Philip Allan Ryder

Philip Allan Ryder, 76, of Hyde Park died at home on July 5th with his family by his side. Although his mind and spirit were strong, his body was too tired to bounce back this final time.

Phil was born to Al and Beulah Ryder on May 30th 1949. He grew up working with his family at the Ryder General Store in Wolcott. This experience instilled in him both the importance of working hard at a young age and a gift for sales and conversation that he carried throughout his life.

From a young age, hunting and fishing were Phil’s passions. He explored the woods of Wolcott and fished at his family’s camp in Elmore. At twelve, he caught a record breaking Northern Pike that is still hanging at the Elmore Store for posterity to admire.

Phil attended the Riverside one room schoolhouse in Wolcott and graduated from Peoples Academy in 1967. He was drafted, served in the army in the Explosive Ordinance Division, and then graduated from the University of Vermont with a business degree. Phil’s career was in sales; whether it was lumber, cars, heavy equipment, or insurance, he loved talking with people from all different backgrounds.

In 1971 he married Lana Miller and soon they were settled in Hyde Park in a house Phil built himself where they raised their kids, Corey and Heather, in a spot surrounded by wonderful neighbors who became lifelong friends.

Phil’s most important job, and the one he was best at, was being a dad. After surviving Leukemia when his children were very young, he felt like the greatest gift in his life was getting to see his children grow up. He had an incredibly close bond with both of his children. He loved them for what made each of them unique and supported them in whatever they did. With his son, he learned about the history of country music. With his daughter, he learned how to wax race skis and took endless photographs of her running and skiing. His children will miss his daily phone calls and eternal optimism.

Phil is survived by his wife Pat Harvey who has supported him for the past 25 years and was the main reason he was able to come home for the final time. He is survived by his son Corey Ryder and his daughter Heather Hoffmann and her husband Doug. He also leaves behind his sisters Kathy Churchill and Bev Ryder and his first wife Lana Maynard. Lastly, he leaves behind many special nieces and nephews whom he bonded with over hunting, fishing, and cars.

Phil was predeceased by his parents and his oldest sister Mary Dick.

Phil will be buried in a private service for family at the Davenport Cemetery on Town Hill in Wolcott. Friends are welcome to visit with the family and share their stories of Phil at a gathering at the Morrisville VFW on Friday, July 18th between 1–4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lamoille Home Health and Hospice at 54 Farr Ave, Morristown, VT 05661.