In Memory of Ryan Leonard Lythall
Ryan Leonard Lythall, 50, of Ottawa slipped away suddenly on March 20th, 2025, even though we thought he would out live us all. Ryan was expected to survive only 2 years and proved doctors wrong with his strength and sheer love of life by living another 48 more. He lived the first 12 years of his childhood in ICU plus another 4 more in 4W at C.H.E.O. His mother fought relentlessly for his independence. Incredibly he moved out and lived in his own apartment for the next 32 years!
Ryan never turned down an adventure and was excited to do many things that most of us wouldn’t even consider. Stand up comedy was one of those things, and he shined on stage. Ryan always had people laughing anywhere he went and he especially loved his Con Fam and anything pop culture or geeky.
Ryan was a fierce advocate for accessibility and took great pride in the changes he made at Bluesfest and in his community. He wrote articles about accessibilty issues for Ottawa Life magazine and loved to have such an important job. He even ran for Mayor of Ottawa in 2018!
Survived by his Mother Irene, Father Roger, Sister Gillian (Adam), and nephew Aaron. Predeceased by his Brother Sean and Grandparents Marie and Stuart Jacobs, and Marjorie and Leonard Lythall. We would also like to include, and thank Ryans amazing care team. Perhaps THOUSANDS of wonderful Nurses, Doctors, PSWs and also importantly, his friends. They are the reason he was able to live such a healthy and full life. You will always have a special place in our hearts.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on May the 4th from 3pm to 6pm at 464 Metcalfe St. Please wear your favorite shirt as a tribute to Ryans love of outrageous tees.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario would mean alot to us all.
I moved to Ryan’s apartment in 2023. We were both excited. We made plans to attend the Pride parade. I didn’t realize exactly what that entailed and had made plans to go elsewhere. When Ryan finally decided on a good spot to watch from, I had to go home to catch Para. Ryan was so angry, we didn’t speak for a few weeks! That was Ryan. He’d expect me to keep up and got angry when I couldn’t. As good friends do, we made up and from then on he told me ALL details so I could decide ahead if I wanted to try to keep up. RIP my friend.
I have known Ryan from Ottawa Power Wheelchair Hockey League since 2015. He was my teammate and he was great goalie and amazing guy. Outside of hockey world we went to restaurants with one of my teammates Joe. Rest in power, Ryan. You will definitely miss.
My Sincere condolences for Gillian and family.
May the memory of your brother/son/uncle be present in every future happy moment and be remembered and honoured.
Big hug to you all .
Ryan had left a legacy in each of us. Accepting of people and demonstrating that obstacles are mere inconveniences. The entire city of Ottawa is a better place thanks to Ryan. I’ve known this guy since the early 80’s. You’ll always be in my heart Ryan.
I can’t believe he gone. I was just thinking of him
Rest in peace Ryan we will never forget you
My sincere condolences to Ryan’s family and friends. I worked with Ryan from 2012-2015. He was a fierce advocate and I loved his fire cracker personality. He was a good person and taught me so much. Ryan loved the senotors so my husband and I got his bedroom painted the senators colours. I spent so much time with Ryan and I will forever cherish them. Love you Ryan. Love always your Coco Beware xo
rest in peace ryan , you live and loved life to the fullest, now earned your wings until next time
It was great getting to know Ryan the few times I met him while working at AMI. He was a fierce advocate for the Disability community and his writing sharing his everyday experiences as a pwd always taught me something.
I remember when Ryan came to Centennial School in the early “80s and was to take part in the programme in the Swimming Pool. The day of his first swim his Mom and a Nurse were on deck to make sure the experience would be completely safe. It was a totally unique experience not only to make it fun for Ryan, but to ensure that at all times his manual breathing apparatus was functioning. Movement in the water seemed to be a wonderful way for him to enjoy an activity with his classmates. When he graduated to McArthur High School he returned to Centennial for twice weekly sessions in the pool.
So very very sorry Irene, Roger, Gillian and Adam and Aaron I will always remember him as a happy baby. He will forever lieave a hole in your hearts but you have the memories to keep you warm. Take care all of you hugs and xoxo
So very very sorry Irene, Roger, Gillian and Adam and Aaron I will always remember him as a happy baby. He will forever lieave a hole in your hearts but you have the memories to keep you warm. RIP Ryan you lived a great life. Take care all of you hugs and xoxo
It was an honour knowing Ryan. My daughter Kelseylyn Roy and I met him 12 years ago from my cousin Joylinn Renaud. He had us in tears of laughter. His crazy sense of humour was something else. He definitely made an impact, not only on my life but so many others. He will be sadly missed.
