MovieChat Forums > The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2007) Discussion > ADD YOUR CONDOLENCES FOR TERRY RYAN HERE

ADD YOUR CONDOLENCES FOR TERRY RYAN HERE

posted 17 years ago by brittbevis
3 replies | jump to latest

One of the most memorable poems Evelyn Ryan wrote, was:

Every time I past a church
I stop and make a visit
So when I'm carried in feet first
God won't say "Who is it?"

Well, I reckon Terry and God go way back... so no need for any introductions there!

I'd rarely met a sweeter natured, more modest person than Terry Ryan. Multi-talented, but unassuming - she always treated everyone as 'special', and was interested in them.

She kindly met up with me when I was in San Francisco on vacation from the UK, despite suffering from the illness that was to eventually claim her. Even then, she had a ready joke and was full of optimism and enthusiasm. For someone who was slowly dying, she couldn't have been more alive!

It would be good to have some way of paying our respects to a great writer and lady. So hopefully, a few of you will join me and add your comments here for Pat (Terry's long-term partner and closest friend - who must be missing her dreadfully) and her nine siblings: Lea Anne; Dick; Bub; Rog; Bruce; Mike; Barb; Betsy and Dave. And all who knew and loved her.

http://www.geocities.com/brita_bevis/terry.bmp

FOR TERRY:

[–] bboyd333 17 years ago

I met Terry Ryan and her siblings while working on "Prizewinner"...she was truly a wonderful human being, she had a gift for storytelling and did an amazing job of chronicling her dear mothers life...Prizewinner remains the movie I am most proud of having worked on...as I told Terry ..it struck a chord with me as it reminded me so much of my own Grandmother's life , raising lot's of kids in very tough times, husband a big drinker etc....The studio never understood what a really great film this was...but everyone on the crew did and most of us thanked Terry for giving us such a great film.............God bless you Terry Ryan.

[–] whisperingwillow 17 years ago

The Prize Winner touched me more than any other book or movie. It spoke to my soul. It made me want to be a better mother.

I was so sorry to hear of Terry's passing. She gave this stay-at-home mom a much-needed spark, fire and inspiration. When I am down, I watch the movie. When I am happy, I watch the movie. My DVD is nearly worn out. My book is worn as well.

Thank you, Terry, for putting your mother's story into words so eloquently. Thank you to the family for sharing your lives with us.

My condolences to Terry's partner and family. My heart aches for you and with you. I feel so blessed by Terry's work and Evelyn's story.

Jo

[–] grills 17 years ago

What does one say about two remarkable women that helped change the world for the better????

Even tho Evelyn passed away years ago, through Terry's book and then the film, she lived once more for all of us. Plus through this remarkable book, we got to know Tuff and her wonderful family also......

Not often in your lifetime do you come across a true story like this, that you feel in your heart will stay with you forever.....

rest in peace Evelyn and Terry.......

Cathy from Canada