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Ryan deRuyter Obituary


RYAN DERUYTER
March 11, 1935 ~ April 11, 2014

Ryan deRuyter was born in The Hague, Holland, March 11, 1935. As a cook/baker in the Merchant Marines on a Dutch freighter, Ryan was on relief and going home when he met his future wife, Rhea (also from The Hague) in 1956 aboard the ship Ryndam on the Atlantic Ocean somewhere between New York and Amsterdam. Rhea's family immigrated to the USA in 1954 and she was returning to visit family. The two spent a couple of weeks together then went to the US consulate to request immigration papers for Ryan to go to the USA and were told it would take two years to get a green card. He kept working while waiting and the two wrote love letters. Ryan arrived in California in 1958. Several months later they married and moved to Orange County to raise their family; first, a son Jerry; two years later twins, Debbie and Yvonne. He worked at several major bakeries and was the pastry chef at Disneyland. In 1975 they moved to Hazel Dell, WA and he was employed as a baking instructor at Clark College. In 1978 they found their dream home; 5 acres in Hockinson. For 17 years they worked their property raising cattle, hogs and chickens, and a vegetable garden. In 1989, due to medical reasons, they sold the farm and moved to east Vancouver. They spent the next 24 years RV camping, traveling to visit friends and family, gardening and enjoying retirement.
Ryan passed away peacefully at home of natural causes with family at his side. He is survived by his lovely wife, Rhea; son, Jerry (Andrea); twin daughters, Debbie (Doug) Goins and Yvonne Klodt; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Please sign his guestbook at www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Apr. 16, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ryan deRuyter

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Dad we will all miss you very much. Love you and rest in peace. Love your daughter Deborah

Deborah Goins

April 22, 2014

Dad we all will truly miss you. Rest in peace. Love your daughter Deborah

Deborah Goins

April 22, 2014

Our deepest sympathy to tante Rhea and family. Oom Ryan was like a uncle to me and will be missed by many. RIP Oom Ryan! Scott and Taya

April 17, 2014

Dear Rhea and family, you have my love and support now, as well as in the coming months. Not only does Ryan leave behind his legacy of an amazing baking career; but, his lovely wife Rhea, who supported and cared for him during the past few difficult years. She also is quite adept in the kitchen; and, a total joy to be around.
Love and Prayers,

Audrey Spaulding

April 17, 2014

April 17, 2014

Rhea and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. It was such an honor to have been taught and then work with Ryan. He was the most talented baker I have ever been around. It was a sad day for me when he had to retire due to health problems. He will long be remembered.
Jean Williams, Amboy,WA

April 16, 2014

Rhea,
Mary Anne saw Ryan's photo in the obituaries of the newspaper. We are very sorry for your loss. We enjoyed knowing Ryan while we lived across the green from you. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Let us know if we can do anything for you. Just call us at 360-576-7760
Les & Mary Anne Birr

Les Birr

April 16, 2014

I have fond memories of sampleing morning pastries that Ryan and his classes would creat when I worked at Clark as a mechanic. Rest we'll my friend..

Dave Stangeland

April 16, 2014

Rhea condolences to you and your family.
We are so sorry for your loss if we can do
anything let me know.
360 6878876

Bob and Jeny Narciso

April 16, 2014

My sincere sympathy to Rhea and family.

April 16, 2014

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