Steve Ryan
September 12, 1943 – May 22, 2023
Live, Laugh, Family…
Three perfect words to describe the celebration of the life of Steve Ryan, who was born in Alkol, WV on 9/12/43 and passed away in the arms of loved ones in Superior Township, MI on 5/22/23.
Family
Lawrence Stephen Ryan was the loving husband to the late Beverly (2008) and is survived by his daughter Stephanie, son Marc; Paw to grandsons Stephen and John, and great grandson Killian.
Steve was the son of the late James Earl and Cidella (McClure) and brother to Arvil Gay, Earl Jr., Victor, and Phyllis.
The familial roots started deep and strong in rural West Virginia where he and his siblings worked long and arduous days on the family homestead growing and raising all of family’s sustenance. Steve acquired his masterful culinary skills from his mother who he admitted was a great, great cook!
The early years molded the adult Steve Ryan into the man, husband and father he became. Three older brothers made sure of that! Protecting his baby sister also taught him to become the soft, loving and nurturing father and grandfather he was.
Live
Steve’s thirst for life was as big as the mountains and as deep as the oceans. Steve’s humble and hardworking beginnings provided the courage to move to Vermilion, OH, where he began his career at the bottom rungs of Ford Motor Company and after 37+ years, retired in 1999 as a Plant Manager. What an achievement! Steve’s success let him to not only raise his family, but enabled him to help many other extended family members in return. Other than these personal awards, Steve was also granted 2 maximum Certificates of Commendation from Ford resulting in 2 automobiles as a prize! Wow, and what a blessing, thanks, Steve!
From rural West Virginia, to Ohio, to Michigan, Steve also had the blessing to travel and work in Mexico City, Australia, and even Russia. Steve experienced more of the world than many will ever have the chance to do in their lifetime.
And did Steve love sports? Boy, did he ever! Steve excelled and lettered in football, baseball, basketball, track and if golf were a high school sport, we are sure he would have lettered in that as well. Steve’s natural leadership abilities enabled him to be the BMOC star quarterback, lead the BB team as the point guard, excel in multiple track events (4×100, hurdles, long jump), and play multiple positions on the baseball diamond. All this being said, the most special was coaching his little girl in softball.
It didn’t matter if on the playing field, in the backyard playing cornhole, or sitting around the kitchen table playing board games, Steve was a true competitor wanting to compete at the highest level (maybe stretching the rules a bit, lol).
Woodworking was another joy for Steve. From building treasure chests to furniture, from tinkering in the shop to turning art on the lathe, Steve could do it all! It was a pleasure to turn to him for assistance with any project and he was always willing and able to help!
We will always remember how much Steve loved to cook. Not only was his cooking impeccable, but the presentation needed to match! All entrees and appetizers were amazing and would qualify for ‘Bon Appetite’ magazine. Steve was also willing to coach. If he thought you were cooking something wrong, he would be sure to step in to assist.
Laugh
All of his personal achievements wouldn’t mean anything to Steve if it wasn’t for his time with his family. Story telling was an artform for Steve and he loved it. He loved to talk about his family, WV, Ohio, sports and his travels.
But spending time with his children and grandchildren and holding each in his arms were the most special times for Steve. The most cherished memories of Steve from his family include 4 wheeling in the Lorain mud and hanging out at the diner afterwards whooping it up. Golfing under the blue skies all while fixing a slice was a definite favorite pastime. Then there is teaching a 9-year-old boy how to drive while he worked the pedals. Once he got his Thunderbird, he turned the same small boy loose in the parking lot all by himself while he cheered and watched the T-Bird turn circles around him. Most of all, there were several times Dad would rescue his little girl from peril just to keep her safe. We all remember the precious times just hanging out during happy hour to hear stories at his favorite watering hole, Aqua.
This is a CELEBRATION and remembrance of the life of Steve Ryan. GOD BLESS YOU AND WE WILL LOVE YOU ALWAYS!!
Visitation for Steve will be held Thursday, May 25th, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 851 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton, Michigan.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastor Clint Craddock officiating. Burial will follow at Forks of Coal Cemetery, Alum Creek. Friends and family will gather 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.