We Remember
RYAN, Timothy Edmund “Tim”
—
1945 – 2026
Timothy Edmund Ryan, age 80, passed away peacefully on June 12th, surrounded by his family. A man of strong will and free-spoken independence, Tim had a limitless ability to live outside the box and always preferred to do things his own way.
Born in Saskatoon in 1945, Tim grew up with a busy mother raising four children with an absent father. One of his earliest business ventures while still attending St Paul’s Elementary School involved buying warm cases of pop, cooling them, and hauling them to construction workers in the “suburbs” of Taylor and Dufferin on his bike — an early sign of the resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit that would define much of his life.
At 22, Tim walked into a dentist’s office and met Joy, a dental assistant in that office. He suddenly became very interested in his oral health as he returned again and again until every cavity was filled and, eventually, Joy agreed to a date. They were married in 1969 and went on to raise three children while building a life together. Tim is lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Joy Elaine Ryan; his children, Shaun (Kimberly) Ryan, Sharmaine (Jason) McCumber, and Shantelle Ryan; and his grandchildren, Bennett, Kaden, Heidi, Spencer, and Bodhi.
Soon after getting married, he also began building homes. He moved his family into one home after another for many years – build, sell, move, build, sell, move. What started as side work eventually grew into a successful real estate development business — one he enjoyed for the
remainder of his life.
Outside of work, Tim and Joy built a full and adventurous life together. They spent many winters in Mazatlán, Mexico, where Tim loved sending photos of the sunset over the ocean to the kids back home in freezing Saskatoon. They traveled to Romania where Tim taught conversational
English in an orphanage, and to 15 other countries. Later in life, they walked the Camino de Santiago trail through Spain together — twice — as well as the West Highland Way in Scotland and Wicklow Way in Ireland, covering a combined distance of over 1,600 km, with Tim’s raucous laughter and conversation the soundtrack through the trails as he made more new friends. This ability to connect with people was one of Tim’s most memorable traits; If you spent a few minutes with him on any trail, restaurant, or airport, he would definitely come across several different people he knew there.
In the last few years, Tim faced his health challenges with the same strength and resolve that he brought to everything else in life. In the end, his passing was mercifully swift and without prolonged suffering — something his family is so very grateful for.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Saskatoon, likely in mid-August.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.



Shaun, Sharmaine and Shantelle,
I talked to your Mom but didn’t get the chance to speak to you. My heart goes out to you all. I know how close you were to your Dad and I also know how much he loved you. I know you will miss him. I have so many great memories of him over the years. He will be missed. Hugs in my heart to all three of you.
Adele
I haven’t been in touch with all the family yet, but I intend to do that in the near future.. This will let you know that you have been in my thoughts ever since Tim’s health began to decline. There was only one Tim which means no one can fill the vacancy he left.. You will be feeling that emptiness these days and in the future. Love you! Scott
Much love to the Ryan Family. A beautiful soul set free to fly in the timeless beauty of the love he shared with his family, friends and all that knew and appreciated his kindness, resilience and devotion to life itself. An honour to know such a magnificent being. Lighting the way to transcend to a new destination. Much love to you my friend.
To my dear friend and business partner for many years . You were a great friend, and mentor who taught me resilience, patience, creative ways of construction, but above all , how to carry yourself as a man. Tim’s sense of humour was infectious. His laugh, smile, and witty sense of humour will be missed but never forgotten. I am truly blessed to have had Tim in my life. We could use more “Tims” in this world. I have been fortunate to have so many great memories with Tim and he will be missed by many.
Thank you for being a great friend, business partner and mentor. I am a better person for having had you in my life. Love Wayne.
Tim and Joy were Saskatoon neighbours who became friends. We always admired the way they functioned as well rounded and self-sufficient individuals who had a deep commitment to coupledom. When Joy decided to visit John of God for her 70th birthday Tim didnt poo-poo it as many men would, he was right there with her ready to experience it all. That enthusiastic embrace of life defined Tim and enriched their relationship. Tim exemplified how we should all live life.
The saddest moment is when the person who gave you the best memories becomes a memory.
Sincere sympathy to you Joy snd your family. Tim was indeed one of a kind. He had such an engaging spirit and his smile could fill a room. An accomplished, energetic and full life well spent but ended too soon.
Byron and Jayne Horachek
Although I am a new Kelowna friend of Joy’s; I sure can see that Tim was a bright light in this world. A man who found his passions and purpose in life at a young age; finding Joy, raising a beautiful family, adventure and a successful entrepreneurial spirit, kindness and happiness. My condolences and love to Joy and family. Melanie
Sending love and condolences to all of you. Though I only had the chance to be with him a few times over the years, I remember him as happy, curious, and full of life, always engaged in something interesting. I know he will be deeply missed.