Birth date: Feb 16, 1945 Death date: Jan 29, 2025
Robert “Bobby” McCabe Ryan, 79, of Culpeper, died Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in Charlottesville, VA. He was born February 16, 1945, in Geneva, NY to the late James Hugh Ryan, Jr. and Emily Greene Ryan. Bobby was an Assistant Sc Read Obituary
Bobby’s legacy in Culpeper is one of dedication, kindness, and service. From Town Council to Rotary, the Chamber, Camp Fantastic, and countless other causes, he gave tirelessly to our community. His leadership and compassion touched many lives, and his impact will be felt for years to come.
He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will always remain in the town he loved. Rest in peace, Bobby.
Bobby was an amazing man who contributed so much to helping create the community so many of us know and love. He was kind hearted and always had a warm smile and hug for everyone he knew. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and community.
One of my most favorite people! Love and condolences to Phyllis, Katherine, and Emily!
I read with amazement the well-deserved Star Exponent Tribute to Bobby, and I wanted to share my thoughts on what made him a truly special person. Bobby and I grew up close friends and remained so until I left Culpeper in the late 60’s and we lost contact, only occasionally seeing him when I would travel into Washington and take a short side trip to Culpeper.
Years later-probably about 15 or so years-a gentleman who had worked for me and was a good friend, decided to change jobs after we sold the business of which he was a part, and he ended up relocating to Culpeper. This gentleman was having dinner one night while visiting Culpeper and saw a guy who he later said appeared to know everyone who came into the restaurant. He introduced himself and told Bobby he was a friend of mine. Bobby asked if he had my phone number as we had lost contact.
Later that night, I received a call from this gentleman indicating he had given my number to Bobby. He also paid Bobby one of the highest compliments possible, saying “… Bobby was one of the nicest people he had ever met and he felt like he had known him all his life”. This was NO small compliment given that this gentleman had lived in a bunch of different places during his career, having been transferred numerous times all over the US, and having worked with thousands of people of all race, color, and creed. He and Bobby became friends, and whenever this gentleman and I would later talk, he always sang Bobby’s praises and marveled at everything Bobby was doing, and how much Bobby loved Culpeper. We often referred to Bobby as Mr. Culpeper, or the Ambassador. I have little doubt that Bobby played a part in this gentleman accepting the new position in Culpeper.
The next day, I received a call from Bobby, and we picked right up from where we had last talked. We continued to talk frequently after that, usually 5 or 10 times a month. And I made it a point to visit Culpeper more often, usually 3-4 times a year, last visiting in Dec of last year. As always when in town (usually for 3 or 4 days), Bobby would meet me daily for breakfast. On day one we would catch up on each other’s families, and brag on the grandkids, and then tour Culpeper, with Bobby showing me all the changes (happenings) since my last visit, exuding so much pride in the town he loved, and always “selling”Culpeper.
Each day it was breakfast, touring town, introducing me to new businesses or visiting the police/fire departments, and sometimes visiting old friends, or just “hanging out”-breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but the conversation always revolved around Culpeper. And he absolutely loved The Summer Concert Events, always telling me how much he enjoyed “…shagging” with “my daughters”.
Then last year when my wife got sick, and later passed away, Bobby called me almost every single day checking on my wife, and then on me. I know he often did this with his friends in Culpeper during difficult times, but I found it almost unbelievable that he took the time to do likewise for someone many miles away, and whom he saw only several times a year.
I know you family, like his friends, will miss Bobby greatly, but I hope you take comfort in knowing how much he loved each of you, how much he was loved by so many in the Culpeper community, and knowing what a truly EXCEPTIONAL individual he was. Though I’m sure the last couple of weeks of Bobby’s life were extremely tough for all, I’m equally sure that Bobby gave thanks that he lived long enough to tell each of his family one last time just how much he loved them, and that he was also able to hear you guys tell him the same. I’m sure that meant a lot to him.
I thank God that I was lucky enough to call Bobby my friend.
RIP MY DEAR FRIEND! JOB WELL DONE! I WILL MISS YOU GREATLY, AND I LOVE YOU! TILL WE MEET AGAIN ON THE OTHER SIDE, WHERE I KNOW YOU WILL BE WAITING TO GIVE ME A TOUR OF YOUR NEW HOME, and your AMBASSADOR WORK WILL CONTINUE.
Steve Kerns
