Ryan Nye

July 18, 2022
In loving memory ~
Ryan Roy Nye, 50, of Courtenay, B.C., left us on July 18, 2022 at 4:20 pm following a showdown with cancer.
Ryan was an old soul who loved—and who was loved—deeply. His hugs were big. His views were passionate. He listened and learned with intelligence, curiosity, and attention. And when you could make him laugh— which was easy to do, but hard to do well—you earned yourself a soul-boosting shot of joy. You wanted to keep him in your presence, because few people on this planet could ever make you feel as joyful, or as heard, or seen, or so incredibly special, as he could.
When Ryan was diagnosed with cancer in 2020, his community flocked to his beloved Chile Creek Farm to offer their help, support, firewood, grass seed, muscle, nourishment, love and care. It was his gift, and his work of a lifetime, to build this community of friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours, and to create a home for so many.
Ryan Nye was, in his life, a loving husband, a fiercely proud father, "a totally uncertified organic farmer," a sous chef, a fisherman, a hunter, a traveller, a charmer, a track star, a skier. He was an insurance agent, a business manager, a student of the natural world, a geoduck fisherman, a historian, a storyteller. Where he chose to devote his intelligence and attention, he became a master.
He could be meticulous, with strong opinions. Offering instruction on anything, he'd make it clear that any method other than his was insane. Friends, when asked to describe him, used words like determined, and stubborn, adding expletives. And his legendary generosity had its limits; he could hold a grudge as few ever could. His passion was always present, for better or worse, because he felt and loved with his whole heart.
Ryan Nye leaves behind his wife, Kari; his children, Frances and Brigham; his parents, Roy and Adele; his brother, Reid (Meghan) and nephew, Noah; his brother, Rhys (Susan) and nieces, Dallas and Danielle; his sister, Rhonda Cheveldave and nieces, Tiffany, Tamara, and Arianna; and by so many dear friends who considered him family. He was preceded in death by his brother Rhett in 2011.
There will be a Celebration of Life on August 6, 2022 at Chile Creek Farm with Lucky, laughter, music, and storytelling.