Donald (Don) Frank Ryan was born January 10, 1934 to Frank and Juanita Ryan in Los Angeles, CA, where he and his younger brother Lee grew up together. He was always motivated to work for what he wanted and at the age of 16 he sold his first car to buy a boat. This was the beginning of a life-long love of being on the water.
After graduation he married Donna Hammersmith and they had four sons.
At the age of 22 he was drafted into the Army due to his civilian occupation, a diesel mechanic. He was deployed to Germany where he was in charge of maintaining a fleet of company Jeeps. While in Germany, his first son Dean was born in 1958. He was proud to wear the uniform and serve his country. Patriotism was always very important to Don.
Upon completing his tour in the service, he returned to the states and moved to Redding, CA. He was drawn here by Shasta Lake and his love of boating. Twins Dan and Dee were born in Redding a couple of days before Christmas in 1959. Dana was born in Weaverville in 1962 to complete the family of four boys.
His interest in the grocery business began when he became involved in the operation of a produce stand in Red Bluff. His drive to own his own business motivated him to take a leap of faith. With the help of his father, plus many in the industry and the shake of a hand, he broke ground on the first Tops Market in Weaverville, CA in 1961. The business grew and thrived as Tops became a vital part of the community. Don was always quick to contribute, support and give back to his hometown. He was a tough employer, but he was fair and good to his employees, earning their respect. His motto, which hung on a banner in the back room of the store was "good enough is not good enough". Many got their start in the work force, learning strong work ethics under his leadership
During this same period of time, he owned and operated Island Grocery on Catalina Island. The boys experienced the joys of small island living, including the freedom to troll around the harbor in small boats.
Don and Marilyn were married in 1977. She and her two daughters, Christy (10) and Stacey (5) were welcomed into the large family of Ryan boys. Don loved and raised the girls as his own.
As the business grew, a second Tops Market was built in 1979 with up-to-date features, including an in-store bakery. Don proudly welcomed Dean, Dan and Dee as partners in the business in 1984. Three Tops Mini Marts, laundromats and a Redding store were added to the list of businesses comprising Tops Industries.
With his sons successfully running all phases of the business, Don was able to retire at an early age and enjoy doing the things he loved most. Summers were spent boating and fishing in the San Juan Islands and Canadian waters, from Victoria. B.C., to Campbell River and the remote islands of Desolation Sound.
Also an avid RVer, he and Marilyn spent winters in Palm Springs where they enjoyed the warm climate, Harley riding and wonderful friendships that were made. Don enjoyed life to the fullest and would often say "if this is my last day, I have had a great life and enjoyed more than my share."
He and Marilyn were blessed with 43 years of marriage filled with wonderful adventures, life-long friends, and an ever-growing family.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn, sons Dean (Renie), Dan (Laurie), Dee, Dana (Kim), daughters Stacey, and Christy (Steve), grandchildren Renae (Joe), Amy, Megan, Doul, Von, Paige, Aidan, Meara, Lucy, Leah, Cody (Crissy), Rachel, Liza (Bryan), Melissa and Gabrielle as well as 13 great grandchildren.
Don peacefully entered into his heavenly home on May 28, 2021, with his family at his side. His passing leaves a huge void in the family, but we have amazing memories to treasure forever.
Good bye Old Spice, we love you!
Published in Redding Record Searchlight from Jun. 11 to Jun. 15, 2021.
After graduation he married Donna Hammersmith and they had four sons.
At the age of 22 he was drafted into the Army due to his civilian occupation, a diesel mechanic. He was deployed to Germany where he was in charge of maintaining a fleet of company Jeeps. While in Germany, his first son Dean was born in 1958. He was proud to wear the uniform and serve his country. Patriotism was always very important to Don.
Upon completing his tour in the service, he returned to the states and moved to Redding, CA. He was drawn here by Shasta Lake and his love of boating. Twins Dan and Dee were born in Redding a couple of days before Christmas in 1959. Dana was born in Weaverville in 1962 to complete the family of four boys.
