Chief Petty Officer William Gerad Ryan, the son of Armidale’s youngest mayor William Patrick Ryan, lost his battle with cancer in July 2013.

His family wanted to honour his life’s work – 21 years in service to the Royal Australian Navy – and have waited patiently for the right moment to make this final gesture.

Mr Ryan’s sisters wanted his ashes to be scattered across the ocean from the newly commissioned HMAS Canberra by one of his nephews who serves on the ship. 

On February 11, the navy obliged with Lieutenant Commander Matthew Ryan scattering the ashes three nautical miles south-east of Jervis Bay.

One of Officer William Ryan’s sisters, Margaret McLeod said it was important to them that a family members release the ashes. 

“Instead of just going on any ship with sailors who didn’t know who he was, he had a family member do it,” she said. 

Mr Ryan was born in Armidale on February 23, 1956 and passed away at just 57.

He served in the navy for 21 years and attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Mr Ryan served on 19 ships and bases during that time, including mine sweepers.

He found out he had cancer only 11 weeks before he died.

But even then Mr Ryan maintained his navy-style level of organisation, even planning his own funeral so his family wouldn’t have to worry about it.

Another one of his sisters Pamela Clode, said his bravery had been inspiring. 

“I’m a registered nurse assistant and I’ve never seen anyone as brave as him,” she said.

Ms McLeod said the navy had been extremely accommodating, even sending an old navy college friend of Mr Ryan’s to pick up the ashes when she brought them to Sydney. 

Mr Ryan is survived by his two sons Sean and Corey and their families. 

The HMAS Canberra is one of two Amphibious Assault Ships, each weighing 27,000 tonnes making them the largest ships built for the Royal Australian Navy.