Barry E. Ryan

Honorable Barry Edward Ryan, 76, USCG CWO3 (Ret.), passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on August 28, 2024. Judge Ryan leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Patricia A. Ryan; son Michael P. Ryan; and daughter, Meghan M. Ryan; a sister and brother-in-law; a brother; and a nephew.

There were no calling hours, or service.

Judge Ryan lived a full life, rising from humble beginnings, and working his way through undergraduate school at Utica University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 1970. From 1970 to 1974, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard on the USCGC Morgenthau for search and rescue, being at sea 30 days at a time. Judge Ryan then joined the USCG Reserves after graduate school for the next 21 years. Judge Ryan earned his Master's degree in Business Administration in 1976, and his Juris doctorate in 1978 from Gonzaga University. Judge Ryan developed his own law practice, focusing on Employment and Labor Law. Over 21 years of private practice, Judge Ryan's focus shifted to Legal Malpractice; and age, race and sex discrimination. Judge Ryan won two landmark cases for clients that created new law for employers in the state of Washington: Wilmot vs. Kaiser (1991), and Vang vs. Toyed (1991). Judge Ryan earned a position as an Administrative Law Judge for the Social Security Administration in the Central New York region in 2001 deciding cases, until his retirement in 2017.

Judge Ryan enjoyed reading and completing projects on historical homes in which the family lived in Spokane and Homer. Despite his strong passion for work, Judge Ryan always made sure to attend his kids’ practices and games as they grew up and ensured the family would travel as much as possible through the years. Also, Barry and Patt enjoyed traveling to different cities and states searching for antiques. Judge Ryan will be remembered as a loyal friend, a great storyteller; a person with a great sense of humor; and a creative and sharp thinker. He was always available for friends or strangers who needed help with legal questions. He was a mentor for law students and new lawyers. For a few semesters, he was an Associate Professor at Gonzaga Law School. His goal was to practice law with honesty and dedication. He absolutely loved researching prospective cases, preparing and taking cases to trial. Judge Ryan also mentored others the way he lived, putting the utmost value in honor, integrity and hard work. Often Judge Ryan would remind his children of the importance of putting everything within yourself into your work, before enjoying everything else life has to offer. It is with these principles that Judge Ryan led effectively in all aspects of his life; while ensuring he not only earned the trust and loyalty of others, but they had done the same with him as well. Judge Ryan will be sorely missed by family and friends.

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