John Ryan, 82

John Maurice Ryan, 82, passed away Aug. 10, 2023, on Lake Coeur d'Alene. He died doing what he loved: catching the wind in his sails and enjoying the outdoors.

John was born May 19, 1941, to Emmett and Ruby Ryan in Polo, Mo. As a young child, his family ran a Recreational Center. His grandparents loved farming and fruit growing, and after traveling to Idaho, decided to move the family there. John’s parents did a lot of different work in Idaho and spent many years managing orchards. When Ore-Ida came to the area, John, his parents and his brother, Marion, worked there.

John joined the Air Guard while still attending high school, spending the summer between his junior and senior years in training. He remained in the Air Guard for six years. During this time, he met and married his wife of 61 years, MaryAnn. In 1972, John took a job with the Idaho National Guard and soon moved to Post Falls. After 24 years, John retired from the National Guard. During this time, John and his brothers started Foam Works and together they fought wildland fires. He was a volunteer firefighter for Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls Fire Departments, eventually becoming one of the first full-time paid firefighters. John was also the first full-time firefighter to retire from the Department. After retirement, John continued his service in firefighting as a dispatcher for the Idaho Department of Lands and the Forest Service.

John was preceded in death by his parents and younger sister Carolyn (Dave). He is survived by his brothers, Marion and Charles, his wife, MaryAnn, four children, Dan (Liz), Kim (George), Deena (David) and Melodie (Scott), 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one blessing on the way. He was loved by many and lived a blessed life.

John’s family will be holding a celebration of life ceremony at Lifeway Chapel 501 W. 15th Ave., Post Falls, ID 83854, on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11 a.m.