Mr. Joseph Ryan, a WWII veteran and life-long active member of the regimental family
The Royal Regiment of Canada mourns long time member of the regimental family
TORONTO – The Royal Regiment of Canada will lead the funeral procession and provide a bearer party for Mr. Joseph Ryan, a WWII veteran and life-long active member of the regimental family, on 31 May at 2 p.m. at the Simple Alternative Funeral Chapel on South Gateway Drive, Mississauga.
“We are all saddened by the loss of this great Canadian”, said Lieutenant-Colonel Cliff A. Trollope, Commanding Officer The Royal Regiment of Canada. “A true warrior and professional, Joe Ryan epitomised courage, sacrifice, dedication and above all service to his country and his community. His legacy will live on.”
While Mr. Ryan was a member, during the summer and autumn of 1940, the regiment was garrisoned in Iceland (a strategic submarine and air base) against possible attack. In October, the regiment moved to England in anticipation of a German invasion. Two years later, the Royals were part of the ill-fated Dieppe raid, when the regiment suffered the highest casualties of any of the participating units. During this time, Mr. Ryan was captured and made a prisoner of war for nearly three years.
Mr. Ryan maintained affiliation with the Royal Regiment since his return to Canada. He organized, raised funds for and designed a memorial plaque that was placed in the Fort York Armoury honouring all those who had paid the supreme sacrifice in Dieppe. This plaque was unveiled in 1992 by His Royal Highness Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Regiment of Canada. With the assistance of the Royal Regiment of Canada Foundation, he was instrumental in raising funds to send 26 Dieppe veterans back to France for the 50th anniversary of the battle. Along with his wartime medals, he was the recipient of the Dieppe medal, the Dieppe Combat Recognition citation (the only combat citation given to the Canadian Forces in WWII), the Canada 125 Medal, the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal and the 60th Anniversary Dieppe Medallion. He was also awarded the Founders Award which is the Highest award given by the Royal Army Cadet League of Canada.
Mr Joseph Ryan passed away on 16 May at the Trillium Hospital in Mississauga.
Media are welcome to cover this event. Please contact Captain Charles Pitkin at (416) 633-6200 ext 4610 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). The Simple Alternative Chapel is at 1535 South Gateway Dr. (north-east corner of Dixie Rd. and South Gateway) Mississauga. Fort York Armoury, where the reception will be held is located east of the Canadian National Exhibition grounds at 660 Fleet Street West.
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