MR. EDWARD “ED” RYAN of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Sheila Ryan, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at the age of 76 years. Ed was born on May 15, 1933 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan to Rose and Stanley Ruskowski. During the years following high school, Ed was employed in various jobs in forestry, meat packing, farm supplies and as a radio announcer at stations in Dauphin, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Red Deer and Lethbridge. In the late 1950s, Ed was nick-named “Rock ‘n’ Roll Ryan” through his work as a disc jockey and promoter of record hops at the Henderson Pavilion. He was a pioneer in the field of live country and western and rock entertainment. Some of the musical acts he brought to town included Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jim Reeves. In the early 1960s, Ed decided to make a major career change. Ed completed his university studies in education in Lethbridge and at the University of Calgary and taught for one year at Henry Wisewood School. He continued his education in Educational Psychology and accepted a newly-designated position as Kate Andrews High School’s first counselor. Some of the highlights of Ed’s career included; taking numerous trips across Canada and throughout Europe with hundreds of students, coaching the high school’s Reach for the Top team for CBC-TV, capturing the Alberta championship in 1981, and the Canadian championship in 1985, and coordinating the Encounters with Canada program for 13 years. Ed also served on the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfers, was a member of the Southern Alberta Student Finance Appeals Board, and was an appointed representative on the Oldman River Water Quality Committee. In all his endeavors, Ed always had the courage of his convictions and was a strong spokesperson for those causes in which he believed. Outside of work, Ed was passionate about reading, writing, skating and gardening. Spending time with the gang at the library and his retired teacher friends fulfilled Ed’s love of meeting people, engaging in spirited conversation and hearing others’ life stories. Ed loved family gatherings and inspired his children and grandchildren to appreciate a love of learning. He has left a legacy of living life with joy! Besides his loving wife Sheila, Ed is survived by his 4 daughters and one son, Robin (Glenn) Bright – Amy and Erin, Louise (Darran) Lorne – Zoey, Susan Ryan, Kerry (Jed) Snatic – Bridget, Madelaine; son Sean (Susan) Ryan – Dezmond; sister Bobbie (Bob) Norman; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Ed was predeceased by his parents Rose and Stanley Ruskowski and brother Walter Ruskowski. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm, on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at the MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 St., S., Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Brian Magee, officiating. A private family interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Lethbridge Food Bank, 1016 – 2nd Avenue, South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 0C9.Funeral arrangements entrusted to Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd., Lethbridge, Alberta, 1-800-382-2901.