Obituary of Hon. Patrick A.A. Ryan Q.C.,B.A.

It is with sadness that the family of the Hon. Patrick Arthur Allen Ryan announce his passing at Hospice Fredericton on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at the age of 90. Born in Fredericton, NB, on April 10, 1930, he was the husband of the late Anne B. (Murphy) Ryan. Patrick leaves behind his children, Michael (Helen Burke) of Fredericton, NB, Sean (Susan) of Winnipeg, MB, Jamie (Paulette) of Fredericton, NB, and Peter (Karen) of Miramichi, NB; grandchildren, Shane (Maegen) and Keri, Meagan (Gordon) and Michael (Kristelle), Devin and Chase, Justin (Jenna) and Amanda (Zachary); great grandchildren, Meera and Mason; sister and best friend, Mardi Cockburn; nephews, Bill and Blair (Lisa) Cockburn; niece, Beth Cockburn-Savoie (Emile); as well as his extended family, the Charlotte County Murphys and their families who are dispersed across Canada. In addition to his wife, Anne, Patrick was predeceased by his parents, M. Allen Ryan and Marjorie (Burdon) Ryan and cousin J. Robert Howie (Nancy). Patrick Ryan completed his long and distinguished legal career in the position of the Province of New Brunswick’s Conflict of Interest Commissioner, retiring on September 1, 2014. Some of the highlights of his career include being Called to the Bar in 1956; Deputy Magistrate of the Counties of York, Sunbury, and Queens 1958-1960; former senior partner of the law firm of Ryan, Graser and Smith; several times as Chair of the Bar Admission Course; lecturer in the Practice and Procedure at the U.N.B. Law School; appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1973; member of the committee to update and revise the New Brunswick Rules of Court in the early 1980’s; appointed a Judge of the Court of Queen’s Bench of New Brunswick, Trial Division, February 23, 1986; appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal of New Brunswick, September 8, 1986 until his retirement on his birthday, 2005; appointed Commissioner under the Members’ Conflict of Interest Act RSNB April 12, 2005; recipient of the Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002; made a life member of the Law Society of New Brunswick, July 8, 2006...to say that he loved, lived, and breathed the LAW is merely an understatement. Other significant organizations he supported and belonged to are: University of New Brunswick Alumni; The Knights of Columbus; Victorian Order of Nurses; Fredericton Elks Club; Fredericton City Club; Holy Family Catholic Church; as well as a contributor to the Fredericton Homeless Shelters; John Howard Society Fredericton; Diabetes Association; The Heart and Stroke Fund; and the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital. Patrick also loved his family and all of us, who he leaves behind, are well aware of his fierce loyalty, support and love that we are lucky to have received as part of his legacy. The family would like to thank all those who have supported Patrick during his illness especially the workers from Bayshore, Tara O’Regan, Dr. Kara Allen, Extra Mural Services, Father Monte Peters, and Hospice House. A graveside service for family and invited guests only will be held on June 16, 2021, at 3:00 pm in the Hermitage Catholic Cemetery. For those unable to attend a live stream of the service will be available at the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/1079021 For those who wish, donations in Patrick’s memory can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.