William (Murray) Ryan passed away on January 7, 2017 at the age of 94. He went peacefully, in his home, surrounded by loved ones.
Murray was born July 22, 1922 in Central, New Mexico to James S. Ryan and Lyda Murray Ryan. He was born in the same home as his beloved mother. He was the second born following his sister Martha and later was joined by his brother Jim and sister Mary. His early education was at St. Mary's Academy and Western High School. He attended New Mexico State Teachers College for two years and was then given an appointment to West Point by Senator Dennis Chavez.
He graduated from West Point in June, 1945 where the commencement speaker was General Omar Bradley. He married Marion Buchella of Hurley, NM shortly after graduation. They were then stationed in Germany until 1948. After Germany he finished out his military career at Ft. Lewis in Washington in 1949. During their time in Washington their son William Murray Ryan was born. After Murray left the military the family came home to Silver City. He participated in several businesses including his father's liquor distribution company Silver Liquor Company. Eventually he went to work for Kennecott as the Safety Director from 1975 to 1987. During this time they had four more children, Kathleen, Robin, and twins Kevin and Kerry. He also entered into politics first as a school board member and then as a State Representative for District 38 from 1969 to 1998.
During his political career he supported many community projects such as the Southwestern New Mexico Services Helping Children and Adults, the acquisition of emergency medical surgical equipment for San Lorenzo, the Senior Center for San Lorenzo, and the Visitor's Center in Silver City. He was also very dedicated to education and worked hard to support Western New Mexico University and its students. His support for the nursing and occupational therapy programs was key in getting them funded. He also supported renovations for Watts Hall, the Fine Arts Center Theater, and the Miller Library. He was recognized in 1998 by the University for his contributions when they bestowed upon him the Honorary Degree of Doctorate of Humane Letters. Murray was also an active member of Silver City Rotary, American Legion, Elks Lodge, Farm Bureau, and St. Francis Newman Center.
Murray loved the State of New Mexico and devoted his life to the people of South Western New Mexico. He enjoyed how special our multi-cultural town of Silver city is. He saw everyone as a friend and never knew a stranger. He enjoyed going out to eat and seeing old friends; if none were around he would make new friends.
Survivors include his son Murray and daughter-in-law Debbie, daughter Kathleen, daughter Robin, and his son Kerry and daughter-in-law Heather. He is also survived by grandchildren, Nick and Lindsay Ryan, Derek and Jill Ryan, Gretchen and Jonny Struemph, Judi and Michael Bush, Craig and Laura Ryan, Patrick and Eleana Ryan. He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, Madison, Liam, Daniel, Michael, Jordynn, Jacob, Jessica, Dillon, Rachel, Kevin, and Kendel. He is also survived by his life-long friend Mrs. Janet Sherman. Murray was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Martha and Tom Hill, his wife of 55 years Marion Buchella, his daughter Judith, and his son Kevin. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Murray's caretakers, Jennifer, Lillian, Gene, Joann, Linda, and Brian who provided him with good meals, comfort, peace-of-mind, and company during his later years.
There will be a public viewing at Baca's Funeral Chapels on Tuesday, January 10th 2017 at 5 o'clock in the evening followed by The Prayer Vigil and Rosary at 6 o'clock with Deacon Bill Holguin officiating. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 10 o'clock in the morning. Officiating will be Father Marcos Reyna. Concluding Services and Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers for Murray will be his grandsons Nick Ryan, Derek Ryan, Patrick Ryan, Craig Ryan, Jonny Struemph, Michael Bush, his great grandson Liam Ryan, and his nephew Dennis Hill. There will be a reception afterwards at the Ryan family home.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the Kevin Ryan Memorial Scholarship fund at the University of New Mexico, The American Cancer Society, The Murray Ryan Visitor Center, or a charity of your choice.