Dr.Donald Eric Ryder, M.D.

Dr. Donald Eric Ryder, M.D.

Donald Eric Ryder, Pathologist, loving husband, father and grandfather died peacefully at home with family by his side. He was 90 years old. He was loved and respected by his family, friends and colleagues for a life defined by deep intelligence, compassion, integrity and humour. He was a kind and gentle man.

Cherished husband of Patricia (nee Picard); beloved father of Diane (Murray MacGillis), Chris (Rick Nesbitt), and David; loving grandfather of Sean and Kelly MacGillis. Predeceased by his brother Tony.

Born in Neath, South Wales, Don left for Edinburgh, Scotland at a young age to pursue his medical degree. He then joined the British Army and served from 1950-53 in East Africa as a medical doctor. He emigrated to Canada and served in the Royal Canadian Air Force for 11 years also as a medical doctor, during which time he met his future wife of 60 years, Patricia. He furthered his education with a Masters in Public Health and Epidemiology, followed by a Specialty Fellowship in Surgical Pathology. He took pride in and loved his work as a staff Pathologist for Women’s College Hospital in Toronto for 30 years, Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, staff Pathologist of Cytopathy, and also worked at the Regional Coroner’s Office.

In his spare time, Don loved spending time with his family and friends, travel, sports, games, reading, and music. He was a master bridge player (earning his Life Master in 2014), a golf champion repeatedly, tennis champion, and he could play any tune on the piano by ear.

Anyone that knew Don knows that they will miss this wonderful gentleman. A man of class and character with a renowned sense of humour. A kind, compassionate and caring man who wholeheartedly loved life, and he will be deeply missed.
Many thanks to Sunnybrook Hospital; Dr. Slaughter and the Rapid Referral Clinic; the Odette Cancer Clinic – Dr. Ko, Jiang and Muthalingham; Dr. Peckham and the D4 Wing; and Dr. Sabil; Dr. Eric Silver and his staff.
Friends are invited to celebrate at a Memorial Service at the Trull Funeral Home, 2704 Yonge Street, Toronto on Saturday, March 4th at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions to the Odette Cancer Centre, The Temmy Letner Palliative Care Centre, and St. Elizabeth’s Health Care would be appreciated by the family.

His light shone bright throughout his life and will continue to do so in our hearts and memories forever.
Night Night, God Bless