Wayne Leslie Ryland

Ryland, Wayne Wayne Leslie Ryland, age 63, of Portage, formerly of Mio, passed away in his sleep on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 in his home. Wayne was born March 30, 1953, in West Branch, Michigan, the son of James Ryland and wife Defane "Faye", nee Ellsworth. He grew up and attended Hale High School in Hale, before enrolling in a certificate program for welding and fabricating at Kirtland Community College in Roscommon. He was united in marriage to Jan Nagel on July 20, 1976 in Mio, until her passing in 2002. This union was blessed with four children. On December 9, 2005 he vowed to spend his remaining years with Joyce Claremont. Together they made their home in Portage with their beloved dog Apache "Paches". Throughout his years, Wayne was a talented guitarist and singer who played in various bands. He also enjoy playing and umpiring softball, golf, reading, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Defane Ryland; stepfather Leo Thayer; wife Jan Ryland; son Tyson Ryland; mother-in-law, Thena "Peggy" Nagel; sister Nancy Bergquist; brother-in-law Dick Sapp; nephew Michael Berquist Jr. He leaves his wife, Joyce Ryland, nee Talsma, Portage; one son, James Ryland and wife Takeisha, Gainesville, Florida; two daughters Christina Finder and husband Christopher and Darcy Ryland, all of Washington, Missouri; two stepsons Tim Claremont and wife Jennifer, Rochester, New York and Rick Claremont and wife Kendall, Portage; one stepdaughter Brenda Schaafsma and husband Mark, Portage; sister Connie Sapp, South Branch; brother Lonnie Ryland and partner Pauline, Biloxi, Mississippi; nine grandchildren Courtney Rubright, Gavin Hewitt, Ethan Boze, all of Washington, Missouri; Amy Schaafsma, David Schaafsma, Mariah Claremont, Lennon Claremont, Dahlia Claremont all of Portage, and Emily Claremont, Rochester, New York; and other relatives and many friends. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or services at this time.