Death – Obituary- Cause of Death News : Family member speaks out after military veteran reveals in obituary he is gay. Col. Edward Thomas Ryan, a decorated military veteran, passed away at the age of 85 on June 1, according to his niece.
The news of Col. Ryan’s passing has sparked a conversation about his legacy and the struggles he faced as a gay man in the military. In his obituary, which was published in a local newspaper, Col. Ryan revealed his sexual orientation for the first time publicly. This revelation has prompted a mix of reactions from the public, with some praising his courage and others questioning why he felt the need to come out posthumously.
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Col. Ryan’s niece, Sarah, spoke out in defense of her uncle, emphasizing that his sexual orientation should not define his legacy. “My uncle was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a dedicated military officer. His sexual orientation was just one small part of who he was as a person,” she said.
Sarah shared fond memories of her uncle, recalling the times he would take her fishing and teach her how to shoot a bow and arrow. She described him as a kind and generous man who always put his family first. “He never let his sexual orientation hold him back in life. He lived authentically and was true to himself until the very end,” she added.
Despite the progress that has been made in LGBTQ rights in recent years, being openly gay in the military has not always been easy. Col. Ryan served during a time when being gay was grounds for discharge from the military. He kept his sexual orientation a secret for fear of being ostracized and losing his career.
Sarah explained that her uncle’s decision to come out in his obituary was a way for him to finally be honest about who he was. “He wanted to leave this world with no secrets, to be true to himself and his loved ones,” she said.
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The reaction to Col. Ryan’s obituary has been mixed, with some praising his bravery and others questioning the timing of his coming out. Sarah hopes that her uncle’s story will help to spark conversations about LGBTQ rights in the military and the importance of acceptance and inclusion.
“Col. Ryan was a hero in more ways than one. He served his country with honor and dignity, and he lived his life with courage and authenticity. I am proud to have had him as my uncle,” Sarah said.
As the news of Col. Ryan’s passing continues to spread, his legacy as a proud gay military veteran will live on. His story serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals in the military and the importance of acceptance and understanding. Col. Ryan’s courage in coming out posthumously will not be forgotten, and his memory will be cherished by those who knew and loved him.
