Brother Philip Ryan Fatally Stabbed at a UK Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses

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Funeral held for Devon man Philip Ryan killed in Honiton

More than 900 people have attended the funeral of a Westward Ho! tradesman described a "kind, gentle and intelligent man who was killed in a stabbing in Honiton.

A large crowd gathered at Bristol Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on Saturday, June 24, to say their good byes to a Philip Ryan, 55, man who "volunteered and helped out on so many different projects that he had friends and admirers all over".

Philip, who ran Ryan Alarms & Electrical Services, was friends with fellow tradesman Chris Ley for 30 years, ever since he and his family moved to Devon from Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire.

Chris was one of the 900 people who came out to pay their respects to Philip.

"The Bristol Assembly Hall was a fitting place for the ceremony as it was built by volunteers, in fact Philip worked on it for about a year with the electrical team," said Chris.

Funeral held for Devon man Philip Ryan killed in Honiton

By JoeBulmer  |  Posted: June 28, 2017

   

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The ceremony was described as a celebration of Philip's life.

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More than 900 people have attended the funeral of a Westward Ho! tradesman described a "kind, gentle and intelligent man who was killed in a stabbing in Honiton.

A large crowd gathered at Bristol Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on Saturday, June 24, to say their good byes to a Philip Ryan, 55, man who "volunteered and helped out on so many different projects that he had friends and admirers all over".

Philip, who ran Ryan Alarms & Electrical Services, was friends with fellow tradesman Chris Ley for 30 years, ever since he and his family moved to Devon from Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire.

Chris was one of the 900 people who came out to pay their respects to Philip.

"The Bristol Assembly Hall was a fitting place for the ceremony as it was built by volunteers, in fact Philip worked on it for about a year with the electrical team," said Chris.

"It was also held in Bristol because the Bideford assembly Hall would have been too small. He volunteered and helped out on so many different projects that he had friends and admirers all over.

"If you were in need of help and you had three people to call you would call Philip first, he was the yes person. He would often over commit himself trying to help people.

Chris added: "As an elder in the congregation more than anyone else he was willing to give you his time, you couldn't wish for a more approachable person."

The ceremony itself was described by Chris as a celebration of Philip's life.

A talk was given in the Assembly Hall by Warren Sandell a close friend of Philip's and afterwards there was gathering to remember Philip.

Sandra Ryan, Philip's wife, also issued a statement after the funeral: "I would sincerely like to thank all the friends and customers who have offered so many kind comments and practical offers of help since the tragic death of my husband Philip on June 6th.

"Our family has been deeply touched by the way that everyone has responded, even some who do not know us personally.

"We are currently looking at what can be done to ensure that Philip's Electrical & Alarm customers are cared for in the future. We are endeavouring to find someone of the same trustworthiness, experience and calibre as Philip to continue the business."

She added: "In the meantime, if any of Philip's customers has a problem with their TV or Satellite systems they can contact Chris Ley of "Ley's Aerials" direct on 01237 470392 and he will endeavour to assist you."

Keith Beviss, a 54-year-old Honiton man, has been charged with the murder of Mr Ryan.

Read more at http://www.devonlive.com/funeral-held-for-westward-ho-man-philip-ryan-killed-in-honiton/story-30414328-detail/story.html#SGxPiZ4eezQEwJ1T.99