Remembering Tim Ryan

I was saddened when I heard the news today that Tim Ryan passed away. Once upon a time, my career was in theatre and Tim, Kate, Bridget, Maralyn, and Laurie were part of my family of colleagues and friends. Kate and I were in a CBC TV show when we were teenagers. Laurie was my musical director on a number of shows, Bridget and Maralyn were never far away from the antics at the school.

I was one of Tim's students in 1987-89 and was one of his actor's in Leave it to Jane. I worked and studied with Tim for an important number of years in my life.

I didn't always like Tim, he was intense, passionate, demanding, and never suffered fools gladly. I sometimes ended up the fool that he wasn't going to suffer... Regardless, I admired him and was influenced by his fire, his drive, and his constant energy to make a difference in the world. He always had something to give in his teaching, in his directing, and in his mentorship.

Tim made a difference in my world. He was an example of what kind of leader I wanted to be. I know his kids (Kate and Bridget) saw him as both a father and a peer. I was always shocked when Bridget would refer to him as "Tim" and not "Dad." I guess she was used to seeing Tim in his teacher/director role.

Since my time at GMCC and LITJ, Tim has been an example of the kind of guy I wanted to be in my professional life. Now that I am in a similar role to Tim's at GMCC, albeit a different industry, he is a template that I refer to. I liked the kind of program he ran, I felt like I was part of a funny little family at GMCC.

I will miss you Tim. Thanks for everything you shared.

Owen Brierley
Executive Director

Guru Digital Arts College