House Engrossed

State of Arizona House of Representatives Fiftieth Legislature Second Regular Session 2012

HOUSE RESOLUTION 2007

 

A RESOLUTION

 

on the death of the honorable michael ryan.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

The Honorable Michael Ryan died on January 30, 2012 at the age of sixty-six.

Born in Minnesota, Michael Ryan served his country as a Marine during the Vietnam War.  During his tour of duty, he sustained critical injuries in combat that confined him to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.  His heroism in battle earned him two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with a combat "V".  Michael Ryan went on to receive his bachelor's degree from St. John's University in Minnesota before earning his law degree from Arizona State University in 1977.

Following his law school graduation, Michael Ryan joined the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and served as a deputy county attorney until 1986.  In 1986, he was appointed to the Maricopa County Superior Court, where he served until his appointment to the Arizona Court of Appeals in 1996.  In 2002, Michael Ryan was appointed the Arizona Supreme Court, where he served until 2010.

Following his retirement from the Arizona Supreme Court, Justice Ryan remained active as a volunteer on numerous committees and commissions, including the Arizona Regulation Committee and the Attorney Discipline Probable Cause Committee.  In all of his endeavors, he distinguished himself as a dedicated, astute and conscientious public servant.  Justice Ryan was dedicated to the highest ideals of American jurisprudence, and his integrity and fairness earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him.  His record of humble service to his nation, state and community is an example for all to follow.

Michael Ryan will be greatly missed by his wife, Karen, his three sons, his two grandchildren, and his many friends and colleagues.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

That the Members of the House of Representatives express their gratitude for Michael Ryan's service to the United States of America and the State of Arizona, and their regret at his untimely passing, as well as their deepest condolences to his surviving family members.