Alan Ryder

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Alan Ryder, 96, passed away at home, July 12th.  Alan’s sweet demeanor, sense of humor, extraordinary zest for life, and unwavering positive attitude will be missed by all who knew him.

A native of New York City, Alan graduated from Stuyvesant High School.  He spent 2 years in the Navy as a meteorologist, on the U.S.S Springfield, during WWII. Once home, Alan graduated from Pratt Institute, School of Architecture.  Alan and Phyllis, who met as young teens, married in 1947.

Alan was a practicing architect in New York City and New Orleans until changing careers in the early-1960’s. The family of six moved to the Kansas City area in the mid-60’s, when Alan became an Architectural Hardware territory representative. The business eventually became Ryfam, Inc., innovative as one of the first sales rep organizations in the industry to locally stock products for easy distribution. The firm enjoyed over 20 years of success due, in large part, to Alan and Phyllis’ business integrity.

Alan believed in giving 100% while on the job and fostering a rich and meaningful personal life off the job. His many hobbies included gardening: collecting, and most importantly enjoying wine: building model railroads: collecting Native American art to amassing an impressive stamp collection.  He and Phyllis believed in service to others and were always active in their church. They enjoyed traveling, making life-long friends along the way. His love of design was apparent, designing and building one home in Gulfport, Mississippi and redesigning their home in the Kansas City area to fit their lifestyle.  Always captivated by music Alan loved and supported jazz, opera, classical music as well as live theater.  He never gave up his childhood love of the NY Giants.

We will miss your kind spirit, sense of honor, and quiet wisdom.  You taught us, through example, that we are the arbiters of our lives and, if honest with ourselves first, can effect profound change. Thank you for making us laugh with your silly remarks and easy smile and for showing us that age is no barrier to living life to the fullest. We are so grateful you lived your life, until your last moment, on your terms.

Alan is preceded in death by his life partner, Phyllis. Two sons, Kenneth and Carl, grandson Bryan, and many cherished family and friends.  He is survived by a son and daughter, daughters-in-law, four grandkids and their partners, six great-grandchildren along with many dear friends.  Words fail to express how profoundly your presence will be missed…so simply, “Bye for Now” until we meet again.

A Memorial Service for Alan will be held July 24th at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral at 1pm.  Donations in Alan’s name can be made to the Cathedral if so desired.