Richard Allan Ryder
December 27, 1929 to July 26, 2022
Obituary
Passed away peacefully at home in St. John’s on July 26, 2022, Richard Allan Ryder, age 92. Predeceased by his loving wife Elsie (nee Oldford), as well as his parents Richard and Jessie (nee Abbott), brother Calvin, and sister Greta Jackson. Leaving to mourn with many fond memories are his three devoted children: son Richard (Sheila), and daughters Karen and Susan (Roger Soucy); cherished grandchildren Nicholas, Julianne, Jane, Brendan, Jessica, and Stephen; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Allan grew up in Bonavista but lived and worked in Gander with Terra Nova Tel for over 40 years. Outside of his career Allan was a wonderful father, amazing grandfather, and devoted husband and best friend to Elsie, his wife of over 55 years. Allan was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and spending time at his cabin. A lover of music who could play almost anything by ear, Allan played both the harmonica and accordion. He loved to travel, particularly cruises and trips to Hawaii with Elsie, but always said that there was no better place on earth than Newfoundland.
Always quick with a joke or word of advice, Allan brought laughter and kindness everywhere he went. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he lived a full and active life for every one of his 92 years. But to those who loved and knew him, no amount of time with Allan would ever be enough. We will love, miss, and remember him forever.
Thank you to Millicent for being such a good friend to Dad. Thank you also to Freda, his home care worker who took wonderful care of Dad over the past year.
Cremation has taken place. Funeral service will be held from the Carnell Memorial Chapel, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s, on Tuesday, August 2 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. A private inurnment service will be held at a later date. Allan leaves behind a legacy of kindness. In lieu of flowers or donations, please perform an act of kindness to let Allan’s legacy live on.
Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.
Schedule
funeral
2:00pm, Tuesday August 2nd
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Reception to follow Funeral Service.
Condolences to Richard and family. I just stumbled on the obit. and was saddened to hear of your loss. Allen was one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to know. He was a pillar of the Gander community and will be fondly remembered.
Karen and Family:
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Karen, Richard, Susan and your families, we were saddened to hear about your father. We will always remember and appreciate his sense of humour! Wishing you all comfort during this difficult time.
Richard and Karen,
On behalf of the Compassion HomeCare family, we extend our deepest sympathies to you and families.
Our hearts are with you during this difficult time.
God Bless
Richard and Family,
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your Dad. Richard, though I never met him, I felt I had a measure of the man through the stories you’d relate after spending occasional weekends with him during the time you and I worked together. The love and friendship you felt for him was so evident and I know will sustain you through this difficult time and beyond.
Despite the many years, I remember the warmth of his smile. I remember his grinning agreement as aunt Elsie explained in detail why she was my favourite aunt. As sad as his passing is, it is comforting to know the perfect pair are reunited.
Richard, Karen, Susan, and families,
So sorry to read about the passing of your father. It was such a long time ago that we were neighbours on Memorial Drive. I have such fond memories of your Dad and his stories.
Performing acts of kindness is such a fitting tribute. Thinking of you and your families and wishing you the best in this difficult time.
Sincere condolences to the Ryder family. I’ve known Allan since the CNT days and was a true gentleman.
R.I.P. my friend
Wayne and Christine Suley
Karen And family, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. The wonderful memories you all have of him will last forever in your hearts. Sending Love and Sincerest Condolences.
Karen & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. May the many fond memories give you strength and comfort in the difficult days ahead. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Richard and family,
My sincere condolences to you, Sheila, Jessica and Stephen. I feel honoured to have known your father, a gentle and kind soul who epitomized the wise patriarch of the family, and the loving doting grandfather. I have memories of him playing accordion at your house when the children were little, and they were fascinated. I know you all will miss him, as we all will. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Michael Bautista, and Anne and the rest of the Bautista-Macdonald-Riggs clan.
Karen and family,
So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Richard, Karen and Susan
Sorry to hear about your father’s passing. Lots of fond memories from living next door all those years. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Hang on to those precious memories to comfort you through this difficult time.. Take care
Toni Hibbs
Karen and family,
So incredibly sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in your most cherished memories in the days ahead. Take Care,
Kelli Lambe
My condolences to the Ryder family. Allan was one of kind always had humour in what ever he did
Love visiting him and Aunt Elsie !
We have fond memories of Allan and will never be forgotten
Bless him !
Richard,Karen,Susan and families- So sorry to hear of you dads passing.. Thinking of the great times we had together as a family.my thoughts and prayers are with you on this sad and difficult time.Hugs.
Richard, Karen & family – We are heartbroken for your loss. He will certainly be missed. Sincere condolences,
Judy & Wayne Collins
Sorry for your loss Richard& family he was such a true gentleman may his spirit rise high.take care guys amen