Ryan, Charles “Chuck”, 80

Charles “Chuck” Ryan, 80, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away peacefully on Aug. 9, 2022 surrounded by family, friends and much love. Known as Chuck, but loved as gramps, dad, and Charlie to his family, he was a spirited and loving patriarch, a newspaperman, a realtor, a connector, a mentor and a friend to many.

Born on March 27, 1942 to Bernard and Grace Ryan in Vancouver, BC, Canada, Chuck was the eldest of two children. Chuck and his family moved to Southern California when he was 14. It was there he met his soulmate, Linda. They were married in March of 1978 and in 44 happy years together there was never a dull moment. Chuck was a master of the art of surprise and a well-timed joke. He enjoyed making fun of himself before anyone else and was quick to regale both new and old friends with his deep library of humorous stories.

His first career was with the Los Angeles Times. During his 25-year career there, he rose from an entry-level position as a typesetter to a senior leadership position as director of operations. He managed hundreds of employees and oversaw production and distribution of the paper. His success was due to his hard work, ability to tackle any project that needed him, and capacity to make everyone feel important from the mailroom to the boardroom. He retired from the paper in 1986 and maintained a lifelong love of newspapers and printing.

A natural-born risk taker, Chuck packed his family into an RV in 1986 and stumbled upon the small town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where they relocated. Noting the lack of major newspapers for employment in the area, he did the next best thing and began practicing real estate. He enjoyed great success as a realtor and was regularly a top producer. He joined Century 21 Beutler and Associates in 2000 where his knowledge, work ethic, and penchant for taking people under-his-wing made him an important role model and mentor within the office.

A man with a multitude of rotating hobbies, two passions that remained with him throughout his life were boxing and his love of cars. He collected cars, including his prized De Tomaso Pantera sports car. He reluctantly sold that car upon realizing it would not fit his newborn’s car seat. This was the first of many times that he put the needs of his children before his own desires. A prouder dad could not be found; he shared his son and daughter’s accomplishments with anyone and everyone.

Chuck was a pillar of love, comedy, and generosity within his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, of Coeur d’Alene; his son, Patrick Charles Ryan and daughter-in-law, Mary Whitney Ryan; his daughter, Jennifer Ann Ryan; and his grandchildren, Lennox Grace Ryan and Vail Patrick Ryan.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of North Idaho in his name. Chuck’s life will be celebrated in a private gathering of friends and family. The family encourages those who knew and loved Chuck to post a special memory of him on a public page hosted by Yates Funeral Home: www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.