RYAN GILLIS (1941-2024)
Ryan passed away peacefully on May 10th. Dementia robbed him of his mind but never his gentle and kind spirit, as he spent the last number of years in the Harvest Hills Bethany Centre in Calgary.
Graduating with his B.Ed from the U of A, he started his teaching career in Banff. Ryan had a wonderful relationship with his teaching colleagues and students. Many of his students have fond memories of the ‘Phantom’. One of his highlights was when he accompanied the grade 12 students on their Baffin Island Expedition. He always had the travel bug and spent his post teaching career travelling to S.E. Asia. One of his favorite spots was Port Barton, Palawan in the Philippines. He would always return to Banff and eventually got the itch to become an entrepreneur. He started Video-Video and once he realized videos should be delivered he started Taxi-Taxi. He soon realized Banff needed another book store so he started Books-Books.
Ryan had a very creative mind and in a lot of his ventures he wasn’t motivated by financial success but more the pursuit and challenges of manifesting ideas and dreams.
He loved the outdoors (fishing, hunting, hiking) and sports, he even had a stint working with his team the ‘Edmonton Oilers’. Being so physically active he competed in the ‘Ironman Triathlon’ in Hawaii. Over all his quests he was always interested and had time for people no matter their station in life. He was especially interested in their stories and never talked about himself.
Ryan will be sadly missed but his impact on past students, family and friends will live forever.
A big ‘Thank You’ to the staff of the Harvest Hills Bethany Center where he spent his last remaining years, they were very compassionate to Ryan and loved his gentleness and humour.
In memory of Ryan reach out to a stranger or friend and show a genuine interest in their life. We will miss you, Rysie!
