Obituary of Hubert Gavalean "Nick" Ryan

Of Halifax passed away August 19, 2014 at his home. Born in Bayside, NS, he was a son of the late Hubert and Norrine (Fader) Ryan. Nick was a veteran of the RCR, Black Watch and Royal Signal Corps as well as serving in the Korean War with the United Nations Peacekeeping in Cyprus where he retired as a sergeant in the late 1980’s after 22 years of service. He was heavily involved with the Whites Lake Legion Branch 153 where he served as a president and a lifetime member. Nick was a founding member of unit 45 Nova Scotia in the Korean Veterans Association serving as the Nova Scotia Regional President, Atlantic and National President. He was a charter member of the Prospect Lions Club; director with Citizens on Patrol RCMP, served on the district planning committee and the fire protection board. He was also involved as a member of the community waste management. Nick was influential in the naming of the Veterans Lane by Camp Hill Hospital and also in the naming of the 102 Veterans Highway. He held the office of the director in the coastal communities economic development co-op. Nick received numerous awards, citations and service medals in his life. These distinctions include the Queens Golden and Silver medals and most recently the Diamond Jubilee medal for exceptional volunteer service to his community and country. Nick loved hunting, fishing and spending time with his family in Bayside by the ocean. He will also be remembered for his aid to veterans and his communities. Nick is survived by his son Patrick(Cindy), Debert; daughters Nancy Ryan and Maria Ead (Dee Jay) and brother Arnold "Butch" Langille, Toronto. Nick also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his close companion Carol Fader, as well as Karren and Family.   Nick was predeceased by his two wives Sandra Nearon, Ont., and Sylvia Ryan (Wile); daughter Vallerie Mitchell (Ryan); brother Donald Ryan and son-in-law John Mitchell.   Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Rd. Halifax (477-5601) where a visitation will take place Monday August 25 from 6-8pm. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday August 26 at 1pm with a reception to follow. Burial will take place at a later date with his family. In lieu of flowers donations in Nick’s name can be made to the QEII Foundation care of the PTSD Dog Program for Veterans or the Camphill Veterans.