You were an amazing friend to a lot of people with in the community we will miss very much your never gone you will always be in my heart you wer e big advocate for people with disabilities and speking up for others you were taken from us way to soon Ryan heather
Was a pleasure to know you Ryan rest in peace you will be greatly missed 🙏
Ryan I didn’t know u as well as many did but what I do know is that you played the best role if presenting the act of people with disabilities and you did not think of just yourself! You put every 1 together and made a large difference I am proud to have me and known you for the time I did R.I.P
I’m really sad to hear Ryan has died. My deepest sympathy to Ryan’s family.
As a nurse on TLCU, Ryan and I had so many heart to heart talks and wonderful laughs together.
I’ll never forget when I first knew him and on night shift, he asked if I would like to hear his life story.
What a profound privilege to have known Ryan and had those beautiful moments of stories told.
I had 4 teenagers myself, Ryan enjoyed a laugh at the latest high jinx that my kids were up to. On day shift he would find me in another room or catch me in the hall to ask if I had any stories for him. I just loved those interactions.
What a beautiful human being he was. The world has lost a very special soul.
Rest in peace, Ryan. Keep ’em laughing up there.
I knew Ryan for just a few months in the summer of 1978 when I was doing residency training in pediatric anesthesiology at CHEO. He was just a little guy at the time but he had a big personality even then. I don’t recall being involved in his care at CHEO but he learned the names of all the new people and never failed to greet me with a cheery ‘Hi Doc Mann’ when I passed by. Even as a 2 or 3 year old, he made sure everyone knew he was there and that he meant business.
I’m sorry to learn of Ryan’s passing but impressed (and not surprised) that he had a lasting impact in his community.
My condolences to Ryan’s friends and family.
Ryan your impact on disabled people’s life will live on. You will never be forgotten
My name is Abby Hagyard. I’ve lived my entire adult life giving people reasons to smile. It’s not a thankless or dangerous job. It’s a joy and a blessing. I first met Ryan at an Ottawa Fan Convention, Seeing the way people gravitated to him, waiting patiently for their turn, I realized that I was a rank amateur standing before an Icon. What Ryan gave, unconditionally, was his willing-and-readiness to flip the mood, show us how good we can feel when we make a difference and make joy come alive. It was an honour to know him. He was a powerful presence in every way – a voice we needed to hear – and we miss him every day.
Hi my name is Ryan I knew Ryan for many years he was an amazing person he loved helping other and did a lot for the community he is never gone he will always be in my heart I used to go see him in cheo when he was there with my mom
We alway chatted he is sadly missed I miss you already bud see ya again soon
Ryan was honestly one of the best disability advocates I’ve ever known. He just got it. He had this way of standing up for people—loudly, unapologetically—and still managing to make everyone laugh in the process. I really looked up to him.. I’ll miss his humour, his fire, and just the way he made a big impact on me—and I’ll carry that with me always.
I didn’t know Ryan well but I had read many of his columns and other articles in the community newspaper and I also followed him on Twitter. Then one Sunday at the Elgin street Farmer’s Market I thought I had possibly spotted him. I asked around – “Is that Ryan?” It was him! I introduced myself and was very excited that he knew who I was – he said he knew me from Twitter as well. 🙂
Ryan was a great advocate for the community and always had good points to make. I was shocked and saddened to hear he had passed – we will miss his reason and passion.
I am so sad to hear this of his passing!
Ryan you were one of my first patients a a student and again as an independent nurse. You made me laugh and showed me the courage and strength that I didn’t think was humanly possible. I was so grateful you reached out to reconnect several decades later.
Thinking of you all, especially his family, from here in God’s country
Claire. xox.
Ryan has always been an inspiration. I remember Ryan from CHEO’s 4 W floor where I was routinely admitted for asthma attacks. A few years back, I saw a picture of Ryan with a mutual acquaintance and thought I should reach out and say hello. I wish now that I had listened to that sign.
Condolences to his family and friends.
Rest in peace Ryan.
I just read about your passing today. You will never be forgotten as a trailblazer for the disabled community. Thank you for taking the lead and being an inspiring example to us all. You set the bar high for the rest of us to follow.
My condolences also go out to the Lythall family.