Donald Murray Ryder

It is with great sadness that the family of Donald Murray Ryder, loving husband of the late Joan (Giggey) Ryder, wish to announce his passing which occurred on September 23, 2025, at the Saint John Regional Hospital.  Born March 19, 1949, in Saint John, NB, he was the son of the late Roy and Muriel (Tayes) Ryder.

Don retired as an employee of ASD as a bus driver and custodian. He will be remembered for his big smile and ability to light up a room. If you knew Don, he would tease you and have a glimmer in his eyes waiting for your response. Don was very passionate in his faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He believed with all his heart what the Bible promises at John 5:28, 29 and Revelation 21: 3, 4. Don enjoyed 53 years of marriage with Joan, having adventures with their children and sharing in their volunteer public ministry.

Don was known to hold a crowd’s attention when he was speaking publicly. His hobbies included working on vehicles, woodworking, and fishing. He kept as active as he could attending one last convention to see his friends and one last fishing trip to see the bears only days before going into palliative care. Don was an inspiration to others with his knowledge of the Bible, his sense of humor and kind heart. He was always willing to give a helping hand.

Don’s family would like to acknowledge and express gratitude to the Doctors and Nurses at The Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit for all they did to keep Don comfortable in his final days.  

He is survived by his children; Donnie, Clifton, Andrew, Brandi (Bill) and Brendon, his brothers, Ken and Frank (Sharon), sister Elaine, grandchildren, Bronwyn, William, Derek and Des’ree, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Tom, Marilyn, Glen and Roger.

Arrangements are under the care of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (506-646-2424).  Following cremation, a memorial service will be held on October, 4th at 2pm at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1155 Main Street. Sussex Corner NB. The service will also be available on zoom, meeting id 81557797744 passcode: funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to JW.org.