Peter Grover Ryan 1940-2018

Our uncle Peter died early this morning after a brief hospitalization.  He was our uncle, but of course he was also a father, husband, brother, Elk, golfer and friend.  I have learned a great deal about him during this time we've been able to spend here in Gloucester.  He certainly had his flaws, but as my uncle, he was top rate.  He was so happy to have Colleen and Petey with him in the hospital yesterday.  Witnessing that eases my sorrow immensely. 

He was born March 31 1940 in Gloucester.  He was one day old for the 1940 census! He said he lost his hearing in one ear sometime during the second grade which excused him from the military draft.  He has told stories about his dad getting him a job at the grocery store....unbeknownst to him! He gave his earnings to his mother. She returned the money to him when it was time for him to buy a car.  He hadn't known she was keeping it for him.  He thought he was contributing to the household and he was always emotional telling that story. 

I never could really get good stories about family from Dad, but Peter was full of them! Better yet, he was always right and gave me solid leads to follow.  One example is that I'd been seeking a death date for "Aunt Bud" (Viola Ryan) and Peter told me several stories about her that lead me to find the information I was seeking AND filled out Aunt Bud's life story in a lovely way.

My childhood memories of Peter are full of FUN.  We rarely saw either of our dad's brothers so when we did, it was a great treat for us.  There was a long stretch of time that the Gloucester family was absent from our lives, but that's no longer the case and we've built strong relationships over time. I will miss him sorely but knowing Dad has his brother with him again gives me some peace.