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, www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
