Passionate. Funny. Strong. Gregarious. Smart. Unique. Athletic. Personable. Outgoing. Caring. An unceasing source of strength, wisdom and compassion for his family, friends, co-workers and for all the kids, teams and organizations he has coached and led. Ceannaich Ryan fiercely loved his family and friends, and he was so loved in return.

Ceannaich immersed himself in his communities with dedication and a sense of humor that will never be forgotten.

Through his work with the Skokie Flyers, Mammoth Hockey and Welles Park Parents Association baseball, he was steadfastly committed to the growth and success of all the young athletes and teams he engaged with and coached. His deepest pride was knowing that he was helping to guide and shape not only skilled and motivated athletes, but also young men and women of character, strength and confidence, on or off the court, diamond or the ice.

Through his years at Lake Forest Country Day School, Phillips Academy Andover, Northwestern University and University of Notre Dame, Ceannaich believed in the power of education, with a balance of fun mixed in, and surrounded himself with others who shared the same belief. He always emphasized the importance of education with his boys, Eghan, Tiernan and Maclan, and was so proud of the students they have become. Ceannaich believed in learning and understanding the issues in order to support his points of view, which were many, and was a master at finding anything on Google.

Through his career at Northern Trust, Peak 6, BBR Trading and then moving into independent consulting for Accenture and the Defense Logistics Agency, Ceannaich set a shining example for his boys with his work ethic and dedication. He loved the world of finance and markets and imparted that love and knowledge to his boys.

Through the roots he established on the northside of Chicago, Ceannaich was proud of growing his family in the city. Ceannaich was blessed with a magnificent marriage to a magnificent woman, Shawna (Godzik) Ryan. Their relationship began as a college love story and blossomed into a marriage of flawless teamwork, friendship and profound respect for one another. Together they raised three beautiful sons, Eghan, Tiernan and Maclan, and they were proud to be the Mighty Ryan Family. From the boys’ early days at St. Ben’s Parish and School and then at St. Ignatius College Prep, Ceannaich selflessly gave of his time to be involved in the boys’ activities. He coached basketball, sat on the Parish Council, attended Galas (begrudgingly) and was a presence on the campus at St. Ben’s. At St. Ignatius, his dedication was to the Hockey Club. Ceannaich became the voice and the DJ for St. Ignatius Varsity Hockey. He built a library of songs that would be perfect for anything that happened in the game, from a penalty to a goal, and many discussions were had over which songs would be the best for the team.

Through Ceannaich’s unabashed love for Shawna, Eghan, Tiernan and Maclan, the world could see how much his family meant to him. He would spend hours talking to his sister Tierna in Florida and was always making plans to be with his brother Roibin and his family (Roibin’s wife Colette, daughter Finn, and Colette’s sons, Christopher, James and Luke). Ceannaich would tell jokes at dinners with Grandma and Papa Godzik and cherished his relationship with his in-laws. And of course, his love for his beloved, Irish Doodle, Oshie. He was family first and it showed!

Ceannaich was an integral part of so many communities and his presence will be deeply missed. He was a great father, husband, and friend. His quick wit, his intelligent banter, his love for sports, and his passion for his family and friends will remain in our hearts and in our memories.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Ceannaich will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Church of the Holy Family (1080 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608). A visitation will take place at Drake & Son Funeral Home on Friday, May 17, 2024 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.

In Ceannaich’s honor, and to carry on his love for his family and passion for the sport of hockey, two funds have been established. One will support Eghan, Tiernan and Maclan’s education. The other will support local young hockey players who would benefit from financial assistance to play the game.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/ceannaich-ryan/obituary/

Copy