Dermot Joseph Ryan

November 26, 1929 - July 24, 2017

Dermot Joseph Ryan Obituary Dermot Joseph Ryan was born on November 26, 1929 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Washington to James Joseph and Mary Ann Ryan, both emigrants from Dublin, Ireland. He was the youngest of four children Sheila (Harold Burnett), James Desmond (Bea Rector), Laurence Kevin, and Dermot. His working life began early at age 15. He had several short-term jobs until he began working at Far West Equipment in 1948 as a mechanic and salesman. In April of 1951 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and fought in the Korean War. He then returned to Spokane and his job. Far West was acquired by McCulloch Corporation, Los Angeles and became their Spokane Division, moving their location to a new building at 4201 E. Trent in 1956. Dermot was the Service and Parts Manager at McCulloch and became acquainted with Shirley Moore, administrative secretary. They began dating and were married on May 7, 1960. After building their new home in the Country Homes area, they were blessed with three children. After working for McCulloch, he was employed by Freuhauf Trailers and in 1967, he began working for Fasteners, Inc. and became the Branch Manager for Spokane. His years there were productive and happy ones and in 1986, he and two other employees started their own company, NorFast, Inc. In retirement, he had two part-time jobs that he so enjoyed that kept his sharp mind engaged. He was a committed Catholic, loyal to his friends and family, loved this country and just an all-round wonderful man. He was and always will be the husband and father we could have ever wanted. He loved working on and improving our home. He and Shirley took many fun trips in the states and many trips with the children, including Hawaii, and celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary with a trip to Ireland. Dermot is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Ryan, his three children, daughter Carolyn Ryan, son Neil Ryan (Julie), and son Kyle Ryan (Dana), seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. We all will love him and miss him forever. A Rosary will be said for him on Monday, July 31, 2017 at 7p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N. Government Way, Spokane, Washington and a Requiem Mass will be said for him, by Father Eugene Tracy, on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 545 E. Providence, Spokane, Washington.