His interest in the grocery business began when he became involved in the operation of a produce stand in Red Bluff. His drive to own his own business motivated him to take a leap of faith. With the help of his father, plus many in the industry and the shake of a hand, he broke ground on the first Tops Market in Weaverville, CA in 1961. The business grew and thrived as Tops became a vital part of the community. Don was always quick to contribute, support and give back to his hometown. He was a tough employer, but he was fair and good to his employees, earning their respect. His motto, which hung on a banner in the back room of the store was "good enough is not good enough". Many got their start in the work force, learning strong work ethics under his leadership
During this same period of time, he owned and operated Island Grocery on Catalina Island. The boys experienced the joys of small island living, including the freedom to troll around the harbor in small boats.
Don and Marilyn were married in 1977. She and her two daughters, Christy (10) and Stacey (5) were welcomed into the large family of Ryan boys. Don loved and raised the girls as his own.
As the business grew, a second Tops Market was built in 1979 with up-to-date features, including an in-store bakery. Don proudly welcomed Dean, Dan and Dee as partners in the business in 1984. Three Tops Mini Marts, laundromats and a Redding store were added to the list of businesses comprising Tops Industries.
With his sons successfully running all phases of the business, Don was able to retire at an early age and enjoy doing the things he loved most. Summers were spent boating and fishing in the San Juan Islands and Canadian waters, from Victoria. B.C., to Campbell River and the remote islands of Desolation Sound.
Also an avid RVer, he and Marilyn spent winters in Palm Springs where they enjoyed the warm climate, Harley riding and wonderful friendships that were made. Don enjoyed life to the fullest and would often say "if this is my last day, I have had a great life and enjoyed more than my share."
He and Marilyn were blessed with 43 years of marriage filled with wonderful adventures, life-long friends, and an ever-growing family.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn, sons Dean (Renie), Dan (Laurie), Dee, Dana (Kim), daughters Stacey, and Christy (Steve), grandchildren Renae (Joe), Amy, Megan, Doul, Von, Paige, Aidan, Meara, Lucy, Leah, Cody (Crissy), Rachel, Liza (Bryan), Melissa and Gabrielle as well as 13 great grandchildren.
Don peacefully entered into his heavenly home on May 28, 2021, with his family at his side. His passing leaves a huge void in the family, but we have amazing memories to treasure forever.
Good bye Old Spice, we love you!
Published in Redding Record Searchlight from Jun. 11 to Jun. 15, 2021.
Donald (Don) Frank Ryan was born January 10, 1934 to Frank and Juanita Ryan in Los Angeles, CA, where he and his younger brother Lee grew up together. He was always motivated to work for what he wanted and at the age of 16 he sold his first car to buy a boat. This was the beginning of a life-long love of being on the water.
After graduation he married Donna Hammersmith and they had four sons.
At the age of 22 he was drafted into the Army due to his civilian occupation, a diesel mechanic. He was deployed to Germany where he was in charge of maintaining a fleet of company Jeeps. While in Germany, his first son Dean was born in 1958. He was proud to wear the uniform and serve his country. Patriotism was always very important to Don.
Upon completing his tour in the service, he returned to the states and moved to Redding, CA. He was drawn here by Shasta Lake and his love of boating. Twins Dan and Dee were born in Redding a couple of days before Christmas in 1959. Dana was born in Weaverville in 1962 to complete the family of four boys.
His interest in the grocery business began when he became involved in the operation of a produce stand in Red Bluff. His drive to own his own business motivated him to take a leap of faith. With the help of his father, plus many in the industry and the shake of a hand, he broke ground on the first Tops Market in Weaverville, CA in 1961. The business grew and thrived as Tops became a vital part of the community. Don was always quick to contribute, support and give back to his hometown. He was a tough employer, but he was fair and good to his employees, earning their respect. His motto, which hung on a banner in the back room of the store was "good enough is not good enough". Many got their start in the work force, learning strong work ethics under his leadership
During this same period of time, he owned and operated Island Grocery on Catalina Island. The boys experienced the joys of small island living, including the freedom to troll around the harbor in small boats.
Don and Marilyn were married in 1977. She and her two daughters, Christy (10) and Stacey (5) were welcomed into the large family of Ryan boys. Don loved and raised the girls as his own.
As the business grew, a second Tops Market was built in 1979 with up-to-date features, including an in-store bakery. Don proudly welcomed Dean, Dan and Dee as partners in the business in 1984. Three Tops Mini Marts, laundromats and a Redding store were added to the list of businesses comprising Tops Industries.
