Gerald "David" Ryan passed away at his home with his family by his side on Saturday, September 29, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. Graveside memorial services will be Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at Mountain Lawn Cemetery in Lead with Chaplain Randy Bradley officiating.

David was born in Deadwood, SD on February 10, 1936 to Lillian and Ralph Ryan of Kirk, SD. He married Wilma Steele on July 30, 1955 and they made their home in rural Lead where they raised their three children. Wilma and David have lived there from marriage until the end of his life.

David worked at Arnio's Sawmill for about 8 years before he went to work for himself as a logger. He started out hauling posts and eventually hauled logs and he retired as a self-employed logger. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and hunting for most of his life. After he retired, fishing was what he always wanted to do.

David was a hard working man and provided well for his family. He was not a materialistic man. Family is what drove him, and having family around was when he was the happiest. All of the grandkids had a special place in his heart.

Survivors include his wife, Wilma of Lead; children, Jerry (Brenda) Ryan, JoAnna (Walt) Taylor, and Ray (Aileen) Ryan, all of Lead. He also leaves his grandchildren, Billie Jo Ryan, Josh Ryan, and Justin Millard, all of Lead, Brandie and Mike Ryan of Rapid City, Tammy Jo McGuckin of Henderson, NV, and Donny Millard of Wendell, NC. Other survivors include his sister, Doris Rose of Eugene, OR and sister-in-law, Betty Ryan of Lead; fourteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and three brothers.