He raised funds for a memorial plaque mounted in Fort York Armoury to honour those who had paid the supreme sacrifice at Dieppe. This plaque was unveiled by HRH The Prince Charles at a ceremony in September 1991. Joe raised more than $50,000 to send Dieppe Veterans to France for the 50th Anniversary of the Battle. Joseph was made an Honorary Master Warrant Officer of the WOs and Sgts Mess and a Life Member of the Officers' Association. In recent years he was a dedicated volunteer for The Army Cadet League. He was the Liaison Officer for 440 Appleby College, 2736 Royal Regiment, 105 Streetsville and 2824 COPS Peel Police Cadet Corps. A highlight of his work with Cadets was being selected as the Inspecting Officer for Blackdown Summer Cadet Camp at CFB Borden. Joe received the Founders Award of the Army Cadet League and the Army Cadet League of Canada's Volunteer Medal. For many years he spoke about the War to Students at High Schools prior to Remembrance Day. Joseph Ryan spent 70 years serving his Regiment and the Cadets. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 31st at The Simple Alternative Funeral Centre, 1535 South Gateway Rd., at the N.E. corner of Dixie Rd. and South Gateway Rd. in Mississauga, with visiting one hour prior. Donations in lieu of flowers may sent to: The Royal Regiment of Canada Foundation, 30 Eaglestone Rd., Scarborough, ON M1T 2J6.