With his sons successfully running all phases of the business, Don was able to retire at an early age and enjoy doing the things he loved most. Summers were spent boating and fishing in the San Juan Islands and Canadian waters, from Victoria. B.C., to Campbell River and the remote islands of Desolation Sound.
Also an avid RVer, he and Marilyn spent winters in Palm Springs where they enjoyed the warm climate, Harley riding and wonderful friendships that were made. Don enjoyed life to the fullest and would often say "if this is my last day, I have had a great life and enjoyed more than my share."
He and Marilyn were blessed with 43 years of marriage filled with wonderful adventures, life-long friends, and an ever-growing family.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn, sons Dean (Renie), Dan (Laurie), Dee, Dana (Kim), daughters Stacey, and Christy (Steve), grandchildren Renae (Joe), Amy, Megan, Doul, Von, Paige, Aidan, Meara, Lucy, Leah, Cody (Crissy), Rachel, Liza (Bryan), Melissa and Gabrielle as well as 13 great grandchildren.
Don peacefully entered into his heavenly home on May 28, 2021, with his family at his side. His passing leaves a huge void in the family, but we have amazing memories to treasure forever.
Good bye Old Spice, we love you!
Published in Redding Record Searchlight from Jun. 11 to Jun. 15, 2021.
After graduation he married Donna Hammersmith and they had four sons.
At the age of 22 he was drafted into the Army due to his civilian occupation, a diesel mechanic. He was deployed to Germany where he was in charge of maintaining a fleet of company Jeeps. While in Germany, his first son Dean was born in 1958. He was proud to wear the uniform and serve his country. Patriotism was always very important to Don.
Upon completing his tour in the service, he returned to the states and moved to Redding, CA. He was drawn here by Shasta Lake and his love of boating. Twins Dan and Dee were born in Redding a couple of days before Christmas in 1959. Dana was born in Weaverville in 1962 to complete the family of four boys.
His interest in the grocery business began when he became involved in the operation of a produce stand in Red Bluff. His drive to own his own business motivated him to take a leap of faith. With the help of his father, plus many in the industry and the shake of a hand, he broke ground on the first Tops Market in Weaverville, CA in 1961. The business grew and thrived as Tops became a vital part of the community. Don was always quick to contribute, support and give back to his hometown. He was a tough employer, but he was fair and good to his employees, earning their respect. His motto, which hung on a banner in the back room of the store was "good enough is not good enough". Many got their start in the work force, learning strong work ethics under his leadership
During this same period of time, he owned and operated Island Grocery on Catalina Island. The boys experienced the joys of small island living, including the freedom to troll around the harbor in small boats.
Don and Marilyn were married in 1977. She and her two daughters, Christy (10) and Stacey (5) were welcomed into the large family of Ryan boys. Don loved and raised the girls as his own.
As the business grew, a second Tops Market was built in 1979 with up-to-date features, including an in-store bakery. Don proudly welcomed Dean, Dan and Dee as partners in the business in 1984. Three Tops Mini Marts, laundromats and a Redding store were added to the list of businesses comprising Tops Industries.
With his sons successfully running all phases of the business, Don was able to retire at an early age and enjoy doing the things he loved most. Summers were spent boating and fishing in the San Juan Islands and Canadian waters, from Victoria. B.C., to Campbell River and the remote islands of Desolation Sound.
Also an avid RVer, he and Marilyn spent winters in Palm Springs where they enjoyed the warm climate, Harley riding and wonderful friendships that were made. Don enjoyed life to the fullest and would often say "if this is my last day, I have had a great life and enjoyed more than my share."
He and Marilyn were blessed with 43 years of marriage filled with wonderful adventures, life-long friends, and an ever-growing family.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn, sons Dean (Renie), Dan (Laurie), Dee, Dana (Kim), daughters Stacey, and Christy (Steve), grandchildren Renae (Joe), Amy, Megan, Doul, Von, Paige, Aidan, Meara, Lucy, Leah, Cody (Crissy), Rachel, Liza (Bryan), Melissa and Gabrielle as well as 13 great grandchildren.
Don peacefully entered into his heavenly home on May 28, 2021, with his family at his side. His passing leaves a huge void in the family, but we have amazing memories to treasure forever.
Good bye Old Spice, we love you!
Published in Redding Record Searchlight from Jun. 11 to Jun. 15, 2021.
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
