Remembering HIV/AIDS Advocate and Spiritual Leader Terrance 'Terry' Patrick Ryan
The former CEO of the Michigan AIDS Coalition and ordained minister served the community for decades
April 9 Update: Service, donation information added below.
Terrance Patrick Ryan, a dedicated advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and a spiritual leader, died March 17. He was 80.
Ryan was born on January 1, 1945, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Dorothy Edna Vanderleest and Robert Richard Ryan. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Phillip Latta.
After graduating from Ottawa Hills High School in 1963, Ryan served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1971, receiving an honorable discharge. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Grand Valley State University.
Ryan's career in public health advocacy began in 1986 when he joined Wellness Networks, which later became AIDS Partnership Michigan. His work in HIV/AIDS prevention and support services spanned decades, including roles as an HIV counselor for the Macomb County Health Department and extensive work with the Michigan AIDS Fund.
In 2008, Ryan became CEO of the Michigan AIDS Coalition (MAC). Under his leadership, MAC merged with Matrix Human Services in 2015, where he continued working on special projects until 2020.
Ryan was also an ordained minister through The Indiana Association of Spiritualists at Camp Chesterfield, ordained in 2000. He served multiple terms on the organization's Board of Directors.
He is survived by his cousin, Jane Vanderleest of Grand Rapids.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to an HIV/AIDS service organization of choice. Two celebration of life services are planned for summer 2025 in Metro Detroit and at Camp Chesterfield in Chesterfield, Indiana:
Michigan (Royal Oak) Service
Saturday, Aug. 23, 2-3:30 p.m., Royal Oak Women’s Club (404 S. Pleasant St., Royal Oak)
Ample parking is available at the Club and also at the adjacent church parking lot. There are two entrances on the North and South sides of the building. The South Entrance allows guests to access the elevator to the main level where the service will be held.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be an “Afterglow” following this service starting at 4 PM at a venue called 215W, located at 215 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220. Non-alcoholic beverages and desserts provided. Cash bar for alcohol.
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Indiana (Camp Chesterfield) Service
Saturday, Oct. 18, 3 p.m., Camp Chesterfield (Chapel) (50 Lincoln Drive, Chesterfield, Indiana, 46017)
PLEASE NOTE: There will be an “Afterglow” following this service in the Camp cafeteria.
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Donations in lieu of flowers can be mailed to:
Camp Chesterfield/Indiana Association of Spiritualists
P.O. Box 132
Chesterfield, IN 46017
https://campchesterfield.com
Or:
First Spiritual Temple
3224 Greenfield Rd.
Royal Oak, MI 48073
http://www.firstspiritualtempleofroyaloak.com/index.html
Or an HIV/AIDS service organization of your choice.
Check revterryryan.com for updates.
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