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Howard Ryan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Howard Ryan
Kenneth dittmar
March 21, 2021
I remember Howie Ryan coaching track at Alexander Hamilton High School. He elevated the track team to a new level. My brother Tom and fellow track members gave him a four foot trophy to thank him for all his efforts. His kindness will be remembered.
Kenneth Dittmar
nick tric
May 12, 2017
coach ryan was an inspiration to many. He ran with me in practice many of miles though i was the only one on the cross country team at alex hamilton hs elmsford. yea died too young and didnt get a fair shake in life in competing. I will look forward in running with you someday on this earth, will run like gazelles. you were more of a father than my own dad.
Sandy, Howie and Chris Sweeney - Aug 1969
July 2, 2008
Chris Sweeney, Howie and Sandy - Aug 1969
July 2, 2008
In front of Baldwin House athletic dorm - University of Houston - Jan 1966 -Faustin Baron, Greg Weis, Howie Ryan, Howie Lorch, Henry Pope, Chuck Gilberti, Dave Massey, Mike Sheffit, and George Baskin
July 2, 2008
Robert Lavelle
June 27, 2008
I was very sorry to read of Howie's death. Although I have not seen him in several years, I was recently talking about him with our mutual friend, Ed Gorman, former Arizona State coach. I ran in the same 1958 Yonkers Schoolboy Race that Howie (the favorite) won and met him in the summer of 1964 when we both were running for Dick Weis. Since we both were involved with track (and were from Yonkers) our paths crossed many times - at major meets, when he was home recruiting, when he brought his team to the Iona cross-country meet in New York. It was always great to spend time with him. His enthusissm was so infectious. One very sad irony for me is that another friend of mine, a great Alexander Hamilton and Iona College basketball star, Kevin Bass, who also competed in track at Hamilton in the 70s passed away last month. Kevin loved to tell stories about his crazy track coach, Howie Ryan, and how track was even more fun than basketball and he never regretted competing on that track team, even knowing his future would be in basketball.
I know the family does not know me (although I knew Jeff briefly when he as on the Iona College track team) but I wish to offer all my condolences and to assure the family that I'm not the only friend Howie still has in New York.
John Terry
June 19, 2008
Howie was a trusted friend, a strong positive influence and a great teamate.
Oct 1967 - Percilla & Jim, Howie & Sandy, Karen & Mike, Doug Wilson, Scott Clarke and Bob Gardiner
June 19, 2008
Chris (Bremer) Sweeney, Sandy and Howie - 1969 - Nuevo Laredo, Mexico
June 19, 2008
Richard Halevy
June 18, 2008
I am not normally in the habit of reading the obituaries, but today something made me pick up the local (Yonkers, NY) newspaper and turn to the obituary section. I quickly recognized Howie's name and was shocked. I am just six months older than Howie, and we grew up together in Yonkers. Our mothers were girlfriends their entire lives. Growing up, Howie was always a fun kid, cracking jokes and keeping things on the light side. We were both a couple of skinny runts, but Howie had this incredible running ability that I always envied. He had a stamina that no one could seem to match. Even if you could run faster than him he would usually beat you because he could outlast you. I lost track of Howie when he left New York for the University of Houston. As with so many of our childhood friends our lives went in different directions. After my initial shock of his early death, I read many of the tributes posted about him. I am so impressed that he spent his entire life using the talent that God gave him for running. He very obviously influenced the lives of so many people to apply themselves to do their very best, not only on the track, but on the path of life in general. His family and close friends will no doubt miss him, but should console themselves in the belief that God has called him to his eternal reward for a life's work well done. I extend my sincerest condolances to Howie's family and close friends, and I will remember him in my prayers.
Leslie Barrera
June 16, 2008
To the Ryan Family,
Howie was an inspiration to us all-- and having him as race coordinator for our Steps for Students 5k run was truly a blessing. We will miss his guidance. We will miss his friendship.
--The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Development Dept and Steps for Students 5k Run Committee
Diane Hall
June 14, 2008
Howie was always so gracious and giving to me as his counter part coach on the UH coaching staff. I came on the job pregnant with my first child yet sincerely wanting to be a collegiate coach. With so many challenges in my life Howie helped me in so many ways. I am so thankful to have someone to bounce ideas off of and share training thought with. Howie was a great person who I admired and respected. Always positive, a wonderful coach, a true gentleman who loved his family first.
