ONTARIO CATHOLIC COMMUNITY MOURNS LOSS OF JAMES RYAN, RENOWNED EDUCATOR AND ADVOCATE
The Ontario Catholic community is grieving the loss of James Ryan, a devoted Catholic educator and former president of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA). Ryan’s passing leaves behind a lasting legacy of mentorship, compassion, and advocacy for publicly funded Catholic education.
Ryan’s distinguished teaching career spanned multiple roles, including elementary and high school classrooms, special education resources, and adolescent psychiatric care. He held various executive positions within OECTA, contributing significantly to committees focused on political advisory, human rights, and collective bargaining.
Colleagues remember Ryan as a loyal mentor, championing social justice, inclusivity, and LGBTQ2SI+ rights. His commitment to fostering a more equitable community was unwavering, inspiring countless educators and advocates.
Ryan’s impact will endure through the lives he touched, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, dedication, and leadership. His memory will continue to inspire those striving to build a better and more just world.
