Ryerson "Rye" John Gewalt, 82, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on November 15th, 2024, after a battle with dementia. Born on October 5th, 1942, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Marjorie and Elmer Gewalt, Rye lived a life marked by innovation and creativity.

A brilliant man with diverse interests, Rye developed a passion for ham radio at an early age, mastering Morse code and earning the call letters K9LCJ—fitting for a man who would become a devoted companion to generations of family canines: August, Emil, Taylor, Pheobe, Thurber, Arthur, and Wilson. After serving in the National Guard from 1964-1968. He worked as a Class A radio operator at WRJN in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, working the evening shift.

Rye's intelligence and technical expertise led him to a distinguished career in national security, where he worked as a Tempest Engineer, making significant contributions to Cold War signal processing technologies. He concluded his professional journey at the CIA in Langley, Virginia, a position he held with great pride until his retirement.

Rye was a very talented artist whose talents spanned woodworking, watercolor, silk screening, and pottery. His crowning achievement was a 16-foot sea kayak he crafted and regularly launched at Lake Accotink in Springfield, Virginia. True to his playful nature, he attached a small boat motor to it, delighting onlookers as he "paddled" effortlessly across the water. Ryerson spent many happy years sailing the Potomac River on his 19-foot West White Potter sailboat.

In retirement, Rye found a new purpose at Make Nashville, where he served on the Board of Directors. His organizational skills and dedication to maintaining the workshop ensured that future generations would have a space to pursue their creative passions. His love for ham radio continued throughout his life, and he traveled extensively to Hamfests, buying and selling gear while connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

Rye was foundational in teaching his grandchildren to build models and fish. His quick wit and brilliant sense of humor remained sharp until his final days, bringing laughter to those around him.

Rye is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Kathleen Gewalt; his daughters, Felicity Strunce (Todd) and Joy Tatar (Michael); his six grandchildren, Thaddeus, Theodore, and Trinity Strunce, Ryerson Voith, and Samuel Tatar; and his sister, Sally Gewalt-Petranka (John).

A memorial will be held for Ryerson in Racine, Wisconsin in May 2025.  

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