Michael D. Ryan

Michael D. Ryan (August 3, 1945 – January 30, 2012) was a justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, a position he had held 2002–2010. He was also a veteran of the Vietnam War. Ryan announced in June 2010 that he was stepping down from the court effective August 6, 2010. He died from a heart attack on January 30, 2012, at the age of 66. Education Born at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California, Ryan received a Bachelor of Arts from Saint John's University, in Minnesota in 1967. Ten years later, he earned a Juris Doctor from Arizona State University Law School (now Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law). Military experience After graduating from college, Ryan enrolled in the United States Marine Corps. While in the service, he served as a platoon commander and achieved a rank of First Lieutenant. As a result of wounds sustained in battle, Ryan received a Medical Retirement in February 1969. Accordingly, he was awarded two Purple Heart medals, in addition to a Bronze Star for actions in combat.