Thank you Howie.
March 24th 1966 - Howie running the mile - not his best day - finished last with Faustin Baron in 4:39
June 14, 2008
Jan 66' Baldwin House Dorm - Jay Paritz, Howie, Greg Weis, Lance Bartran, Richie Levy, Faustin Baron, George Baskin (finger) and Victor Lopez
June 14, 2008
Howie and Sandy
June 14, 2008
Pat, Terry, Ben, Gretchen, Sandy, Howie & Don
June 13, 2008
Bobbie Ruffino
June 12, 2008
Scott, Please know that although I am living so very far away from you, you are ALWAYS on my mind and in my heart. I am feeling so sad right now for you and your family. I want so badly to be with all of you.
I loved going to Molly's and having fun with your Dad. He was always so happy.
A lot of changes have taken place in the twenty years that we have known each other. One thing that will never change Scott is that I am ALWAYS here for you.
I Love You Scott, Ms.H /Mrs.R.
Howie running the Steeplechase at NCAA - 1966
June 12, 2008
Howie with a friend - 1966
June 12, 2008
Myself (T. Sweeney) and Howie following our tie in 2 mile & 9:09
June 12, 2008
Richie Levy, Laurie Elliott, Norman Cooper, Howie & Faustin Baron - 1965
June 12, 2008
Entrance to Astroworld - 1969 - Chris (Bremer) Sweeney, Don & Pat Davies, Chuck & Jerri Gilberti, Sandy
June 12, 2008
Happy Times
Terrance & Christine Sweeney
June 12, 2008
It is with great sadness and fondness that we extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Howie, especially his family. I first met Howie in the fall of 1964 as a freshman on the x-country team. Howie was part of the Laurie Elliott, Faustin Baron, Norman Cooper and Richie Levy varsity team. Through out those years the New Yorkers took over the x-country and distance duties with the addition of Chuck Gilberti, Greg Weiss, Scott Clarke, Ron Gustafson and John Lenger; we established an impressive record of victories during those years.
Some of my memories include Howie getting us the job of delivering the Sunday Houston Chronicle to the athletic and girl’s dorms and meetings with our boss at Bob’s Big Boy (great hamburgers and we didn’t have to pay for them).
The time Howie put his arms through my dorm window and sliced open the underside of his left forearm and we wrapped it in a towel to get him to the hospital. And on the way he bled all over the front seat of my car, which I never was able to get completely out.
The time we (5 New Yorkers) rented an Avis Dodge Monaco and tried to drive to New York non-stop, but were involved in a early morning collision outside of Atlanta and Faustin Baron trying to switch places with who ever was driving (Howie?) since Faustin was the only one that was suppose to be driving. Turned out the traffic light had green all four ways. The car was totaled and we were back on the road with another vehicle within five hours. Another one of our trips home with Richie Levy driving his car and we had a left rear blowout doing eighty mph and how we laughed so hard when we got out of the car and saw that smoking, shredded tire.
Our trips with Coach Morriss in the school station wagons loaded down with bodies in the vehicles and our HUGE red equipment bags strapped on top so that the front wheels were barely touching the road. And then coach stopping in the middle of nowhere and making us get out and walking a mile in the heat to stretch our legs.
The time Howie was running the steeplechase at the NCAA in Bloomington in 1966 and hitting the water hurdle while in 3rd place which took out some of the favorites. There were some irate coaches in the stands that day.
The great New Years Eve parties and the greatest party being at Shakey’s Pizza following Houston’s win over UCLA in the Astrodome. I believe Howie was some happy and inebriated that he poured half a bottle of champagne on the floor that night.
The year we went to the NCAA x-country championships and ran so bad that we went out to a bar that night and got half looped and then the next day running great in the United States Track and Field Federation, finishing second as a team.
Howie was a great friend, a nut to be with, and we will always remember him.
Chris and I thank the Lord for all the special people he brings into our lives and Howie was one of those special souls. May God comfort and strengthen you in this time of grief.
Terrance (Terry) and Christine Sweeney
Raul Gallegos
June 11, 2008
To Coach, My Dearest Friend "Father Figure" I will miss our daily talks, hearing your voice daily. The 18 years that I knew you for, you were the constant professional and friend. I will miss you with all my heart. My heart is wounded, just knowing that I'll never hear your voice or pick up the phone and hear from you.
