Lake Havasu City, AZ - John Timothy Ryan passed away peacefully with his son at his bedside on May 15, 2026.

Tim, as he was known to his friends, was born on April 16, 1942, in Santa Monica, California, to Byron Francis Ryan and Joan Vivien Murray Ryan.

A third-generation Angeleno, Tim graduated from North Hollywood High School. Rather than pursue college, he followed his passion for all things fast, spending his early years drag racing. As part of the Cederquist Brothers and Ryan racing team, he set local records and earned a place on the cover of Hot Rod magazine in November 1960.

Tim proudly served the country he loved. In 1964, he enlisted in the California National Guard and later deployed to Vietnam with the U.S. Army's 9th Infantry Division. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star. Though he didn't speak openly of his time there, his service affected him deeply and was one of the things he was most proud of.

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandparents, Tim had a career in the motion picture industry spanning more than four decades. Starting in 1962, he became a familiar presence on film sets, traveling all over the world. Known for his trademark short shorts, handlebar mustache, strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and desire to mentor younger crew members, Tim earned the respect of colleagues across the industry.

Among the many productions he worked on were The Deer Hunter and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, two enduring landmarks of American cinema. He collaborated with some of the industry's most respected filmmakers, including Steven Spielberg, Sydney Pollack, Alfred Hitchcock, Clint Eastwood, and Lawrence Kasdan, to name a few.

In 1973, Tim married Sara Jane Hann, whom he affectionately described throughout his life as "a real beaut." Together, they built a life in the then-new city of Simi Valley.

His children were his greatest source of pride. Tim was always there to support their pursuits, even if it meant missing sleep or driving through the night. His love was shown through his dedication to his family and friends. His sons, Kelsey and Zachary, would eventually follow him into the entertainment industry—Kelsey in television distribution and Zachary as a composer.

In 2004, Tim and Sara retired to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. After Sara's passing in 2007, Tim remained in the desert community he had come to love. He appreciated its quiet beauty and slower pace of life, though never took to the chaos the snowbirds brought each winter.

Tim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sara Hann Ryan, in 2007, and by his son, Kelsey Schuler Ryan, in 2015.

He is survived by his son, Zachary Hann Ryan; daughter-in-law Eugenia Ambatielos Ryan; and grandsons Evangelos Yaitanes, Leonidas Yaitanes, and John Timothy "Jack" Ryan.

Those who knew Tim will remember his stories from an era gone, his practical wisdom, his humor, his pranks, his unwavering loyalty, and his infectious smile. His life touched generations of family, friends, soldiers, racers, and filmmakers.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Huffington Center at St. Sophia Cathedral, 1324 S. Normandie Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90006.

May his memory be eternal.