Francis Paul Ryan

The world of journalism has lost a towering pillar. Francis “Paul” Ryan passed away
May 17, 2024 from complications following abdominal surgery. He was 81 years old.

A newsman through and through, Paul’s life was marked by adventurous travel and
authentic stories. Born October 23, 1942 in Omaha, Nebraska to Ralph and Mary Kathryn Ryan, Paul grew up in the small farming town of Wyoming, Illinois before his family moved to California in the 50s. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps as a jet engine mechanic and attending San Francisco State University, Paul began his career in broadcast news; a love that would last a lifetime. At a striking 6’4”, his movie star looks and booming, bass-level voice took him from his hometown station in Peoria, Illinois to WBBM in Chicago, KRON in San Francisco and KOMO in Seattle, where he hosted one of America’s original magazine shows “PM Northwest”. That’s when the travel bug took hold.

In the early 1980’s, Paul joined News Travel Network, which produced and syndicated daily newscasts across the U.S. As a senior reporter/writer, his list of assignments was as exotic as it was long; Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, Ireland, Portugal, Thailand and Australia, to name a few. His on-camera work and scripting, instincts which came as naturally to him as breathing, raked in awards, including seven Emmys. His long career wrapped up with even more travel, hosting two National Public Television series, “Experience America” and “America’s Heartland”.

Perhaps his greatest asset, though, was his wit. Known for truth-nailing, expertly off-color jokes, his humor had the aim of a seasoned assassin. Cameramen and crews recall his firing off one-liners moments before flawlessly delivering serious scripts, while they shook with laughter behind the lens. Lately, his belly-laugh-inducing, eye-watering runs started with an irreverent twist on the name of the Lord: “Jay-sus!”

In retirement he and his loving partner Corita moved from California to the stunning red rock country of Sedona, Arizona and, after ten years, to the deep desert of Tucson. An infatuation with travel forever in his blood, his happiest times were 13 years crisscrossing the country in a travel trailer with Corita and their spoiled rescue dog Daisy, then hanging with friends and family over a big box of
Costco red wine and Fritos.

Paul was kind, he was loved, and he’ll be missed.

He leaves behind his life partner, Corita Gravitt; former wife, Carole (Higdon) Ryan, their two children, Kathleen (Ryan) Buntin, and Christopher Ryan; two grandchildren, James and Hanna Buntin, sister, Ann (Alfie) Geeson and many other family members and friends.
His parents preceded him in death.

Services will be private. Masses will be offered for him at Holy Family Catholic Church
in Tucson. His ashes will rest where his parents are buried in Illinois. In his memory,
please donate to Animal Kind International in Jemez Springs, New Mexico or your local
animal shelter.