Kevin Gude Ryan, M.D.
Kevin Ryan, a devoted husband, father and accomplished radiologist passed away in May of 2024. His life was long and full, and his legacy is characterized by love, laughter, service, curiosity and pursuit of excellence.
Born on July 4, 1934, in New York City, Kevin grew up in Saddle River, NJ in a large family with 3 siblings and 17 cousins. He graduated with honors from Dartmouth College in 1956 and Harvard Medical School in 1959. He married his college sweetheart, Susan Leach in 1957 in Wellesley, MA and they celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary before his passing two months before his 90th birthday.
Kevin served as a Captain in the US Air Force at Tachikawa Air Force Base in Japan from 1963 to 1966. He and Sue cherished their time and experience in Japan, where they formed lasting friendships with colleagues.
Kevin loved being a physician, deeming that medicine was the highest calling. In 1968 the family moved to California where he expanded the Radiology Departments at both the Woodland Clinic Medical Group and Woodland Memorial Hospital. Radiology continually engaged his curiosity, providing an opportunity to learn throughout his career as new technology emerged. He was deeply committed to the medical partnership, believing it delivered excellent care to Woodland and the Sacramento region. He served as an officer of the California Radiological Society and continued his medical practice until 1997.
Kevin’s commitment to medicine also led him to teach, first at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia (1966-1968) and later at UC Davis Medical School (1970-1998). He was awarded the Kaiser Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1983.
Upon retirement, Kevin developed a new-found interest in boating. He and Sue moved to Port Ludlow, WA where they cultivated new friendships and actively engaged in community events. Kevin became a proficient power boater serving in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, becoming Flotilla Commander in 2003 and Commodore of the Port Ludlow Yacht Club.
Kevin was active with Rotary International in both Woodland and Port Ludlow.
In 2013, Kevin and Sue moved to Santa Barbara, CA and Valle Verde, a Life Plan Community. Both have been active participants and have often led engaging programs and initiatives there. Kevin served as President of the Resident Council, and the two also introduced Pickleball, now very popular with residents.
Kevin shared a lifelong love of the outdoors – hiking, climbing, camping and skiing. He gazed in wonder at the vastness of a star-filled sky and admired sunrises and sunsets from remote places, often eating from a Sierra Cup.
Kevin endeavored to leave every institution, organization, and community he participated in better than he found it. This is recounted in numerous personal letters from friends and colleagues, noting his hard work, fairness, thoughtful approach, and good humor. “He was one of those guys that took care of everyone else first.”
He is deeply missed by his beloved wife, Susan L. Ryan; two children, Christopher Ryan (Mona Ryan) and Eric Ryan (Amy Ryan); and four grandchildren, Lindsay, Emily, Jack, and Ally.