Thomas Peter “Pete” Ryan III

December 15, 1952 - July 30, 2025

Ketchikan, Alaska - Pete loved a good chuckle. Remembering his playful teasing and many a practical jokes will bring smiles to the faces of family and friends always. Raised in a military family, he and his siblings’ shenanigans were perpetrated across many states and overseas growing up. He managed to make it through his spirited and somewhat mischievous childhood unscathed. Pete enjoyed the all-American high school experience in the coastal town of Cayucos, CA where he was a standout athlete. His friendships from his small high school, Coast Union, lasted all his life. In recent years, he greatly enjoyed fishing the waters of Alaska around Prince of Wales Island. His most cherished fishing trips though, were many years earlier teaching his son and daughter the joy of the sport at Hayden Lake in North Idaho.

Pete was a lifetime learner. As a young man, he served in Air Force, then utilized his entrepreneurial skills to start a trucking business and eventually settled down to start a family. He returned to school and received his Bachelor’s from Lewis Clark State College in 1990. He spent many years working as a vocational rehabilitation consultant while raising his kids as a single father. He again sought to further his education at the age of 51, attending Eastern Washington University 2003-2005 receiving his Master’s in Social Work. Soon after he relocated to southeastern Alaska to pursue his life’s work, lifting up struggling families. His love of learning and dedication to the people he served took him to conferences all across the country, advocating for families in Alaska all along his way. In his work bio he stated, “I’m proud to be a social worker, the only academic and professional discipline established to serve marginalized people”. In recent years, he was particularly passionate about substance use disorders and helping those impacted by addiction. His work in Metlakatla and nearby communities touched the lives of many colleagues, clients, and families.

In his time away from work, he enjoyed fishing, cooking, reading, and traveling. His favorite travel being his road trips up and down the west coast visiting family and friends. He continued working until May of this year retiring at the ripe old age of 72. He spent his final month before passing celebrating his joy for life, his love for his children and grandchildren, and his sense of satisfaction in the work he had done and the life he had lived. He is survived by his son Craig, daughter Patricia, beloved grandchildren Dillon, Roxanne, David, and Ryan and siblings Diane, Dan, Kevin, Matt, and Laurie. He was preceded in death and will be joining his Mother, Joan; Father, Tom; and Brother, Craig. Honoring his wishes, a service will not be held. We encourage you to remember him instead on your fishing trips, over a cup of coffee, or in the retelling of stories that are sure to give a chuckle. Those who would like to make a memorial donation in his name can do so to www.recoveralaska.org 
or www.wishak.org