Bernard Joseph RYAN Obituary

An inspiring, decent and good man. Shining example of his priesthood. RIP
Mark O'Connor - St Johns 1972-77

Father Ryan (Barney to us all). A friend, wise counsellor - especially to us pubescent males - and a wise and gifted teacher both in academia and spiritual matters. RIP. Ron McMullan, St Bede's, 1853-55

Father Barney Ryan was a friend to so many of us who passed through St Bede's over many years. A great teacher and Mentor, and that wonderful sense of humour. It is no surprise he was ultimately appointed as Superior General of the Marist order in Rome, serving three terms in that role. You will be truly missed Father Barney. Rest in Peace.

Fr Barnie Ryan was one of my two favourite persons at St Pats Silverstream (as well as Fr Ezio Blasoni) and his sense of humour (obviously deriving from his Oirish lineage) was legendary. Lost touch down the years but recently (last couple of years) someone gave me his email address and we swapped a couple of emails but I don't think he really remembered me :)- ....... Barnie was really into ATHLETICS @ 'Stream and he DID teach me but for what I can't recall....... it definitely wasn't French because the best in that regard was Foxy O'Fagan. It sounds like Fr Barnie lived life to the full and therein lies a Holy Man. Farewell Fr Barnie Ryan, rest well with the Lord and sectare fidem to you.

Andrew Cuming (S'stream 64-68)

Farewell Barney Teacher,coach mentor and friend for 60 years
Rest easy Peter and Thelma

Father Bern, a truly remarkable man who inspired many young men to achieve to the very best of their ability. Much loved by the St John's Hastings community of the 1970's. RIP, you were one of a kind!!

Father Bern was a truly remarkable man who positively inspired many young men to achieve to the very best of their ability. Much loved and admired by the St John's Hastings community of the 1970's. RIP, you were one of a kind!

t is with considerable sadness that I read of Barney Ryan's death notice in today's Dompost newspaper. He taught me English at St Bede's College in 1957 and I have not forgotten the impact he had. I regard Barney as one of the greatest teachers and so much better than most as to be in a separate league of his own. Inspiring and empathetic. Fr Ryan was a wise counsellor to many boarders at that school. I and others recognised and were supported by his common sense approach to worldly matters affecting teenage boys. He stood out from his colleagues in his breadth of vision too. No mere cleric but a humanist, scholar as well as a priest.
I was delighted but not surprised when he was sent to Rome; clearly a recognition of his capacities to be a leader.
I saw Father Ryan last on TV in Australia about 20 years ago, talking about his work with Aboriginal communities somewhere in the Northern Territory or north Queensland, and remarked at the time that his personal traits would be well-suited to a missionary role.

Farewell great teacher.


(Dr) Mark Cosgrove

Much loved and repected friend of Judy and Graham Gibson and family.A priviledge to have spent so much time with him --in Rome -with his beloved Aboriginal people in Australia and great times here in New Zealand. We will miss you Bern and you will always be in our prayers and will continue to sing "This Little Light of Mine!!"