RUSSELL WILSON RYAN

Condolences & Memories (18 entries)

• My sincerest condolences to you, Barb. I always enjoyed our conversations and Russ's great sense of humour. - Posted by: Brenda Antonyshyn (Friend) on: May 26, 2021

• We're so sorry to hear of Russ's sudden passing. Our hearts go out to you, Barb, Susan, and Paul & Chantel. We will miss the dockside chats and New Year gatherings. We were always impressed by Russ's vast knowledge on so many topics. - Posted by: Jeff & Christine de Booy (Cottage friends & neighbours) on: May 26, 2021

• Russ and I have been close friends since our days at Kelvin and our Fraternity days back in the 1950s. What fun we had! I am so pleased to read so many Tributes from his former students. I always felt it was most fortunate he chose a career in Education as he had so much to give and was always willing to do so. We are all so fortunate to have had him in our lives and now in our memory. Our thoughts are with Barb and family. Rest well old friend. - Posted by: Norm Weitzel (old friend) on: May 24, 2021

• Mr. Ryan was a great person and life coach as well as an outstanding teacher. Great sense of humour who did have some great Fields lines. He was one of those special educators who loved his job and students. He was always there for anyone that wanted help and was there with great advice and guidance if asked. A very special person. Condolances to his family on their loss. - Posted by: Ted Hotzak (Student 1970 Grad) on: May 23, 2021

• Very sad to hear about Russ' passing. I attended Westwood from '66 to '71 and Russ was by far my favorite teacher and person. His comic delivery was very much like Johnny Carson - absolutely a terrific story teller. Later I got to see him occasionally at his cabin near Pt. Du Bois and learned of his love of fishing and outdoor life. He made a difference to so many students. Good-bye Russ. - Posted by: Bob Webb (friend) on: May 23, 2021

• I had Russ for home room, Geography, broom ball team coach and upper hallway brawl referee. He was an outstanding teacher, mentor, all around good guy and class act. Rest easy. - Posted by: Jack Tinsley (Former student) on: May 23, 2021

• Mr. Ryan was one of an exceptional group of teachers I had at Westwood. He was consistently respectful, supportive, encouraging and made going to his class something to look forward to. His humour was never cutting. He was a teacher you could approach without fear of ridicule. He taught kids not just his subject. So sorry this news. - Posted by: Cindy Tinsley (Student) on: May 23, 2021

• Mr. Ryan was one of an exceptional group of teachers I had at Westwood. He was consistently respectful, supportive, encouraging and made going to his class something to look forward to. His humour was never cutting. He was a teacher you could approach without fear of ridicule. He taught kids not just his subject. So sorry this news. - Posted by: Cindy Tinsley (Student) on: May 23, 2021

• Mr. Ryan was my favourite teacher. Without question. I was a bit of a misfit and he connected with me. He showed respect for me, and that meant more than I ever understood at the time. I have thought of him often over the years. He left a profound impact on my life, in the very best ways. My condolences to his dear family. To live in the hearts of those you love is to never die. - Posted by: Rick Yarish (Student) on: May 23, 2021

• If you passed through Westwood Collegiate between the early 60’s and early 90’s Mr . Ryan was a favourite teacher for many including me.. A great educator, a great guy and big influence on me and others in growing up . R.I.P. Russ you made a difference! - Posted by: Grant Nordman (Student) on: May 23, 2021

• Add my name to the growing list of former students offering condolences here. I’ve often told the story over the years that when I first arrived at Westwood and saw Mr. Ryan, I hoped I didn’t get him for something, because he looked strict to me...the way he dressed, not a hair out of place...I thought he was ex-military or something. Gr. 11, and I’m in his Geography class. I very quickly realized that my impression was wrong. He was easy-going, made learning fun, and most importantly, I actually learned. I’ve always looked back fondly on Mr. Ryan as my favourite teacher, and his class as one I looked forward to every time. I still have my notebook with the “trophy” I won in his class stuck to one of the pages: a highly coveted wildlife sticker (the great Canadian Beaver), awarded for answering a question in class. We’d compete for those like they were Olympic medals. I’ve often thought of him over the years, and hoped that he was still enjoying a happy retirement. I’m glad to hear that he did, and I’m saddened that he’s no longer with us, but great memories remain. Deepest sympathies to the family. - Posted by: Kelly Parker (Former student. ) on: May 23, 2021

• Mr. Ryan taught me geography in grades 11 and 12...1970 to 1972. He was such a soft-spoken man, very kind, and an excellent teacher. He loved to tell us stories about some of his life, and he was very fond of W.C. Fields. I will always remember his white socks and brown penny loafers! In university, I minored in geography. I last saw him when Paul graduated from Silver Heights; my younger nephew graduated at the same time. I spoke to Mr. and Mrs. Ryan at that time. Good memories. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Cathie Morgan Matula (former student) on: May 22, 2021

• Mr Ryan was my teacher at Westwood. He was a wonderful teacher with a great sense of humour. He allowed me to get away with talking all the time! When I went in for voice surgery and came back he made sure to let everyone know class would be quiet for two weeks because I couldn’t talk. I’m in my 50’s now and he is still one of the best teachers I had. Condolences to his family. - Posted by: Robin McCombe (Woolley) (Student) on: May 22, 2021

• My condolences to Mr Ryan's Family (nee Miss Fenn). Mr Ryan was one of my favourite teachers between 1964-1968. He was very caring and a lot of fun with his antics with some of his fellow teachers. It was a fabulous time and school to be a student. - Posted by: Sue Murphy (Student) on: May 22, 2021

• I attended Westwood Collegiate from 1974-76 and had the privilege of being a student of Mr. Ryan’s in geography classes. His great knowledge, wry sense of humour and storytelling made for engaging and fun classes. I was able to chat with him at a couple of the Westwood re-unions and greatly enjoyed reminiscing. I have fond memories of him, Mr. Skatfeld and Mr. Houck, wearing white lab coats, 3 wide in the hallways poking fun of and making comments at the students. My condolences to his family and friends. He was one of my favourite teachers and a great man. - Posted by: Brad Billson (Student ) on: May 22, 2021

• Speaking for the eight of us that were positively affected my Mr Ryan, I’d like to express the deepest condolences to the Family. Mr Ryan was so much more than a teacher, he was a mentor & a friend to all of us. I will forever remember his sense of humor and exquisitely timed jokes and jibes that made school fun. Who else could teach economic theory like the law of diminishing return with a demonstration that included PB&J sandwiches? Rest In Peace Russ, you are greatly missed. - Posted by: Don Gange (Student ) on: May 22, 2021

• I taught with Russ at Westwood. No greater friend you could have. - Posted by: Will Peters (Former teacher) on: May 22, 2021

• Very fond memories of a great mentor. Sorry, many of us did not know it at the time though. The whole staff at Westwood Collegiate were outstanding people, as well as teachers. I can still see Russ and Ron standing in the hallway drinking coffee until the last moment before class started. Many more memories of their great support of student activities. A great generation of true teachers! I wish the family well. - Posted by: George Rugg (Student Grad Class of 76) on: May 22, 2021