Richard Ryan AO, one of South Australia's most distinguished public figures and a dedicated servant of the Port Adelaide Football Club, has sadly passed away at the age of 85. His death marks the loss of a man whose remarkable life touched institutions across sport, education, health, business and the development of modern Australia.
Born into a South Australian Catholic family, Ryan was educated at Rostrevor College in Adelaide, where he formed friendships and values that would shape his lifelong commitment to community. After completing his schooling, he undertook military training at Duntroon before qualifying as a chartered accountant, a foundation that underpinned decades of boardroom leadership across the public and private sectors.
His connection to the Port Adelaide Football Club ran deep.
Ryan joined the club's board of directors in 2011, serving on the board until 2016, lending his considerable governance experience and standing during a period of significant change and renewal. His philanthropic generosity also provided great benefit to the club.
Richard contributed to the growth of the club’s community programs as a member of the Power Community Limited board from 2013 – 2019.
He also served as a member of the Chairman's Club for the last decade, a reflection of his enduring commitment to the club. His loyalty to Port Adelaide was unwavering, and he remained devoted to the club's success and long-term future through support of the club’s strategic projects.
Beyond football, Ryan helped shape the Northern Territory — playing a central role in rebuilding Darwin after Cyclone Tracy, co-founding the NT's first ASX-listed company (which appointed the NT's first First Nations’ board member), and serving as inaugural Chancellor of Charles Darwin University. A Fellow, Companion, and director of numerous institutions, he was a builder of communities, organisations and people.
The Port Adelaide Football Club mourns his passing and honours a life lived with distinction and purpose.
Richard Ryan is survived by his wife Trish, children Tim, Katherine and Tiki, father-in-law to Emma, James and Dan as well as being an adored grandfather to 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
