Kurt Ryan
September 8, 1965 to August 18, 2026
Obituary
The funeral service for Kurt Ryan will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. Please click HERE for the link.
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of a loving son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and loyal friend, Kurt Michael Ryan, on August 18, 2026. Following a short illness, Kurt left this world surrounded by love and knowing how deeply he was cherished.
Kurt leaves behind a lifetime of precious memories with his wife, Tammy Keough-Ryan; his son, Derek Ryan; his parents, Patrick and Catherine (Moore) Ryan; and his siblings, Keith (Shirlean) Ryan and Connie (Alex Martin). He is also remembered by Tammy’s siblings, Nicole Keough-DeSousa (Jacques), Todd Keough, Craig Keough, and Randall Keough (Kristi), as well as his nephews in both families. Kurt was affectionately known as “Cookie’s Man” to his beloved dogs Oreo and Cookie, who brought so much joy to his everyday life.
Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Kurt lived a life marked by curiosity, dedication, and quiet kindness. A lifelong learner, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Memorial University and an MBA from Saint Mary’s University.
Throughout his career in the pharmaceutical and pharmacy sectors, Kurt was known for his steady leadership, mentorship, and professional integrity. His career included time with Merck Frosst Pharmaceuticals across Atlantic Canada and Montreal, and later as an Associate-Owner of several Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Halifax.
Kurt was a gentle, thoughtful presence, a good listener who expressed his care through small, meaningful acts of service for those around him. He found great joy in cooking, cycling, fishing, and golfing with friends at Ashburn Golf and Country Club. He loved to entertain, regularly hosting holiday gatherings and sharing cherished traditions with family and friends. A passionate traveler, his love for adventure grew from childhood camping trips into memorable journeys around the world. Above all, Kurt was immensely proud of his son Derek and his wife Tammy. His greatest happiness was simply in the time he spent with his family and close friends.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to their extended network of family, friends, and colleagues, including the Shoppers Drug Mart community, for their compassion and support. The family also extends warm appreciation to Dalhousie Medical School and Nova Scotia Health Central Zone, Division of Nephrology for their compassion, care, and support.
Cremation has taken place. The family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, Freshwater Road, St. John’s, NL, on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at Carnell’s Chapel at 2:00 p.m. with a reception immediately afterward. A livestream of the service will be available. A celebration of life will be held in Halifax at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Kurt’s memory may be made to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia (or the Canadian Mental Health Association – Nova Scotia Division).
Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the stories we share, the traditions we keep, and the love they leave behind.
Schedule
Visitations
11-1 p.m. on September 11, 2026
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
2:00pm, Friday September 11th
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Kurt was an incredible mentor through working with him at Merck Canada, many years ago. Always a steady hand, there to help and coach anyone who worked with him. Kurt, you will be missed.
Ian Hodder
Kurt was an incredibly modest, peaceful man who while he had little to say what he did say was extremely relevant. His smile and warmth were tangible, real and heart warming. He was incredibly brilliant and treated those around him, regardless of position, with respect. He was very loved. He adored his wife, Tammy, and his son, Derrick. They were his world. 💕💕
To Tammy and Derek and your extended family please accept my sincere condolences
So very sorry to hear of Kurt’s passing. I will fondly remember our many chats in the front yard on Glenbourne Court where Kurt would share advice on gardening, cooking, pharmacy and life in general. A real gentleman in every respect. Sending our deepest condolences to the family.
To Keith &Family , Our sincere condolences to you all.on the loss of your brother . May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Dear Tammy,
Although we have not stayed in touch, I followed Kurt’s and your careers from afar, so I was shocked and greatly saddened to hear of Kurt’s passing. I remember him well as a grad of the first pharmacy class at MUN and then subsequently as he embarked on his career. He was a quiet and gentle person but made a great impression on those he met. I am sure there are many colleagues and patients in addition to his close friends and family who will mourn his passing and miss him very much. He has left us far too soon.
I hope that the memories you have of him and the reflections of the happy times you shared will provide some comfort to you in the days ahead. I send my sincerest sympathies to you and all the family on your loss.
I went to High school with Kurt and we often crossed paths during our university studies at MUN and early into our careers. He was always kind and respectful. I’ll remember that……I wish your family comfort and you clear sailing on the next phase of your journey
Tammy and Derek,
We are so sorry for your loss. In the short time I met him, it was clear he was a sweet and kind and dedicated husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this heartbreaking time.
Emily and Olivia Kennedy, and Tracey Power
We are so sorry for your loss. In the short time I met him, it was clear he was a sweet and kind and dedicated husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this heartbreaking time.
Emily and Olivia Kennedy, and Tracey Power
Connie and Alex,
Shocked and so sad to hear of your loss. Cannot imagine what you and your mother must be going through. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Dennis and MaryJo
Tammy and Derek,
We were saddened to hear the news about Kurt. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Scott, Kelly, Lauren, Kristen and Claire
Dearest Tammy and Derek,
We are heartbroken beyond words by Kurt’s passing. He was such a wonderful friend, and his devotion to the two of you was evident in everything he did.
Rest easy now, Kurt. Your watch is done, and we’ve got it from here we will wrap our arms around Tammy and Derek and look out for them always.
Sending you both our deepest condolences and all our love,
Love, the Bakers
Christopher, Stephanie, Fiona, Charlotte, Max, and Zak
To the Ryan family my sincere condolences on the passing of Kurt..
Connie and Alex, so sorry to hear of your loss.
Dave & Lisa
Connie and Alex, so sorry to hear of your loss.
Dave & Lisa
Condolences to family and friends
My deepest condolences to all of Kurt’s family and friends. I haven’t seen him in decades, he was a brilliant mind and a very nice person.
So very sorry for your family’s loss. Thinking of you all and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Connie and Alex and also Catherine and Paddy I am shocked and saddened to read the news of Kurt’s passing. I have heard you speak fondly of him over the years. I only met him once at your retirement dinner last year. We had a wonderful conversation about Halifax and he also spoke about his son with great pride. I can only imagine the sadness of all your family and send love and healing thoughts your way. Take care.
Mary
Pat, Catherine and family, so sorry and sad to learn of Kurt’s passing.. We may have met him once, at a gathering they organized for your anniversary. We knew he was in the Maritimes and did quite well in life and am sure he was a fine young man, who left this world too early. To lose a child is the greatest tragedy parents can experience. We know your sorrow, you all take care..
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Kurt’s passing. I called on Kurt as his SDM pharmacy resource when he became an Associate and enjoyed our conversations over almost 20 years. He was always passionate about his business and he took pride in being one of the top Flu shot and COVID vaccine providers in the province. We also shared some lighter talks at the many SDM conferences we attended.
I am thankful for the kindness he showed to me.