Sullivan, Ryan Patrick
Ryan Patrick Sullivan
With deeply broken hearts, we sadly announce the passing of Ryan Patrick Sullivan of Calgary, AB on Thursday, June 27th, 2024. Born to Pat and Marilyn Sullivan in Moose Jaw, SK on December 12th, 1975, Ryan attended Palliser Heights elementary school and Central Collegiate.
Ryan found his passion for music at an early age, having visited Scotland with his family in 1985. Once he began drumming, he quickly climbed the ranks and found himself the youngest member of every band he was in. At 16, he was a member of local band Lovetown. Band practices were held in his parent’s basement and there may have been a noise complaint or two. They competed in Battle of the Bands in Regina, SK and recorded a demo tape.
As a member of the White Hackle, Edmonton and Alberta Caledonia, City of Regina (lead drummer), Rocky Mountain (lead drummer), and North Stratton Pipe bands, Ryan performed throughout Canada, the US, Australia and Europe, competing in numerous world championships in Scotland, most recently in 2018. He also adjudicated drumming competitions.
In 2010 he self-published a book titled “Modern Classics for the Snare Drum” and was one of the first to teach drumming over Zoom. This was well before online meetings became commonplace during Covid. In 2013 Ryan successfully completed a Graphic Design course.
Ryan’s love of travel was solidified when he embarked on a solo backpacking trip through Western Europe, staying in pre-arranged hostels – carefully planned beforehand – with the Canadian flag on his backpack. He was only 23 years old.
Ryan met Marissa Harrison in Moose Jaw and they moved to Calgary, marrying and raising sons Ronan and Nolan, of whom he was extremely proud. He worked as a pipefitter for Platinum Grover and later as a dispatcher for First Student.
In 2006 Ryan and family, along with his parents, undertook a month-long road trip through Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia in a rented RV. It was a trip of a lifetime. Ronan was only 2 years old. He longed to do something as grand when Nolan was born.
Ryan was a lifelong fan of the Bruins and Red Sox. He played baseball as a kid and later loved helping coach his son’s ball teams.
In 2019 Ryan met his partner Sabrina with whom he shared the last 5 years.
Tragically, Ryan battled with depression at times in his life, a struggle that led to his untimely passing. We will miss him forever and trust he is at peace.
Predeceased by his father, Pat; paternal grandparents, Roy and Helen Sullivan; and maternal grandparents, Fred and Brenda Usher; Ryan is survived by his mother, Marilyn; sons, Ronan and Nolan; sister, Robyn (Ashley and Rhys); and partner Sabrina.
A Service Honouring Ryan’s Life will be held on Wednesday, July 24th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Those not able to attend may view the service by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell
Marilyn and family:
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Gerry and I both got to know Ryan during baseball days, years ago.
Gerry coached and our son Paul played on the same team as Ryan. Ryan was always such a sweet, quiet boy.
Sending you all love, hugs and prayers.
Cheryl Miller
Marilyn and family. So sorry for your family loss. Condolences and hugs to all.
Marilyn and family, it’s hard to find the right words…I just want to express my sorrow upon hearing that you have lost your precious son. He was smart, talented and very handsome. I know you will all help each other get thru the coming weeks and months and carry on. He will be in your
hearts always. Love, Sandra
How terribly sad.
Ryan brought music and joy to people around the world throughout his life.
My sincere condolences.
My condolence to you and your family, Marilyn.
Ryan sounds like a fantastic person. He had some wonderful life adventures. My heart and deepest sympathy goes out to Robyn, Ashley, Rhys and Ryan’s entire family. Take care and RIP Ryan
Thinking of you all, with this huge loss.
His Memory will be Eternal.
So sorry to hear of your loss of Ryan. May all the happy memories help you with this enormous grief!
Marlene & Tim Fritzler
Oh my goodness this is terrible news. Condolences Marilyn.
I knew Ryan from High School band. He was terrific on the snare drum. He was unreal.
Marilyn, I just heard and I cannot express enough how my heart aches for you. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
Unfortunate to see Ryan has passed away.
Growing up in Moose Jaw, I knew his grandparent Roy Sullivan, who lived in the same house as the Cameron family on the East side.
I also knew Pat Sullivan, his father, who attended Prince Arthur School and will remember me.
Sending love and healing vibes to all involved, let’s keep talking about mental health none of us have not been touched in some way. Hug your dear ones always telling them how much you love them ❤️
Dear Marilyn and Family; so sorry to hear about your son’s passing, what a beautiful intelligent and amazing person he was.Be proud of him, cherish your great memories,he is at peace, depression is a disease like any other, but takes too many at young ages.Hugs girlfriend,thinking of you at this sad time,take care of you, Ryan would want that!!
From myself and my family our deepest sympathies to you Marilyn and all your family.Rest in peace Ryan.Hugs to all your family.
My deepest condolences on your loss.
Profound sadness among us all.
Mike Gilmore.
I remember jamming with Ryan at his house and having a great time. Ryan was great at humouring me with my lesser skills. My deepest condolences.
Marilyn, Robyn and families- Our deepest condolences. We have many memories of pipe band travel and competition. Ryan was extremely talented. I would hope that your good memories will give you peace.
With warm thoughts and prayers.We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Ryan. I adored him. He was always so fun to be around and such a kind hearted guy. My heart is broken, a very devestating loss.
Sending you all love ans strength.
To Marilyn, Robyn and all who loved Ryan I send my deepest condolences and hope you can find peace some day
Betty Anne Sinclair