John E.H. Ryan, 45, died on May 16, 2012, while working in Colombo, Sri Lanka. John was born October 31, 1966, in Cheltenham, England, and spent many years of his youth in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, including three years as a lifeguard.

John was educated at Worcester Preparatory School in Berlin, MD, and The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, NJ. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA; Master’s degree from University of Texas-Austin; and Doctoral degree from Warwick University’s School of Business in Coventry, England.

John will be remembered for his passion and commitment to reducing the human footprint on the planet while opening economic opportunities for rural communities around the world. For over 25 years, he traveled the globe seeking fellow entrepreneurs and providing opportunities to enable them to create environmentally sustainable businesses. He will be missed dearly.

He is survived by: his wife Melissa Ryan of Arlington, VA; parents Leon and Janet Ryan of Lewes, DE; brother James and sister-in-law Loretta Ryan of Seattle, WA; sister Mary and brother-in-law Mike Roth of Wilmington, DE; and brother Leon and sister-in-law Candy Ryan of Birmingham, AL.

Private family services were held in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, DE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park or a local organization of your choice.

Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park - P. O. Box 132 - Nassau, DE 19969


Friday, July 6, 2012

from Kathy Magee Warren // Houston, TX

John stood out in the wild, wild west of Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) days of the early 90s. He was the guy in the suit, the one who tried to remained (mostly) professional. He coached me in my first post-college job and taught me about solar energy, international development and the complicated agencies of World Bank, US AID and others. He was vastly entertained by my efforts to host the South Pacific contingencies who visited Washington that insisted on tons of chicken and bottles of Crown and then evenings of dancing at sketchy clubs in Adams Morgan. John laughed and laughed when I complained to him and pushed me to look at this as incredible networking and career advancement.
I miss exploring unusual restaurants with him in Washington and visiting the wineries in Virginia. Once when we were in Red Rock, CO it was late at night and we were at the deserted outdoor amphitheater there and he made me go up on the stage and sing a song. He was so good at pushing people out of their comfort zone and being supportive of risk-taking.
He was warm, witty, intellectually curious, kind, and complicated. He could argue until you were ready to scream in frustration. He looked out for everyone and wished the best for everyone. I can’t even believe I am writing all this in the past tense.
The only good thing about death is that it brings people back together. I am looking forward to celebrating John with everyone and I will make every effort to be in Delaware in September. All of my love to everyone who he touched.
Xoxoxx - Kathy
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)