John Thomas Ryan (Retired Teacher)

Dear Johnny: - We went to your celebration of life yesterday. You would be "proud" !! Met a number of your relatives and exchanged some stories. I am enclosing a picture of what I think is one of our finer moments .... a baseball game in Myrtle Beach taken April 25, 2017. They are called the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Until we meet again. Your buddy .... Billy Boy.

A donation has been made to Community Living London. Message from the donator: Our thoughts are with you. Deepest condolences.

My condolences to John’s family. He was a mentor to me when I started my teaching career at Saunders SS. I was a new coach to the basketball program and very much appreciated his input and technical support during those years. He was a passionate teacher and coach.

John was such a kind and caring man. I had the pleasure of working with and getting to know him when we were at Saunders. I always admired how he dealt with people and how he was so passionate about everything he did. He was a devoted husband and father and a great teacher. He will be missed by all who knew him. My sincerest condolences to the family. Rest in peace my friend.

John was one of my favourites at Saunders not only as a councillor but as the annual organizer of the March Madness pool. He would have enjoyed the St. Peter's Peacock run to the Elite Eight.

To meet John was to like him; to know John was to love him! He was gracious, upbeat and welcoming as a person and as a teacher. He was truly one of a kind. Sandy Oswick and Laurie Kay

Back in the early 1970's at Montcalm Secondary School, I remember John at the start of his teaching career. It wasn't long before he was perceived by many as a very talented teacher of history who not only had a keen sense of humour, but the genuine ability to inspire his students. Over time he became a superb teacher in a very strong history department. It was my pleasure to have been his colleague and friend, and I extend my sincere condolences to his family.

Rebecca, Tobi and families I am so so to hear about the passing of your dad. His presence always lit up a room and his humour was always welcomed. He and your mom were such a perfect match. I will always be grateful to your dad for donating a kidney to his sister Mary Jane back in the early 1990s. It gave her and her family a normal life again. What a courageous and loving thing to do! It was an honour to have him as a brother in law. Allen Pearson

I was saddened by the loss of JT. He was a fellow student at St. Peter's and the University of Waterloo. We also played basketball together at St. Peter's. I will always remember singing together "like" Dean Martin in the showers after practice. I had not seen John in many years but have always had great respect for a warm-hearted man. I am sure that John was a super teacher and received many 99 44/100 % evaluations from his students.

Really enjoyed meeting and working with John at Saunders. Very funny and gracious man who always found a way to brighten your day. Very sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed.

I knew John as a teacher and a parent. John was well respected by his peers and a very caring teacher. I was fortunate enough to have taught Toby and Rebecca. John's positive relationship with all 3 of his children was obvious. My thoughts are with you. Brian Miller

I had the privilege of teaching with John for many years at Montcalm Secondary School in London. He was a master at engaging his students because he was always superbly prepared and he spoke with incredible enthusiasm. His coaching of basketball teams followed the same formula. As a guest from time to time in his home I saw firsthand John's deep love for his family and their love for him. We have lost a very special person.

A donation has been made to Community Living London.

John was such a wonderful person, a terrific dad, and a gifted and beloved teacher. My deep condolences to John’s family. Richard

I have fond memories of John Ryan. A caring husband to Catherine, father to Rebecca, Tye and Tobias, junior Girls Volleyball Coach. I had the pleasure to teach with John at Montcalm and Saunder's Secondary Schools. He was a Mench. Shalom My Friend!

John Ryan was an inspiring teacher. He will be missed. Rosemary Boyd

So sorry to hear about your father thinking of you and your family Rebecca , Linda , Sam

Oh my, John. What happened? I loved teaching with you at Montcalm. You were an inspiration to me as well as a helluva laugh. The stories about you are legion. I remember you telling me that with all the end of year partying that went on with a very young Montcalm teaching staff that there were whole Junes you didn’t remember. We all laughed together and, because we were young, had numerous babies. I remember when you and I painted your living room and kitchen as a surprise for Cathy. We also built sand boxes for out kids. We figured we could start a business selling them for $20 each. Then we sat down and did the calculations. They had cost us $25 to make. It’s just as well we stuck to teaching. You were such a fine teacher. I envied you and consider it a privilege to have been a colleague. Rest In Peace, my friend.

I was saddened to hear the passing of John. I had the pleasure to meet John through Tye. John shared wonderful stories of Tye and through those stories, you saw the love he had for his children. John alway came to Tye’s home in great spirits and greeted his house mates with kindness. Rest In Peace, John. May your memory be eternal.

Mr. Ryan was a wonderful teacher who touched many lives. At the beginning of the 70's I remember him well at Montcalm in the History department--his classes were always enjoyable and inspirational. The mediocre teacher tells The good teacher explains The superior teacher demonstrates The great teacher inspires. ---William Arthur Ward Deepest condolences and may all the wonderful memories you have of your dad keep him alive in your hearts forever. --Carol Procter Gilev

A donation has been made to The Sunshine Foundation. Message from the donator: Doug and I have many memories of our social times together with John and Cathy. Doug thoroughly enjoyed teaching history with John at Montcalm . There were many laughs with John both socially and in teaching.

I was a neighbor to John and his family back in the 70's . Got to know him very well . His kids played with my kids Kristine and Kathryn . He was an outstanding man and will be missed. Got a chance to see John about 10 years ago with my friend Stan and we played golf that day and had a great time. John was a devoted family man and set a good example for all. R.I.P. John

Very saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Ryan. I was fortunate to have been a student in his World Religions class at Saunders Secondary in 1986. His engaging and fun approach made a potentially boring class one of my favourites. My fondest memory is the time he took to understand and listen as I struggled to cope with the sudden death of my father that year. Thanks Mr. Ryan, your kindness will be remembered.

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Ryan was an wonderful teacher who truly enjoyed what he did. This was very obvious to his students. He made history interesting. I named my son Ryan as a tribute to an amazing person, hoping he would turn out to be a good person too. He touched so many students - what a loss to us all.

John you brought us many laughs over the years. The neighborhood would not have been the same without you. We will miss you greatly.

John was an incredibly generous soul. He and Cathy aided my life in many inspiring ways. His kindness and bolstering personality will be greatly missed❣️ Reb and Tobi, knowing how heartbreaking your loss is, take comfort in knowing the outpouring of the love and support you are experiencing is the truly the “John Effect” . Rest In Peace Godfather JoAnn Ryan Nussey

John T. you will be dearly missed. I loved your laughter and we shared many of those over our years together. Reb & Tobi know that I share your sorrow in your loss. Hugs to all.

JT, I'm here, trying to put together the words that could express how much you will be missed and it hits me, I can't call and ask your opinion or run it by you in an email. You always had a way to "turn a phrase". Your humour was redoubtable- like that word knew you would. Reb and Toby, your Dad will be missed by every person whose life he touched even in the smallest of ways. Uncle Ted and I hope your days become easier knowing how much he was respected and loved by so many. Greatly missed, much loved.