Richard Ryerson

Richard “Dick” Ryerson passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, with his wife Pat 
and daughter Jennifer at his bedside. He left behind a legacy defined by service, strength, 
adventure and a deep love for his family and friends.

Born in Toronto Canada in1933 to American parents, Dick carried his roots with pride 
throughout his life. He went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps, 
embodying the discipline, courage and commitment that would define him in all aspects 
of his life.

Dick worked for the California Division of Highways as a geological engineer before 
becoming a general contractor in San Francisco where he specialized in restoring San 
Francisco Victorians. He and his wife and family later moved to Larkspur in Marin 
County where he continued his profession as a general contractor.

A gifted athlete, Dick played football for the University of Oklahoma and Hockey for 
Ohio State University –a reflection on both his talent and competitive spirit. Dick was an 
accomplished skier who helicopter skied at the Bugaboos, Caraboos and the Ruby 
Mountains; he ran every trail on Mt. Tam, was an avid bike rider, sailor and windsurfed 
on the San Francisco Bay with his friends starting in 1977 when the sport was in its 
infancy. For several years, nestled between skiing and windsurfing seasons, Dick 
managed, with buddies, to pack his cowboy boots and head off to Wyoming to help with 
round up and branding at a close friend’s ranch. Many cherished memories and good 
stories live on from those times spent at the BB Brooks Ranch. 

Dick developed a passion for Italy after he and his wife first travelled to Italy with the 
Squaw Valley Ski Patrol in 1978. It was the first of many trips to Italy. Before retiring 
Dick and his wife purchased a second home in central Italy where they would spend two 
months of the year. Dick’s magnetic personality managed to enable him to work his way 
into the small, but tight, wine producing community of Montefalco resulting in many 
glasses of wine being consumed and days of helping to pick grapes in one of the best 
wine producing areas of Italy.

Never one to let grass grow under his feet and having a constant thirst for knowledge, in 
his spare time he enrolled in online courses in creative writing and mastered desktop 
publishing skills with courses in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign. A master storyteller
with a lifetime of experiences led him to write multiple memoirs outlining his incredible 
adventures throughout his life. He was once asked “How did you do all of these things?” 
he simply answered, “By not waiting for retirement.”

At home, Dick was known as a great chef, bringing people together around the table with 
warmth and generosity. Above all, he was a great father, steadfast, supportive and deeply 
proud of his family and loyal to his friends.

He will be remembered for his strength of character, his adventurous spirit and the way 
he made those around him feel valued and cared for. His legacy lives on in the lives he 
touched and the family he cherished. Dick was able to enter a room full of strangers and 
leave with a room of friends.

Dick will also be remembered for his volunteer services. He coached hockey, spent 30 
years as a volunteer member of the National Ski Patrol at Squaw Valley, served on race 
committees for the St.Francis Yacht Club of which he was a member, was a volunteer at 
the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary, The Romberg Center and served on 
the Design Review Committee and was Lagoon Chairman for 25 years for his 
homeowner’s association.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Patti, whose partnership and devotion 
were at the heart of his life. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter and 
lasting memories. Dick is survived by his daughter Jennifer Drocco (Scott Schmidt and 
children Corey and Katie Schmidt and their children June and Eloise, Jeff and Meagan 
Schmidt). Nieces Loriann DeMartini (Russ Ferreira) and children Jordan and Jessica and 
Deborah DeMartini (niece) and children Ryan and Dacia.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that those who wish to can make a donation to their 
favorite charity in Dick’s memory

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Ryerson, please visit our floral store.