RYAN, PATRICK J. LtCol Patrick J. Ryan USMC (ret.) passed away on February 13, 2013 in Oceanside, CA. Patrick was born January 1, 1931 in North Arlington, NJ to the late Joseph P. Ryan and Francis Dwyer Ryan. After an illustrious football career at Queen of Peace High School, Pat attended Holy Cross College on a football scholarship. Upon graduation from Holy Cross with a degree in economics, Pat enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1953. Shortly thereafter, he was selected for Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. After completing four years of service, Pat joined the Marine Corps Reserves and signed with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent NFL quarterback. After being traded to the New York Giants, he made the decision to forgo professional football and become a career Marine. Patrick's life was being a Marine. Despite having full vision in only one eye, Pat went on to become a highly decorated combat Marine officer. He served in 1st Force Reconnaissance Company and commanded several other Special Forces units in Korea, Vietnam and South America. Some of Pat's military service awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Navy Legion of Merit which he received for his service as the Deputy Chief, US Military Group, during the Chilean coup in 1973. Patrick retired from the Marine Corps with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1982. Upon retirement, he joined the Consular Corps as the San Diego Honorary Consul of The Republic of Chile and also completed his Master's Degree in International Relations and Doctor of Jurisprudence. Pat served as the Consul of Chile in San Diego for over 20 years and was a practicing criminal attorney from 1987-2006. One of Pat's greatest accomplishments and what he was most passionate about was the creation and founding of the Force Recon Association to bring together past and present Recon Marines. The Force Recon Association (http://www.forcerecon. com) is still active today and not only facilitates communication and comradery for active and retired Recon Marines, but also provides college scholarships and other philanthropic endeavors to high school students, veterans and military families. In addition to the Force Recon Association, Pat was actively involved in the San Diego Navy League, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Historical Society and the Military Affairs Committee where he held various executive and management positions over the years. Patrick was a loving father, stepfather, grandfather and an admired Marine and attorney. He will be missed by all who had the honor to know him. He is survived by his wife Terry Ryan (Grill) and his children Pat Ryan Jr. (Nancy), Kellie McCarthy (Michael), Timothy Ryan (Tracy), Shannon Ryan, Marc Ryan (Casey), Kristen Kirschenmann (Robb), Megan Jaffe (David), Kevin Rounsavelle, 11 grandchildren and his brother Rory Ryan. His brother, Joseph Ryan, and sister, Eileen Horrobin, preceded him in death. The memorial service for Patrick J. Ryan will be held March 1, 2013 at 2 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carlsbad, California. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that any donations be sent to the Force Recon Association, P.O. Box 425, Rowe, MA 01367.

Published in San Diego Union-Tribune on February 22, 2013