Timothy Russell Ryan, 62, of Santa Rosa, CA, formerly of North Platte, NE passed away Friday, January 4, 2013, in Santa Rosa, California.

Tim was born May 2, 1950, in North Platte and graduated from North Platte High School in 1968. Following graduation he joined the U.S. Navy and served as a Corpsman from 1968-70. Tim was discharged in 1970, then returned to North Platte where he worked for the State of Nebraska as a Scale Officer until he hired on to the Union Pacific Railroad in 1973 as a brakeman on the 4th District. In 1979 Tim moved to Cheyenne, WY and in 1994 transferred to engine service. He worked as an engineer and the UTU Local Chairman until his retirement in May 2010 when he moved to Santa Rosa, CA to enjoy his retirement in the wine country. Tim was actively involved with local Little League, helped coach a minor league team and tutored 1st graders in reading. He sampled the local fare enjoying the wine estates, local wildlife and ocean views whenever time allowed.

Tim was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He was also an avid sports fan and particularly loved college football (“Go Big Red!”). His enduring charm and sense of humor made him instant friends wherever he was and always added to the occasion.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela, of Santa Rosa; sons Mark and Tim Jr.; a daughter, Lori, his mother, Margaret, of Omaha; two brothers, Rick, of North Platte and Mike, of Omaha; his sister, Mary Ellen, of Omaha; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Tim was preceded in death by his father, Richard “Dick” Ryan; grandparents, Harold and Ellen Ryan; uncles, Jim, Gene and Frank; several aunts, cousins and many dear friends.

Rosary Service will be 7 p.m. Thursday, January 17, 2013, at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday the 18th at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Father Tom Ryan as celebrant. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery . Visitation will be Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until service time at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local hospice. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.