Susan Ryan Tribute

My association with Sue goes way back to Montreal Trust Real Estate days, long before Sue opened her SAR Group of which she was justifiably proud. A number of us went to work for Suzie after Montreal Trust closed down in Ontario and enjoyed a great time together at Village Centre Court. Never at a loss for words or a saying to fit every occasion, Suzie was always there for you. I always loved her saying, "Inch by inch, everything's a cinch. Yard by yard, everything's hard". In other words, the KISS principle. I've had to use that one many times in my life and have related it to many others who didn't know how to tackle a seemingly impossible task. I always related the source of that saying when advising others, so Suzie was never far from my thoughts, If there is a God and I know there is, Suzie's reward will be that her SAR Group will become the STAR Group, where you'll be able to look to the heavens at night and see a bright new star and know that that one's for Suzie. That will be her shining spirit continuing to inspire you. You also know that she will be waiting for you with a glass of fine wine, when you cross the great divide and see her smiling face waiting to welcome you to her new home, with the same enthusiasm she's always had. Suzie will never change, thank God. At Suzie's funeral, Mayor McCallion in her wonderful eulogy for Sue, suggested that we not dwell on how Suzie died, but on how she lived and what she gave to her family, friends and her community at large and that the torch has been passed to the rest of us to carry that on....a great message. The Minister who performed the funeral ceremony, also spoke eloquently and sincerely about Suzie;s life and death and again emphasized the positive and spoke of forgiveness. As much as no one wants to talk of Suzie's death and how it happened, the thought keeps occuring to me that Suzie loved Larry in a way that was beyond words. I'm sure, still does, as true love as Suzie knew it, is unconditional. She forgave everyone who ever said or did anything that might have hurt her ,as she only dwelt in the positive. I have concluded that this includes Larry. If we can follow Suzie's example in this final instance, I think we will have come a long way in our humanity and make her proud that she has had that kind of influence on us. Via con Dios, Suzie......you've earned it Girl. Lots of hugs from your friend, Jim.

Sue,

You are and were a super angel on earth and I know we all have your guidance and caring - you demonstrated, taught, and lived what you believe in and engaged so many people to learn from you.
We will continue to learn from you.
You are so dearly missed and I wish you peace.
You have been the dearest friend I have ever known and I thank you. Life is not and will not be the same without you, but I will rely on our memories and gather with our friends.
Love ya buddy, ( we always said that at the end of a phonecall).
God Bless,
Love Susan

I’ll think of you in the spring……….
……when the tulips are pushing up colourful heads
……and shoots are green in perennial beds
……when tomatoes are still green on the vine
……and I sit on a patio drinking wine.

I’ll think of you in the summer……….
……when the lazy days go slipping by
……and the birds take their babies out to fly
……when the sun is warm upon my face
……when I’m home, at work or some other place.

I’ll think of you in the fall………..
……when the coolness caresses the half-bare trees
……and the ground is covered with golden leaves
……when my door is closed to the late night chill
……and I place a candle on my windowsill.

But mostly, I will think of you in the winter……..
……in the still of the night with the soft falling snow
……and the glistening mornings with trees aglow
……your memory brings feelings both happy and sad
……as I grieve for the season we never had.

I first met Sue almost 15 years ago. It was at the Christmas party she was hosting for her clients down at Snug Harbour in Port Credit. Little did I know what an important role model and friend Sue would become in my life. To me, Sue was my hero, my friend and I'm proud that she was a woman who provided much needed leadership for us and showed us the way. I admired many things about Sue, her confidence, her warm loving spirit, her kindness, her tenacity and spunk - an action oriented doer, her practicle, no nonsense approach, her honesty, her warm smiley face, and she sure was a soft place to fall.

Ordinary heroes walk among us. With uncommon bravery and profound care, they appear in our lives without warning or fanfare. Sue would walk right up and flash her big smile and reach out her hand and touch your heart, "Hello my name is Sue, How do you do, with giggle" and you were off to the races, daring to accomplish something great, big or small! Some people wear a uniform and a badge, some do not, but all wear the armor of integrity, compassion, courage, and honor. Sue dressed herself authentically, each moment, each day. Heroes put the needs of others before their own. Sue would always be there, if you needed a friend to help, she cared.

Our greatest heroes can be anywhere and everywhere we are. Their names and deeds are seldon spoken of, rarely heard. Without a blare of trumpets or a cheering crowd, they become heroes unaware by making a decision in an instant, acting on the spur of the moment, or working tirelessly to rescue, comfort, or to be a voice for those who have none. Heroes work wih a passion behind the scenes to support our lives, to defend our honor and to safeguard our world. Sue did this with her values and action in many of the events she supported. They know that great things come from a series of small actions. They recognize a need and fill it. They know how to fight with dreams and visions and to protect and defend so that others may live. Heroes are defiant in their mission. Their values are never for sale. The world my know little of its greatest heroes, but in our hearts we know who they are. Heroes are messengers from heaven. Their love, compassion and bravery are God's touch upon humanity.

Sue, always knew just what to do! Sue, your bright light shall continue to shine upon us and forever we will be guided by your love. I'm grateful to have called you friend and had the chance to witness and learn by your example of what greatness looks like. Thank you Sue for being you. We shall miss you Sue, till we meet again xo

Sue Ryan was one of the most credible women I've met. She had a no-nonsense enjoyment of life that was contagious. She pulled you into her brusque warmth. I'll miss her honesty and her shine.~ Marcia Barhydt

I did not know Sue on a personal basis, however she was gracious in supporting our Full Cicle event which sponsors children to the Mississauga Waterfront Festival. These individuals are margainalized by their living circumstance. A loss in the community of great leaders is felt by all of us.