Vale John Ryan
 

Sadly this evening Sunday 28th of October John Ryan passed away peacefully in Cairns. John will be remember by all who he crossed paths with in his varied career in aviation.

A well known instructor at Archerfield initially with Sunland many moons ago John had a break from flying before starting again instructing with RQAC at Archerfield. John moved up to being deputy CFI of the club before departing to fly the Reims 406 with Surveillance Australia initially in Broome, before moving to Cairns. John also had a long involvement with the RAAF cadets.

Further details of his funeral service/s will be posted on here as soon as they become available. Please hold off contact with his family and partner at this time to respect their wishes.

At this stage at a date TBA there will be a memorial service for those in Cairns, with the funeral to be held in Brisbane. The family have asked for no cards/flowers with all donations please to Angel Flight.

RIP mate, you were one of those people you meet in life that I simply will never forget.

I got the text message from him today also. A sad day indeed. We've just lost one of natures gentlemen. His integrity, honesty and good humour leaves the world a bleaker place. He really was a top bloke and his passing made me and the missus pause and take stock.

Condolences to the family and his rock nettie and anyone who was ever touched by his kindness, decency and happiness.

RIP John

WOG

Another true gentleman pilot leaving us to soon.Well said WOG, makes you remember that most of the things that we hold so dear in this life such as career,money,flying etc are worthless compared to the health and well being of friends and family. Im sure there's a 406 that needs to be flown to low down a beach where your going and i believe up there that they come without the whineing noise down the back.
Sincere condolences to friends and family.
You will always be remembered.
Godspeed John.

Passing of John Ryan
 

Could someone please tell me if that is the same John Ryan who hails from Wollongong and started his career with the RAAF and Wollongong Flight Training Centre?

Very sad news about John. He taught me how to fly a C172 when I was in the Air Training Corps, and it was great to hear his voice on the airwaves again as I steered him around the airspace in Cairns. He was just one of those thoroughly nice guys that you come across. My thoughts are with his family and friends today.
P-W

Just a lovely bloke who will be missed by many. Condolences to his friends and family.

RIP Mate, You were and always will be a true inspiration to myself and I am sure all with whom you crossed paths with.

Sad news
 

Also got the call today with the very sad news.
John was one of those gentlemen of aviation and just a very down to earth nice guy. A sad loss to the aviation family and all who knew him. My deepest condolences to his family. Very true how it makes you take stock of everything.
Will miss you John. Rest in peace.
KE

MATE
 

I have known JR since we were in our early teens. Taught each other to fly spent a lot of time glider towing in Kingaroy, instructing with the cadets and working together at Sunland. He was always the ultimate person you wanted to hang around with, professionally and socially, never anything but a GOOD, TRUE, and above all HONEST mate. I will never forget after some time off from flying and had just got back into it, a cherry “Gidday Wombat” on the receipt of my taxi call :ok:. Made my day. Just Little things make a difference. A thing we all need to remember.

JR, looking forward to unlimited Bundy when we meet again.:cool:

Nettie and family … what can I say but my prayers and thoughts are with you all.:sad:

Wombat

John Ryan Memorial
 

Could anyone with any photos, wishes or stories please email them to;

[email protected]

These will be included in a presentation slideshow/video to be shown at a ceremony to be held at Cairns airport. A copy of this DVD will be presented to his family.

I will post details and location of the event here shortly.

Funeral Details - Saturday 3rd of November at the Catholic church at Passage St Cleveland, Brisbane. Start will be at 9am sharp. There will be a formation aircraft flyover between 8.30-8.45am.

For pilots wearing of uniform is optional. Again please no cards/flowers with donations to Angel Flight at Johns request.

This is VERY SAD. I can only echo the sentiments above - a true gentleman and a gentleman who was true. John refined some of my instrument skills in the crappiest of weather with the greatest of calm and patience and was always good and generous company on the ground. I always looked forward into running into him around the traps. I saw him as making to the big iron for sure... how could he not, with that unflappable cheer and selfless application?

Rest in peace John.

ASKARI. It is not the same "JR" originally from Wollongong who started his career in the RAAF and lived and worked in Cairns some years ago.

Tail Wheel

Rest in peace John.

Not only was John's fight against cancer inspirational, but Netti's strength and support for him throughout that fight was just as inspirational. I am grateful for one that I got to know John and also that circumstance gave me the opportunity to spend a few hours with him chatting and watching the Red Bull Air-races on TV a few weeks ago.

We will miss him.

Goodbye John
 

Have just attended the funeral service for John and it was great to see such a big turnout. Standing room only in the church. It was also a nice touch with the overfly just before the start of the service.
It just goes to show how much John was respected and loved by the people that he came in touch with.
A lot of people will miss him.
KE

A great turn out.
A very nice touch from the boys and girls at Customs for the video and to name an aircraft after him. That was close to the cracking point for me.
RIP JR, I have said it before but I prefer to remember my fellow pilots with a smile and a beer rather than tears, but it was hard today.

Very sad to hear of John's passing. I hadn't seen him for some years but remember his compassion when another mutual friend was missing, then confirmed gone.
SRU - do you remember the day JR broke your record [mine previously!] for tows at the AIRTC camp at Kry? 54 tows in a 150HP Pawnee, he could hardly get out at the end of the day!:}

Bundys galore!

RIP
 

You'll always be in our hearts. Rest In Peace Mate.

Inspiration to many.
 

It has been many years since I caught up with John and I am shocked and deeply sadened by the news of his passing. I can only agree with the many kind words people have written he was truly an inspiration to many.

Rest in Peace.

Was John ever in Derby flying a Twotter for Transwest/skywest?