BOWDOIN — Richard W. “Ricky” Ryan, 64, of Bowdoin, passed away unexpectedly on July 16, 2026, in Augusta, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and friendships that will never be forgotten.

Born on January 8, 1962, in Rockland, Ricky was the son of Frederick Ryan, Sr. and Elizabeth (Jones) Ryan. He was raised in Waldoboro, where he attended local schools and graduated from Medomak Valley High School with the Class of 1980. A natural athlete, Ricky loved every opportunity to compete. Baseball was his greatest passion growing up, and his talent on the field earned him a place on the high school All-Star Team.

Hard work came naturally to Ricky. He began working at a young age at the Waldoboro Button Factory before continuing on to Moody’s Cabins and Bath Iron Works. His true calling, however, came when he joined the Brunswick School Department, where he spent more than 31 years as an award-winning school bus driver.

To the countless children who climbed aboard Bus #58 each day, Ricky was much more than the man behind the wheel. He greeted every student with a smile, encouraged them to do their best, and celebrated their successes. One of his favorite traditions was rewarding students who made the honor roll with a crisp one-dollar bill—a simple gesture that many of them remembered long after they graduated. He also served students through the school’s food service program, becoming a familiar and comforting face in their daily lives. Ricky made a lasting impact on generations of children and earned the admiration of students, parents, teachers, and coworkers alike.

If you knew Ricky, you knew his smile. He had an easy laugh, a welcoming personality, and a way of making everyone feel like an old friend. Whether you met him at work, at the bowling alley, around a card table, or at the campground, you quickly discovered someone who genuinely enjoyed life and loved being around people.

Every summer, Ricky looked forward to gathering with his extended family at Lake Pemaquid Campground. Those weekends were filled with cookouts, games, stories, and laughter—the kind of moments he treasured most. Family was at the center of his life, and some of his happiest memories were made simply spending time together.

Ricky had a competitive spirit that never faded. Whether he was playing cornhole, shooting pool, throwing a football, swinging a bat, or rolling strikes at the bowling alley, he always gave it everything he had. Bowlers throughout Maine knew him as “Fire Ball,” a nickname that suited both his bowling style and his personality. He proudly bowled in leagues at DePatsy’s Lanes in Waldoboro and traveled throughout the state for tournaments, often making unforgettable trips with his good friend Nick DePatsy in his famous white limousine.

He also loved the thrill of a good game of poker, competing in the World Series of Poker, playing Texas Hold’em with friends, and trying his luck on scratch tickets. A devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, Ricky rarely missed a game and enjoyed organizing football and golf pools that brought family and friends together. When he wasn’t watching sports, he could often be found hunting, fishing, or enjoying fresh Maine seafood. Thanksgiving was especially meaningful to him, not just for the incredible food but because it meant being surrounded by the people he loved.

Of all the titles Ricky held throughout his life, the ones he cherished most were husband, stepfather, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His grandchildren brought him endless joy, and he loved celebrating their accomplishments, making them laugh, and simply spending time together. His greatest happiness came from sharing life’s everyday moments with those he loved most.

Ricky was predeceased by his brother Frederick “Fred” Ryan, Jr.

He leaves behind his beloved wife and soulmate, Michele Ryan of Bowdoin; his stepson, Ryan Herrick and his wife Sarah, of Augusta; his stepdaughters, Heather McArdle and her husband Scott, of Wiscasset, and Jessica Herrick of Portland; and his treasured grandchildren, Araya, Jaxton, Violette, Caleb, Jace, and Emberly.

He is also survived by his sisters, Janet Lee and Carol Collamore, both of Waldoboro; his brother Lenny Ryan of Waldoboro; his niece Amie O’Donoghue and her husband Jamie, of Waldoboro; his nephews Robert Lee of Tenants Harbor, and Lance Lee and his wife Jill, of Waldoboro; along with many other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing him.

Ricky also leaves behind extended family Sterling and Carol Robinson of Warren and his brother-in-law, Arnold Robinson and his wife, Cathy, of Warren. Together with Michele, they shared years of games, laughter, adventures, and lasting friendships that Ricky deeply treasured.

Waiting faithfully at home are Ricky’s beloved puppies, Sandie and Muffin Pie, whose unconditional love brought him comfort and happiness each day.

Ricky’s legacy is not measured by trophies won or games played, but by the kindness he showed, the encouragement he gave, the laughter he shared, and the countless lives he touched along the way. His was a life lived with enthusiasm, generosity, and heart. Though he left far too soon, his memory will continue to live on every time a story is told, a game is played, or a bus driver takes the time to make a child smile.

Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation on Tuesday, July 21, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main Street, Waldoboro. A celebration of Ricky’s life will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hall Funeral Home in Waldoboro. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.