J. Stuart Ryan

RYAN, John Stuart – John Stuart Ryan died January 15th, 2024, at the age of 92. “Stuart” Ryan of Guelph, ON, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love at Guelph General Hospital with his wife and family by his side.

Stuart was born on December 6th, 1931, to Richard Herman Ryan and Bessie Gertrude Robinson in Toronto, ON. He attended the University of Guelph, and graduated from the Ontario Agricultural College in 1956 with a BSc in Agriculture. During his time at the University of Guelph, he met Mary Ann at a memorable school dance, who would later become his wife.

In 1956, Stuart went on to have a successful career with The Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company for 38 years. After retiring from Upjohn in 1994, he went on to work as the Executive Director of the Pharmaceutical Foundation of Canada from 1995 to 2000. Throughout his career, Stuart was the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Pharmaceutical Sales Association for many years. In the meantime, he received a lifetime honorary award from the Canadian Pharmacist Association. Though Stuart had many professional achievements in his life, he always viewed his family as his biggest accomplishment. In 2000, he entered retirement, dedicating his time to family, nurturing gardens, and enjoying winter seasons in Destin, Florida.

Stuart was predeceased by his parents Richard and Bessie, and his brother Kenneth (Marie) Ryan. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann Ryan, his brother Donald (Joan – Predeceased) Ryan, and his five children Kathryn (George) Cousens, John (Brenda) Ryan, Stephen (Kasia) Ryan, Christopher (Valerie) Ryan, and Suzanne (Stephen) LeBlanc. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren Julie (Korey) Gillanders, John (Anna) Cousens, Paul (Terri) Ryan, Leanne Ryan, Ella Ryan, Alyssa LeBlanc, Joshua Ryan, Jake LeBlanc, and Zosia Ryan, as well as his three great-grandchildren Cole Cousens, Carter Cousens, and Sadie Gillanders.

Stu touched everyone he met with the joy he brought. He will be greatly missed and remembered by his care and empathy for everyone in his life.

A celebration of life to honour Stuart and all that he meant to us will be held at WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, remarks at 2:00pm. Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).

Memorial contributions to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. 

A tree will be planted in memory of J. Stuart Ryan in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.