first published: Pevensey Bay Journal
the independent broadsheet newspaper for Pevensey Bay
edition 15, 22 January 2018: now in local newsagents, priced 40p
Geoff Ryan
6th January 1943 – 27th September 2017
I don’t think my sister Debbie and I ever really knew how strong our dads’ faith was until he was diagnosed in April 2017 with cancer. From that day onwards we saw our courageous dad fight with every ounce of courage and determination he had.
The church of St Nicolas; where dad had been organist and choirmaster for 13 years supported him with prayers, letters and phone calls. Dad always hoped to return to play the organ at least one more time, but in our hearts we knew different. Instead of planning his beloved choir practices he began to plan his funeral, choosing his favourite music. This was incredibly painful for us as a family but we supported dad every step of the way.
On our journeys to Brighton for radiotherapy I would watch my dad in my rear view mirror, becoming frail and weak, nevertheless, he painted on a smile at the hospital and even shared jokes with the staff.
We had many adventures like sneaking in the pub for a spritzer telling my mum we had been stuck in traffic.
There was so much Debbie and I needed our dad for and we were never ready to let him go. He was such an amazing grandad to his three granddaughters, always finding time for them if they ever needed him.
We crammed so much into the last six months of dads’ life making memories such as afternoon tea at The Cooden Beach Hotel trying for those few hours to forget that all too soon our lives would change.
On the 27th September 2017 our precious dad passed away peacefully and finally free from pain.
So this Christmas he was not leading the choir to sing round the villages, or carving our turkey; but hopefully he was watching over us all.
So please raise a glass to our brave, gentle dad Geoff Ryan, our hearts are broken until we meet again.
Carol Ryan
Carol and Debbie are arranging a memorial service to celebrate Geoff’s life at St Nicolas Church when the restoration works are complete. They would love people to come along and celebrate his life.
