I have known Dr Bill Ryan all of my life.
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In fact he brought me into the world. His passing on Tuesday brought to an end a remarkable era in local medical circles.
I have been privileged to get to know both Drs Pat and Bill over many years, both in a professional manner, as our family doctors and also socially.
Bill Ryan had seen so much of Shoalhaven’s history. If I ever had a question there were two people to consult – my other great mate Alan Clark or if the question was from a bit further back Dr Bill.
He has been involved in so many community organisations, activities and events. Just to mention one was his beloved Shoalhaven Rugby Club where he was one of the founding fathers, inaugural president and later life member. A club which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.
Dr Bill’s death on Tuesday has seen an outpouring of emotion.
Dr Ryan passed away peacefully at his Nowra home on Tuesday, November 21, aged 87.
The South Coast Register Facebook page received 128 comments, all passing on their condolences to the family.
There were plenty of messages and stories of the roles Dr Bill and Dr Pat have played in the Shoalhaven over their medical careers, in which they served the region for more than 50 years.
A caring, professional man with a sometimes wicked sense of humor was how he was described.
Immensely proud of the local area and their family’s achievements, the couple welcomed the Register into their home when their grandchildren Will and Jaime Ryan competed at last year’s Rio Olympics. Proudly donning their Team Ryan T-shirts.
History will show Will returned from the Games with a silver medal in the 470 (Four-Seventy) sailing class – Dr Bill saying at the time “Naturally we are very proud. I thought it would be nice for him to get a blazer but to come home with something hanging around his neck is amazing.“
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One message from Pam Emerson Clarke said if it hadn't have been for Dr Bill Ryan back in 1968, she would have died.. he rode in the ambulance with me to Wollongong.. Dr Ryan was brilliant and I owe my life to him... RIP.. Dr Bill..Sincerest sympathy to his wife and family..
From Julie Hoolahan, the wife of former long-time colleague the late Brian Hoolahan - Sad to hear of Bill’s passing. Condolences to Pat and the Ryan family. Love from Julie Hoolahan and family.
Di Hawke said it was always a pleasure to interact with the Ryans. Nowra and surrounds were well served not just by direct care but Bill's ability to influence a range of specialists to come to town. Your legacy will continue to live on. It was an honour to know you, work with you and to enjoy a hearty laugh when laughter was called for. May you fly with the angels for your good tidings in this world. Bill RIP. Pat and family my sincere condolences.
If it hadn't have been for Dr Bill Ryan back in 1968, I would have died.. he rode in the ambulance with me to Wollongong.. Dr Ryan was brilliant and I owe my life to him...
- Pam Emerson Clarke
Vicki Eldridge - Such a wonderful man, remember visits from him as an AIN at Leigh House when taking a BP check and him asking me if the client was still breathing. Loved his great wit. He then taught me how to take BP correctly. Our condolences go out to you Pat and your family. A much loved and respected family in our community.
There were plenty of messages from policing colleagues who spent time with Dr Bill over many years in his role as the Government Medical Officer, conducting numerous post mortems.
Brett Grose said he spent many hours doing post mortems at the hospital as a young copper with Dr Bill. He was a leading Australian government medical officer. In the late eighties he did several SIDS investigations with me, his dedication over the years helped identify risk factors and reduce the occurrence by thirty per cent. I will miss his dry wit.
Paul Hamilton – So sad a great man with a great sense of humor. I vividly remember meeting him on my first day in the job, first PM at 0800, spent many a long hour with Dr Bill from that day on
Jason Lonesborough – Condolences to Dr Pat and the family! Bill had a great but warped sense of humour and knew his craft very well. I attended my first post mortem with Bill and as my family Dr I will never forget him saying “glove and robe up” as his assistant! Both Bill and Pat served our community extremely well.
David Nile – Will be missed. A great sense of humour with the role he played as the GMO. Rest in peace Dr Bill. Fond memories.
Here are a selection of other comments.
Jan Fraser - Loved his sense of humour, will be sadly missed
Mary Nelson - R.I.P Dr. Bill. Our family Dr. and delivered my now 51 and 49 year old children. Condolences Dr. Pat and family.
Annie Steel - Was a lovely doctor, old school will be missed.
June Stevens - A great doctor to so many people and an amazing citizen. Condolences to the Ryan family.
Byron Whitley - Lovely bloke, enjoyed his chats when we would mow his lawn.
Bruce Spinks - A true gentleman.
Ethel Neal - Very sad to hear this. Not only a great doctor but a dedicated, caring man with a great sense of humour. Sincere sympathy to all the Ryan family.