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Chris Ryan Obituary
Music was at the center of Chris Ryan's professional and private life. With advanced degrees in choral conducting and voice, he was prepared for teaching at any level. He also became an accomplished church musician, and his employment with the First Congregational Church of Eugene, OR. gave him the opportunity to put on full-scale performances of some of the greatest liturgical works of Handel and Bach. After moving to Durango, he continued being active musically until his retirement in the mid-eighties. From then on, his focus was chamber music, which he directed and enjoyed at home. Many musicians from beginners to semi-professional have participated in the chamber music sessions in the Ryan's living room. This has been going on all during his declining years, after a disastrous fall from the roof of the house he built resulting in an almost daily struggle with pain. He will be missed by family, his former students, and all the people that shared his love of music, literature, and life.
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Memories and Condolences
for Chris Ryan
Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.
6 Entries
Eileen Hanisch
September 12, 2024
Chris Ryan was my first and greatest voice teacher. He taught me a lot more than vocal technique. He gave me an example of dedication and hard work and often accompanied his instructions with a smile on his face or a hearty laugh. Now I often pray for the repose his soul. May God have mercy on his enthusiastic efforts of generosity towards all and fervent examples to become the best one can be. I love you Chris, but God loves you more. I hand you over to Him and count on His Mercy to bring you into His Eternal Light.
Eileen Hanisch
August 11, 2015
So sorry for your loss, he was a great teacher, had him for a teacher in Glendale, or. Cynthia Tucker Barnard
cindy peck
August 10, 2015
Mr. Ryan ( my chorus teacher in the 70's) was a source of light to me always happy and uplifting and supportive!! He tried so hard to encourage me to let go and really sing out but alas I never did . my home life was a troubled one and I never felt confident enough .. Bless his heart.. He believed in me when I couldn't.. and for that I admired him so much!! My world was a better place because he was in it!! Thank you Mr. Ryan
Eric Meiworm
June 3, 2015
Ingrid, Wir würden Dir so gerne Trost zusprechen, aber es fehlen uns die richtigen Worte. Wir denken an Dich.
Eric u. Shelly Meiworm
Sheri Rochford Figgs
May 29, 2015
Ingrid and Family, please accept my condolences on the loss of your husband, father, and friend. His passion for music was extraordinary and he added a lot to the Durango music scene. I am thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Phyllis
May 29, 2015
Please accept my condolences for your loss. It is always hard to lose a love one. May you take solace in the wonderful memories shared. And may the God of all comfort give you peace during this difficult time.
2 Cor. 1: 3 and 4.
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