Your smile and your laughter will always remain in my heart. Your wisdom, guidance, and opinions meant so much. You've been a friend that stood by me and my family in our hardest times and the thanks I have for who you have been in my life -words can't expess. I thank you for your kindness and I thank The Lord who allowed you to be such an influence in my life.
My Deepest and Dearest Sympathy to Your Beautiful Family. May God Bless them and keep them strong as He carries them at this time.
You will always be in my heart. I love you.
Ps. You always worked circles around us!
Anth
June 11, 2008
Scott,
Words can't express how much Carrie and I feel for you and your family. Scott, you are a great friend and we love you. I'm so glad we spent the last couple of days hearing about your father (things we didn't know) and what a great person he was. He will be missed by a lot of people. Love ya buddy.
Butch
June 10, 2008
Scott, your father was such an amazing man. It is evident in the 3 great children that he helped raise with your mother. I really did enjoy the times when he stopped by and had his nitecap with us. He was full of hilarious stories and he could always put a smile on my face. Whether he was giving me a math lesson, telling a story, running outside to grab a phone call, or giving me a true lesson on life, I held onto his every word. I respected your father so much for all of the lives that he had touched. He was my friend and I love him. I will miss seeing him, but I am so happy for him because I know where he is. He is in Heaven with his parents and loved ones who have gone before him. Your separation is temporary. It is a well known fact that when someone passes they are greeted in Heaven by their loved ones. I know one day he will greet us all at the gates...and you know your pops...he will have a bud light in hand for us, except it will really be a coors lite with a bud light label. The party will resume! I love you brother, please know that I am always here for you and your family. You had a great Pops that was proud of you...always treasure that.
David Picciano
June 9, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out the Ryan Family and Howie's legacy of athletes.
We had our share of great times with Howie, I am one of the many that were recuited out of upstate NY. It was tough to leave the East but Howie had something about him,...character, pride, humbling personality, which many us seemed to appreciate from a mentor or coach.
Thank you Howie!
David P.
The Picciano Triplets
Houston Cross-Country and Track '87-'91
Doug Harris
June 9, 2008
Scott, Sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you and your family.
Maximo Mendoza
June 9, 2008
Howie Ryan was my coach but more importantly he was my friend. Coach Ryan helped me become a better runner and a better person and i almost seem lost without his guidance, but i will use what i have learned from that great man to become even better. I only hope my coach is looking down at me from heaven with a smile on his face still proud to see me do what we both love.
Jeff Charnquist
June 9, 2008
Thoughts of Howie always bring a smile to my face. He'll be greatly missed.
Andrea Greer
June 9, 2008
Howie was my savior when I worked at the Houston Area Women's Center & had to tackle managing the 5K. He was kind, infinitely patient, helpful, and made it all seem easy. He had such a generous spirit, and a great smile to boot. Thank you to his family for sharing him with so many of us.
Jobless
June 9, 2008
If it were not for Howie, we would never have the 'Jobless Party'! Coach T , Howie and his family were and still are great people. Many thanks I would like to bestow to all the coaches @ University of Houston. Going to Howie's on the holidays or Coach T's place bring back many fond memories.
David Konsens
June 9, 2008
Dear Ryan Family,
I am deeply sorry to learn of Howie's passing. I have had the pleasure to know him since 5th grade (1975) when he coached my older brother at Alexander Hamilton H.S. in Elmsford. Howie was the single most influential factor in choosing U of H and the track program in 1980. I will forever be grateful.
Chris Meuchner
June 8, 2008
To Howie's family and friends-his passing brings back many fond memories, of x-c trips to strange places, t-shirt sales, track parties at his home in Spring, and managing roadraces back in the '70's.
I was part of the earliest contingent of New Yorkers to attend UH back in the late 70's. In the early days after Johnny Morris, Coach Tellez was beginning to develop, with Howie's valuable assistance, a national-class T & F Program at UH. As a manager, I helped Howie, Coach T., Mike T. and others on the coaching staff in those early years with various managerial tasks. What a time it was at Jeppesen Stadium.
There are too many stories to recount here in this limited space. And everyone has their own, equally special, definitely funny, "Howie" story.
Howie arrived in Houston and began coaching at UH during a time when running was becoming a national phenomenon. He became an integral part of the Houston running community. That community has suffered a great loss.
