 Fr. John Wilfred Ryan, OP
Fr. John Wilfred Ryan was born in Vallejo on June 27, 1897. After schooling at St.
Vincent's in Vallejo and college work at St. Mary's in Moraga, he entered the Dominican
Novitiate in 1922 and was ordained to the priesthood on February 23, 1929.
Fr. Ryan
served as assistant pastor in several parishes in the Province, particularly at Blessed
Sacrament in Seattle and Holy Rosary in Portland. Then, with the outbreak of World
War II he received permission to enter the United States Army as a Chaplain. His
military career was astounding, but even more so was his even longer service after the war
as chaplain to the Veterans Administration Hospitals in Oakland and Martinez. His
log book of hospital visits is a tribute to his faithfulness.
Upon retirement Fr. Ryan lived at St. Albert's Priory
in Oakland before his failing health required special attention. Mrs. Catherine
Leonard graciously and devotedly cared for him until he was forced to go to St. Mary's
Hospital in San Francisco. There, on his feast day, that of St. John the Evangelist,
December 27, 1980, he met his Lord.
Eccentric but beloved, Fr. Ryan in his work was an example and inspiration to all at
the Veterans Hospital and to his brethren in the Order. Please pray for his eternal
rest in the Lord.
-- Fr. Bernard Arnheim, OP |
