The family of Howard Ryder is saddened to announce his peaceful passing due to congestive heart failure on May 30, 2021, at the age of 89. His brother Gordon was by his side.

Howard was born in Whitehorse on July 30, 1931, the fourth child of George and Edith Ryder. He was educated at the Lambert Street school, where he made many lifelong friends. As a young man, he worked in the family-owned wood, oil and water delivery service. When his older brother Lloyd bought control of the business in the early 1950s, Howard continued delivering fuel under Ryder’s fuel service. In the late 1950s, he attended Ryerson University and graduated with a hotel management degree. Between 1961-1965, Howard, his brother Gordon and their mother Edith built the Stratford motel, which they owned and operated until 1991.

Howard and his sister Audrey Roth loved Annie Lake, and many trips were made to enjoy the peace and solitude of the Wheaton River area. He enjoyed driving, and many trips were also made back east to visit his sister Audrey and relatives in Toronto, or to attend Vancouver Yukoners’ Association dinners.

Thanksgiving days were something Howard also looked forward to, with special family dinners hosted by his brother Lloyd and sister-in-law Marny at their cabin overlooking McClintock Bay. Throughout his later years, having breakfast at A&W was a ritual and one jointly enjoyed by many friends.

Howard was predeceased by older brothers Harold (1928), sister Audrey (1996), and Lloyd (2009). He is survived by his younger brother Gordon, his sister-in-law Marny, nephews Ken, Randy and John, nieces Cyndy and Jennie and their families.

The family wishes to thank medical staff at Whitehorse General Hospital, and the caregivers at Whistlebend Place and Thomson Centre for their care and understanding during Howard’s final time with us. There will be no funeral service at Howard’s request.

When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark

At the end of a storm
There's a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark

Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and
blown

Walk on, walk on

With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone

Walk on, walk on

With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone

To all the guys and gals at A&W: “I’ll be seeing you.” - Howard