Long after I'd moved away back to the Northeast, I'd see Howie periodically, maybe at Penn Relays, or while in Houston for a "Jobless" Party (my apologies to those who aren't familiar nor had the pleasure). When I'd see him he was always gracious, pleasant, preoccupied, funny, obsessed, mad, and most of all, full of life, with all its joys and pitfalls.
Most of all, Howie touched the lives of a lot of UH track alumni in a positive way. For me, I have only fond memories. As the Bard wrote:"...we shall not look upon his likes again".
For his family and friends, my sincere condolences for your loss. We all lost a little of the UH spirit with his passing.
MJ Vaughn
June 8, 2008
Dear Katie, I am saddened to learn of your dad's passing. He always was fun to talk to, as he had something working at all times. I value the time I got to "Pick on him" and we got to talk at Dr. Hosmer's office. He was a good friend and patient for many years. You, Scott and Laura are in my prayers. May God richly bless you and give you peace. Much Love, MJ.
Chris Mendoza
June 8, 2008
Coach Ryan was a great human being and coach. He went out of his way to coach my son with great results. However, it is the sincere wonderul human being that we will remember. God Bless Coach Ryan and our sincere condolences to the Ryan family.
kim whitbeck
June 8, 2008
Dearest Laura and extended Family,
I am very sorry to learn of your father's passing. I have read some sentiments in this guest book from others, and he clearly was a gem.
I hold you and your family up in prayer and send my thoughts of healing. I am sorry I could not attend his service, but God's love is ever-present today and in the days to follow.
Our love,
Bill, Kim, David and Katy Whitbeck
Bennett Harvie
June 8, 2008
Howie took time to inspire others and used his humor as a cover. As a UH teammate, he found ways to encourage those not as gifted and as a friend he displayed an upbeat New York attitude that will keep many of us laughing long after he is gone. Thank you Howie
Angela Stearns
June 8, 2008
I had the privilege of being one of Howie's athletes at the University of Houston. My coach was on maternity leave and I begged him to coach me. He was reluctant because I was a girl but in the end we both agreed it was a great partnership. I ran my best ever mile under his coaching. One of my favorite memories of Howie is a frantic run through the Denver airport to catch a connecting flight. The gate people thought it impossible to achieve but of course his athletes made the flight. I will always remember his infectious smile and huge heart!
Tom & Mary Anne McBrayer
June 8, 2008
Howie was a big part of Houston's running community. He was the contact and director for so many successful events and his death will definitely leave a void. It was certainly unexpected and hard on his family and they, too, will feel the void. To all of his family, we extend our deepest sympathy.
Suzie Trosclair
June 7, 2008
Howie,
What a priviledge it was to call you a friend. You made us laugh with your wonderful sense of humor and you were a good man and will be missed greatly! It is great to know we will be able to celebrate your life each time we see your children. God bless you and godspeed and tell Mr John we all say hello.
K B
June 7, 2008
Howie was plain, simple, a wealth of knowledge, a great coach and a lot FUN! As a fellow New Yorker, former U of H track athlete (I credit him for recruiting me and getting a scholarship), we just recently crossed paths again two weeks ago (he was going to be our race director for our 5k race next spring at the YMCA). We will miss the opportunity to work with him again. The entire YMCA of Greater Houston sends our heartfelt prayers to the Ryan family. May God's promise of everylasting life comfort you in your time of pain.
tim theobald
June 7, 2008
i will always love him. iam sorry that i will not be there tommor .love tim from danville ,ca
Lynn Trafton
June 7, 2008
My deepest sympathies to Howie's family. He was well loved and respected in the running community and we will all miss him.
Cece Thompson
June 7, 2008
Dear Ryan Family - I am so sad to hear about Howie - Howie was our race director for the Spring Branch Running for the Arts - he was wonderful man. He will truly be missed. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Our thoughts go out to you doing this difficult time.
Cece Thompson and the Board of Directors of the Spring Branch Education Foundation
Jennifer & Evan Lander
June 7, 2008
Howie you will be missed by many, and never forgotten! Your spirit will always live on in your three amazing children, and grandchild. You have left us way to soon, but i know you will be looking over and guiding your family from Heaven!!
Scott, Laura and Katie, - I will continue to pray and ask God to put a light around your family to help you through this difficult time.
Much Love to you all-Jen and Evan
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