Some question if heroes exist anymore.

I believe they do exist, and they can be found in our own community.

For New Albany, one such person was Dave Ryan.

Sadly, Dave passed away last week. He will be missed, but his impact in our community will last for generations.

Dave served on the New Albany Community Foundation Board for nine years and as its chair for three years, guiding the Foundation through the transformational project of building and endowing the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts.

Dave and Ellen made a leadership gift to the arts center and their names can be seen prominently in the lobby above the entrance to the theater.

Dave understood the potential the arts center presented to impact thousands of New Albany residents each year and so he devoted a great deal of time shepherding the project.

Every time I see students performing or thousands of New Albany families enjoying events in the McCoy, I think of Dave and others like Ralph Johnson, Don Cameron, Nancy Ferguson and so many others who worked together to make it happen.

Until that point in time, collaboration between governmental entities and the private sector was much less common. Dave had a gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel valued.

He was humble, down to earth and fun to be around.

Everyone respected Dave, not only because he successfully built his own company from the ground up, but because he was honest and led by example.

His family, his faith and his community were most important to Dave.

In 2003, Ellen and David established the Ellen & David Ryan Fund at the Foundation, which has supported projects such as the McCoy Center, New Albany Library, restoration of the Phelps House and grants in support of artist residencies at New Albany Elementary School.

They have been the primary benefactors to their church in New Albany, granting the single largest gift to its capital campaign and building a rectory to house the parish’s priests.

With most of these projects, the Ryans were among the first supporters. Their

thoughtful approach to philanthropy and active leadership brought instant credibility to these causes and undoubtedly influenced others to give as well.

Beyond New Albany, Ellen and Dave have made significant gifts to the James Cancer Hospital, the Columbus Museum of Art and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Dave chaired several boards, including the James Cancer Hospital, Rosemont Center and the Columbus Catholic Foundation.

In 2007, David was awarded the “Outstanding Philanthropist Award” during the National Philanthropy Awards luncheon in Columbus.

In 2010, the New Albany Community Foundation presented the Jeanne & John G. McCoy Community Service Award to the Ryan family.

Dave never sought recognition. In fact, I’m sure the awards made him uncomfortable because he was so humble.

However, if asked, people in the community would say that Dave was most deserving of the recognition.

Many of those who served on the Foundation board with Dave or who were in leadership positions in New Albany back in those days have been messaging me upon learning of Dave’s passing. All expressed their deep admiration of him.

They point to his humility, generosity and almost all mention how much fun Dave was.

His many admirers join his family in mourning his passing, but they also celebrate Dave’s incredible life. All of us will be forever grateful for the time we had with this amazing person and for all he gave to our community.

Craig Mohre is President of The New Albany Community Foundation