Donald Ryan was born December 1954 in Walsenburg, Colorado.
He retired March 2020 and passed June 13, 2020.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Theresa Ryan, daughter, Christina (May) Mortimore and grandson, Andrew all from Battle Mountain; mother, Florence Ryan, and sister, Bonnie Robbe from La Veta, Colorado; brother, Ron (Sissy) Ryan from Pueblo, Colorado; Mother-in-law, Eleanor Dietrick, North Dakota; Brothers-in-law: Duane Hall, North Dakota, Brian Hall (Brenda), Michigan, and Jeff Hall, Aurora, Colorado.
He is also survived by nieces and nephews: Gary (Camrey) Ryan, Jim (Heather) Robbe, Jessica (Jeremiah) Blaha, Tina Robbe, Candi (AJ) Armstrong, Jarrod (Liz) Salmon, Morgan Goddard, Katie Thebo, Brittany (Eric) Anderson, Joseph Hall, Elizabeth Hall, and many great nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded by his father, Donald Ryan; son, Chad May; and brother, Robert (Debi) Ryan.
Don always had a strong work ethic.
He grew up on and eventually worked on ranches in Colorado. After graduating from La Veta High School, he joined the US Navy. Don was stationed aboard the USS Constellation/Interior Communications (Electrician).
After his tour-of-duty, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree, Geology, from Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado.
He worked as a Geologist for several mining companies, including: Standard Metals, Sunnyside Mine, Silverton, Colorado; Sunshine Precious Metals, Trixie Mine, Eureka, Utah; and Sunshine Mining properties, Silver Peak, Nevada. Don was working at Echo Bay, McCoy/Cove Mines until the property closed. He then earned an Electrical degree from Great Basin College.
In 2006, he was hired by Barrick (Nevada Gold Mines), Cortez Mine where he worked until he retired as a Senior Geologist.
Don genuinely enjoyed reading. He was never far from a book, newspaper, magazine, or his tablet. He also looked forward to walks with the dogs.
Don’s memorial will take place on June 14, in La Veta, Colorado, a place he called home.
