FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Rembert Ryals
06/10/1933 — 06/03/2011
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Birmingham, AL
Rembert Ryals
Rembert Ryals, 77, of Richland, WA, passed away peacefully at home on June 3, 2011.
Rem was born in 1933 in Birmingham, Alabama, to Rembert Ryals and Hazel Thornhill, and they moved to Richland with his sister Gayle in 1944. Exhibiting his bright mind early on, Rem graduated from Richland High School at the age of 15, finished his undergraduate studies at Washington State University and served two years in the Army. He received his Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga in 1958 and was sworn into the Washington State Bar immediately thereafter. He met the love of his life, Patricia Doyle, in 1955, and they were married on August 24, 1957.
He loved the law and pursued its practice in many different directions. Beginning in Olympia he clerked for the Washington State Supreme Court and worked as an Assistant Attorney General. He moved back to Richland in 1962 and was made partner in Critchlow, Williams, Ryals & Schuster. In addition, he served as city attorney for the City of Richland. A staunch believer in civil rights, especially freedom of speech, he argued several cases before the Washington Supreme Court. He was most proud of taking a controversial free speech case to the United States Supreme Court and winning, 9-0. He believed strongly in education and the rights of teachers and represented their Unions for years. He volunteered for many years on the Washington State Bar Association Disciplinary Board. Rem completed his career as a Public Defender in Franklin County and retired in 2001.
Rem's interests and intelligence were not limited to law. He was an avid reader, especially of history. Rem also loved bridge, music Frank Sinatra was a honorary member of the family, and travel. He respected discussion, debate and humor. He was active in the Democratic Party fighting hard state wide for the election of George McGovern. His compassion for those less fortunate drove many of his choices and he could not tolerate racial, social or economic injustice. All of these interests and dedications he encouraged and passed on to his kids.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Patty; sister Gayle Quiros; sons Rem and Paul, daughters Kathleen and Joani, grandchildren Nathan and Emma and sister-in-law, Maureen Neidhold. They will miss him beyond words.
Viewing will be at Einan's Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 8 from 5 to 7, followed by a Rosary. A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. at Christ the King Church on Thursday, June 9. Friends and family are invited to join the family after the service at the church to celebrate Rem's life. In lieu of flowers, they family would be honored to have donations made to the Kadlec Neurological Resource Center, 712 Swift, Richland, WA 509943-8455.
Patty and Kids:
Patty I know Rem was the love of your life and you had a loving relationship. He was a man of his word and a good father to your children. Remember the good times..go to the Oregon Coast and toast him from the balcony of the Inn at Spanish Head. Take comfort in the thought that you will see him again. This world is not the end but only the beginning.
Dear Rembert,
Thank you for sharing your love and family with me these last years. You were so generous and kind. I will take care of little K.
Respect and Love Colin
Dear Kathi,
I heard about your dad and wanted you to know how sorry I am for your loss. He was such a great man. He contributed so much. Please give my condolences to your mom. Theresa Bath Opgenorth
Rem’s compassion and sense of fair play touched many lives. Our condolences to Patty and family.
Michael Dolan and Robin Consani
Dear Kathy,
My condolences to you and your family. Reading your father’s obituary explains so much about you, and your sense of justice and humantity. Your father’s qualities live in you, and we are all blessed for it. I wish you and your family peace,
Love, Mark
Thinking of you and your family during this time, Kathy.
My condolences,
Kathleen Guneratne
Kathy, Though I never knew your father, I can tell that you were well-loved by him. It shows in what a loving person you are. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Molly
Dear Kathy, I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Your father was a great dad and wonderful role model, not only for you but all. My deepest sympathy for your loss. Love, Carolyn R.
Dear Kathy,
I’m a greater admirer of yours and now understand a little better how you became such a great person and lawyer. Your Dad was fantastic. I love that he retired as you will — a proud public defender. Please accept my sympathies regarding your great loss.
Dominique
Dear Kathy: Reading your father’s obituary makes me understand where you get your passion for justice and huge heart. There’s little doubt that he lives on inside you. You’re in my thoughts.
To the entire Ryals family: my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. Your memories of Rem will last eternally. Be well.
Dear Patty and Ryals Family,
I am sorry to hear of Rem’s passing. I have many fond memories of him and your family. Rem was always so gracious and friendly. Spending time with your family was an adventure, how he seemed to remain calm amongst the Ryals household chaos was a mystery! I know my parents always respected Rem’s knowledge and opionions. He was a special person and a gift to the TriCities community.
