Michael J. Ryan, 69, of Little Compton, passed away at home on August 1, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.

Mike was born in Natick, Mass., to Francis and Joann (Pelkey) Ryan on June 27, 1950, and lived in Medfield, Mass., where he graduated from Amos Clark Kingsbury High School in 1968. The Ryan family then moved to the family farm in Little Compton.

After high school, Mike worked as a lifeguard at South Shore Beach and a waiter at Sakonnet Golf Club. He attended Northeastern University, then transferred to the University of Idaho, graduating with a bachelors degree in Forestry. He started his career working for Potlatch in the forestry industry before moving back east in the late 1970's.

He began his long career in the tax assessment field with Cole-Layer Trumble Company in Massachusetts and Connecticut. He went on to serve as the tax assessor for the Town of Westford, Mass., and later as the director of real estate assessments for the City of Concord, NH. In 1998, Mike became the director of assessing in Hanover, NH, where he served faithfully until his retirement in 2016. He was a past president of the New Hampshire Association of Assessing Officials.

Prior to moving to Little Compton full-time, Mike and his family lived in Grantham, NH, (1999 to 2016), Concord, NH (1992 to 1999) and Leominster, Mass. (1986 to 1992).

Mike was known for his "twinkling Irish eyes," quick wit, sense of humor, and common sense. Besides his family, his great love was fly fishing. He enjoyed pursuing striped bass on the coast, and Atlantic salmon and trout throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Mike was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife of nearly 36 years, Karen (Hannula); and his son, Matt, of Salt Lake City, Utah. He is also survived by his brother and sisters, all of Little Compton, William (Hope) Ryan, Beth Ryan, Amy (Randy) Hathaway, and Susan Ryan; as well as an aunt, uncle,cousins, nephews and many friends.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association or the University of Idaho Alumni Scholarships fund. A celebration of Mike's life will be held at a future date.