Henry “Duke” Ryan Honored at Dec. 14 Memorial

On December 14, many AAFSW members as well as scores of family members and friends attended a Celebration of Life for Henry B. “Duke” Ryan, spouse of AAFSW AFSA Liaison Patty Ryan, at the Palisades Community Church Hall in Washington, DC.

It was a moving memorial, with long-time family friend Roger Stone delivering a touching tribute which had been prepared by Patty and William Ryan, after which Roger invited family members and friends to come forward to share their memories about Duke. Among the speakers were Duke’s nephew, a member of Duke’s play writing group, and an officer of Palisades Village, an organization Duke volunteered with for many years. The well-attended memorial was standing room only and was followed by a reception during which family members and friends continued to reminisce about Duke.

Adapted from the Washington Post obituary: Duke, who passed away on November 4, 2019 after a long battle with prostate cancer, is survived by his wife Patricia B. Ryan, son William W. Ryan; daughter-in-law Carla I. Ryan; and his granddaughters, Katie, Annabelle and Lydia. Duke Ryan served with distinction as a U.S. diplomat in Brazil, Norway and Australia. He earned his doctorate at Trinity College, Cambridge and was a Life Member of Clare Hall. The author of several books, including “The Fall of Che Guevara: A Story of Soldiers, Spies, and Diplomats,” he also wrote many plays that were performed in the U.S. and U.K. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and his many friends around the world.