There are no words that help to heal the loss of a parent.
My condolences to you and your family.
Lynne
Dear Kathy,
I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I’m thinking of you during this very sad time. He sounds like quite a force and I’m sure he will be greatly missed by so many.
Take care, Cancion
Kathy,
My thoughts are with you and your family. No one can ever replace your dad. It’s a major loss. Just remember all of the wonderful contributions he has made in your life and know that his spirit lives on in you, your family and your future family.
With my love,
Todd
So sorry to hear you have lost your Dad, the loss gets better with time it gives you the strength to cope. Hang in there be strong for mom and everyone.
Take Care,
Nancy and Bob Foreman
Richland
Kathy,
My thoughts are with you and Emma and Colin. Take care of each other. I love you and hope to spend time with you soon.
Kathy, my condolences to you and your family.
Kathy,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. After reading your father’s obituary, I now know from whom you have obtained your dedication to the service of others. It’s clear that the world was a better place because of your father’s presence.
To the Ryals Family, May the Lord embrace you in his arms at this time and hold you in his strength, my sincere sympathy, Carol
Kathy: Sending you lots of love and hugs. I’m truly sorry for your loss. I’ll be praying for you and your family.
Dear Kathy:
Roger and I want to extend our deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts. May the memories and your famly keep you strong in this time of need. Love, Nora and Roger
Dear Ryals Family:
We share in your loss of your dad; we are thinking of you all and are very hopeful that your mother is doing okay. Rest In Peace Rem, you were always so nice to me as a snotty kid next door.
I love your family. Joani, I am thinking of you missy and how great it was to see you this past Easter Sunday and hear your infectious laugh, I know you make your parents proud. I like that I can make you laugh too and I am sure you always made your dad laugh as well. You and Paul and the family are in our prayers. Love Russ & Cheryl Wakeham.
To all the Ryals, I just found out about your loss. I didn’t know Mr. Ryals, but he must have been a pretty great guy to have had you all. I’m sure he had something to do with your wonderful senses of humor. I am sending hugs your way, and I will pray for your comfort.
My thoughts & prayers to all of you. May grace and peace bless you today and always.
I was very sorry to hear of the loss of this great man. I remember so many people speaking so fondly and respectfully of him my whole life. I have experienced the loss of a great man also in my father and although it still hurts every day, it is easier to bear. I pray for all of you to hold fast to he memories and to gain strength in time as you know he would want.
My sympathies are with you all.
karen davis
Patty, Rem, Paul, Kathleen and Joani my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. I have fond memories of your husband and father from your CK schools days. May he rest from his labors and be at peace.
Growing up with the Ryals family for the first 12 years of my life AND living on the same street has turned out to be an unbelievable blessing in my life. Many of my fond memories are why i have made certain decisions to this day…trying to give fond memories for my kids. Mr. Ryals that’s how I knew him, whether you knew it or not, you and your family have made a profound impact in my life and am so privileged for the experience. Mrs. Ryals, Rem, Kathy, Paul, Joani, I’m so sorry for your loss.
With My Deepest Condolences,
Sandy Chin
Kathy, I hope fond memories of your dad help you and your family get through this difficult time. His life is an inspiration to all of us, PD’s or not.
Ryals Family: I am so sorry to hear about Rem. I have so many fond memories of him. My prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
To Kathy and Your family,
So sorry to hear about the lose of your father. I know that there’s not a lot that can be said, but just want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you my friend.
Very sorry to hear of your loss.
He sounds like a wonderful person. I wish I had the opportunity to have met him.
Patty & kids: Just heard about your great, great heartbreak of losing him and we are also very saddened. As we know, loss of any family member leaves that hole in the heart which never completely heals but hopefully the love, happiness & wonderful memories you all shared will help fill some of it. Much love to each of you, Carol & Roy Larter
Patty and Kids:
Patty I know Rem was the love of your life and you had a loving relationship. He was a man of his word and a good father to your children. Remember the good time..go to the Oregon Coast and toast him from the balcony of the Inn at Spanish Head. Take comfort in the thought that you will see him again. This world is not the end but only the beginning.
Kathy,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
much love, tali
Guestbook for
Rembert Ryals