In Celebration of

William "Ryan" George McConnell

June 24, 1983 -  May 29, 2020

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Ryan, cherished son of John and Cheryl. Ryan was a thoughtful and caring father of Madeline Rose who he loved with all his heart. Dear brother to Shannon (Steve) Walker; Robert; and Heather (Chad) Nesrallah; fun loving uncle of Kailee, Owen, Jackson and Austin.

Ryan was loved and will be dearly missed by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ryan was kind, gentle and loved to laugh. He cared deeply for his family, friends and colleagues. His easy demeanour, warm smile and willingness to extend a helping hand will be remembered by all.

Ryan enjoyed spending time at Good Life Fitness. He loved snowboarding and always included his daughter Madi in all of his athletic endeavours. She particularly loved joining her dad and cousins in the Spartan Races. Running was one of Ryan’s great passions and he took part in many organised events including the Canada Army Runs. He was especially proud to participate in the Army Run’s 2018 Ortona Challenge, as his Grandfather George McConnell fought in the battle of Ortona in December 1943.

Ryan was a dedicated employee of both SNC Lavalin and Brookfield Global Integrated Systems (BGIS) as a Property Administrator. He enjoyed his work and interacting with his colleagues. He took great pride in the accomplishments as a member of the BGIS team.

Ryan, your struggles are over, we pray you are at peace. We love you and will miss you forever.

A private family service will be held for Ryan. A Celebration of Life in Ryan’s honour will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations, in Ryan’s name toThe Royal Ottawa, Mental Health – Care and Research would be greatly appreciated; or to the charity of your choice.

Guestbook 

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Tim & Eileen Cole (Long time family friends)

Entered June 3, 2020 from Burnaby, British Columbia

Please accept our sincere condolences.

Heather Kewley (Colleague)

Entered June 3, 2020 from Dunrobin

My deepest condolences to Ryan's family. Him and I worked together for years at Lester B Pearson and he spoke often of each and every one of you. I know how much his family meant to him and especially how much he cherished the love of his life Madi. He will be greatly missed and remembered as the kind hearted soul he was with find many fond memories.

Brianna Mogg (Old Friend)

Entered June 4, 2020 from Niagara Falls

Hearing if Ryan's passing truly breaks my heart. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Neil Lillico (Family Friend)

Entered June 4, 2020 from Kanata

Dear John & Cheryl:
I can't begin to imagine how this terrible event has had an impact on you both and your family. My most sincere condolences and sympathy on behalf of Michelle and myself. We're both available at anytime for anything you might need.
Sincerely,
Neil & Michelle

Tracey Larue (Co-Worker)

Entered June 4, 2020 from Aylmer, Quebec

I am so sorry that Ryan is no longer with us. We worked together at SNC and BGIS for many years. He was such a wonderful person and I enjoyed working with him and knowing him. I will miss him very much. He was someone special.

Life Stories 

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John & Cheryl McConnell 

Entered August 27, 2020

Ryan was born at 11:50 PM on June 24, 1983 at the Salvation Army Grace Hospital in Ottawa. He weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces.

Ryan joined Shannon Christina and John Robert at home and was welcomed with love, excitement and pride. He was baptized William Ryan George McConnell in St. John the Apostle Catholic Church.

His first years brought us much happiness.. He was the subject of Shannon's fifth grade 'Show and Tell' at 6 months. He attended four-year-old kindergarten at Knoxdale Elementary School. Then 5-year-old kindergarten to sixth grade at Pope John XXIII (now know as Saint John XXIII) in Nepean Ontario. Grades 7 and 8 were spent at Frank Ryan Catholic Intermediate School. He attended and graduated from St. Pius X High School.

Always industrious, he held many part time jobs, but his employment at 'Fitness' centers had the most impact on his life. He enjoyed working out and was able to manage the fitness centres with comfort and ease. Ryan played Hockey with the Nepean Minor Hockey league, he made he football team at Pius X but his first love was physical fitness and running, at which he excelled. Ryan grew to a 6 foot 2 inch man who was physically active. He enjoyed snowboarding, skiing, football, playing hockey and running marathons in his size 13 shoes.

Ryan attended Seneca college in Toronto, where he studied Fire Investigation.
He met Sarah Poirier at Seneca and their lives became interwoven forever.

Ryan moved back to Ottawa to study Business Administration at Algonquin College. Sarah joined him and they settled in Nepean.

Ryan was employed by Brookfield Property Management and was an integral employee in the office. He was rewarded for his hard work was recognized be receiving several promotions and performance awards.

A baby daughter was born to Ryan and Sarah on March 8, 2008; Madeline Rose McConnell joined our family. A beautiful baby girl, she immediately stole her dad's heart. Ryan loved his daughter Madi; together they enjoyed Disney cruises, camping, skiing and vacations to Prince Edward Island.

Family life was important to Ryan. He loved his immediate and extended family and participated in family activities and special events.He was the fun-loving uncle who enjoyed spending time with his niece Kailee, and nephews Owen, Jackson and Austin.

Taken from us too soon Ryan passed away on May 29, 2020.

His resting place is Pinecrest Cemetery, in Ottawa, with his paternal grandparents, George and Doris McConnell.

ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS

Photos 

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