Duane Weldon Ryan

Duane W. Ryan was released from his earthly body in the early morning hours of April 6, 2023 at his home in Portales, New Mexico. He lived 90 strong and vibrant years until pancreatic cancer overcame him in the last few months. He faced his impending death with grace, humor, dignity and especially gratitude for his beautiful life.

Here was a man who constantly thought of others, putting their needs before his own. Actively serving others was the theme of his life; his family, friends, colleagues, students, his church community and the community at large were recipients of his unbounded kindness.

Duane was the eldest child of Donald and Evelyn Ryan. He was born in Hermosa Beach and raised in Hawthorne, California (where he first developed his love of tacos). He traveled each summer to Heber, Utah where he stayed with his grandparents and uncles and learned to work on the family farm. His parents sent their “little man” on his first trip at the tender age of six when he traveled from Los Angeles to Heber, solo on the train.

He attended El Camino Junior College in Torrance, California, where he was elected student body president. He later transferred to Brigham Young University in Provo Utah, earning both a BA and Master’s Degree in Speech and Dramatic Arts.

Duane served in the Air Force for two years, stationed in Alaska. He worked in intelligence learning the Russian language as part of his post.

During his college days in California, Duane owned and worked at a franchise called Foster’s Freeze. One afternoon while selling ice cream he was introduced to a stunning red-headed woman, Martha Ann Christensen. They married on April 3,1959 in the Salt Lake City, Utah temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Both were key figures in the theater department at BYU, performing in many plays together. After graduation, the newlyweds moved to Ephraim, Utah–( it wasn’t easy to find a good taco there in the 1960’s). Duane taught at Snow College in the Theater and Communications department and Martha used her superb sewist skills building costumes for the productions. Four of their five children were born there in SanPete County.

ENMU beckoned in 1967 and Duane moved his brood to the high plains of Eastern New Mexico, (unlimited supply of the best tacos)! He began as an assistant professor in theater and speech, directing many plays and teaching courses in speech and communications. Duane soon combined his technological savvy and his love of the arts to create KENW- FM, Public Radio on the ENMU campus, collaborating with a core group of talented and dedicated co-workers. Many of these “old timers” have been with the organization ever since and have been life-long friends.
Duane and Martha’s fifth child was born in 1973, one year before the debut of KENW-TV, Channel 3, part of the newly minted Public Broadcasting System.

There are scores of professional journalists and broadcasters who launched their careers at KENW. “Mr. Ryan worked tirelessly and passionately to bring public media into the homes of those folks {local viewers} because he knew that high quality news and educational television inspired and elevated others, it mattered. He did a little of everything around the station, was the first to show up and the last to leave, and led by example in everything he did,” writes former student Paul Hunton, now President and General Manager of WUNC, Public Broadcasting in North Carolina.

Although he avoided the spotlight at all costs, he received many accolades and honors. In 2015 Duane was inducted into the New Mexico Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame. He was more famous among family and friends for his ability to eat a plate full of the hottest jalapeños without a tear in his eye.

KENW has been his life’s work. A few days before he died, he joined the regular Monday staff meeting by telephone and worked remotely on his laptop.

Duane is survived by his wife of 64 years, Martha Ryan, his children Tamara Ryan Polich (Steve Polich), Michael Ryan, (Rebecca Ryan), Marla Ryan Chrisman, (Brad Chrisman), John Ryan, (Shan Ryan), David Ryan (Donna Daymon Ryan), KENW-TV/FM (his favorite child), eighteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, sister Connie Ryan Chapman, and dear co-workers who have become like family. He is predeceased by his brother Calvin Ryan, and great-grandson Declan Emmet Carroll.

A family graveside service will be held in the Heber City Cemetery, Heber, Utah.  A public memorial service will take place on his 91st birthday, May 23, 2023 at Eastern New Mexico University Theater, on the ENMU Campus, Portales, New Mexico 8130 at 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to KENW Broadcast Center, 1500 S. Avenue K, Station 52, Portales, NM 88130.

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