Dennis H. Ryder, 74, passed away unexpectedly on March 16, 2022. He was born in Brockton, April 2, 1947, to the late Henry J. and Andrea M. (Deleau) Ryder and was a lifelong resident of the city.
Dennis graduated from Brockton High School in 1966, then enlisted in the US Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. After his military service, he attended Massasoit Community College and then onto Bridgewater State College where he achieved his bachelor’s degree. He spent most of his years owning and managing a small business in Brockton.
Dennis made every effort to swim daily in the ponds, and oceans of his local area. In the colder months, he frequented the pool at the YMCA. He also enjoyed writing, photography, and music. On any day you could find him creating a song on his guitar, or carefully tending to his beautiful garden. He would carefully water each plant by hand with a container, as he felt a garden hose would be too wasteful.
Dennis lived every moment of his life with no expectations looking forward, and no regret to leave behind. The absolute proof was in the way he laughed. It was an all-out burst, and a roar so genuine. He took great pride and joy in his children and grandchildren. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and never turned down an opportunity to be with them. Nature was Denny’s guide and guru from the mountains to the ocean. He was a traveler spending months at a time in Kauai, Hawaii. He found peace on the North Shore swimming in “off-duty” waters, searching for shells and cleaning the brush along the shoreline. He lived his life simply, caring for the earth as best he could. Denny always looked at manmade products as renewable. He reused or modified things in hopes of helping the planet by reducing the stress on the environment.
He was a devoted father of his daughter Aura M. Collum and her husband Scott of Portsmouth, RI and his son, Brian M. Ryder and his wife Judy of Copiague, NY. He was the proud grampa of Zoe, Cannon, Kayleigh and Tristan; loyal brother of Richard C., and Phillip W. Ryder both of Brockton, Christine M. Padgett and her husband Forrest of West Newton, Bernadette L. Colby and John J. Ryder both of Mashpee and the late Paul Ryder. He was also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Dennis enlightened just about every path he crossed in one way or another, and our lives will be impacted by his absence in so many ways. His presence can be kept strong in the way we live our lives. Let us continue his legacy by caring for the earth as best we can. Please plant a tree in his memory.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday May 1st 2022 at the home of Aura Collum 54 Sylvania road, Portsmouth RI, 02871. From 1:00-3:00 followed by a voluntary beach cleanup.