William Michael Ryan

William Michael Ryan (Mike), 85, of Arvada, Colorado, passed away on March 8, 2026. He was a cherished husband, father, and papa who loved his family above all else. He will be forever held in the hearts of all who knew him.

Mike Ryan was born in Denver, Colorado, on June 2, 1940. He graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1958. At St. Joe's, he was an outstanding all-around athlete. At the tender age of 15, he met the love of his life, Carol Mershon. They married in 1960, started their family in Denver, and eventually settled in Arvada, Colorado.

Mike lived by the "work hard, play hard" motto. He worked two jobs most of his life. He retired from Public Service Company at age 55, having worked in several different departments over his 30+ years of employment. He also worked at the dog tracks in Byers and Loveland, where he served as union president. He owned his own taxidermy business for a time. He continued to work in some capacity after his formal retirement for as long as he was able. He loved doing handyman work and really enjoyed working in the fishing department at Cabela's.

He was also a member of the Westminster Jaycees, where he served as president of the chapter. Mike and Carol made many lifelong friendships during their time as Jaycees.

He was a diehard Broncos fan his entire adult life. He attended their very first Super Bowl game in New Orleans in 1978. Broncos Sundays were always a special family day for us.

Mike was a passionate fly fisherman who learned to tie his own flies. He played golf, enjoyed gardening, was an avid reader, and loved music. There was nothing better than going up to the mountains in his orange van, listening to his favorite eight-track tapes. He fulfilled his lifetime dream of living in the mountains when he moved with Carol to Westcliffe, Colorado. There, he shared his love of the outdoors with his extended family—hiking, fishing, exploring, camping, and gazing at the stars. This was a special time for us all. He passed his passion on to his children and grandchildren.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Carol Ryan; his children Becky Brown (Joe), Teri Creach (Ron), Michael Ryan (Jeanette), and Linda Grimes (Eric); and his grandchildren Courtney Carlisle (Jeremy), Steven Brown, Meghan Lund (Nathan), Nick Creach, Justin Creach (Melanie), Audrey Ryan, Sidney Ryan, Allison Steinwand (Darrick), Morgan Rubendall, and Ethan Grimes, as well as his great-granddaughter, Faye Creach.

Family and friends will be notified when the celebration of life plans are finalized.

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