In Memoriam: Ryan Taylor

Ryan Taylor, genealogical librarian at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana, took a trip to Toronto. A body found in the Niagara River on Monday morning has been tentatively identified as that of Ryan Taylor. He went missing from his hotel room in Toronto on Sunday. He had been in Toronto for the taping of his television show, Ancestors in the Attic.

The following is from his bio at the Interlink Bookshop, written before his disappearance:

Ryan Taylor was born in Oshawa, Ontario and educated at Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. He has been a librarian since 1972 in Manitoba, Ontario and Indiana. In 1994, after working in the Kitchener Public Library, in Kitchener, Ontario, he became a genealogical librarian at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Ryan first became interested in genealogy in 1964.

He has written extensively on genealogical and historical topics. Since 1993 he has written the "Tracing Your Roots" feature in The Record (Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario) and has an online column. He was the founding editor of the newsletter of the Canadian Federation of Genealogical and Family History Societies (1988-90) and a regular columnist in Kitchener Downtown Alive.

Since 1982, he has been active in the Ontario Genealogical Society, serving as chairman of Waterloo-Wellington branch in 1984-85 and as editor of its newsletter. He became reviews editor of Families, the OGS journal in 1984 and was its overall editor from 1988 to 1997.

In 1981 he founded the oral history program of the Kitchener library. In its first decade, the program recorded the memories of more than 600 Waterloo County individuals. He broadcast "Bookmark", a review programme, on CFCA-FM in Kitchener from 1983 to 1992, and was co-host of "Branching Out", a genealogical phone-in television show in Fort Wayne, from 1997 to 1999.

Ryan is the English family history instructor at the British Institute of the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History in Salt Lake City.

He is on the faculty of the National Institute of Genealogical Studies, whose courses are given online through the extension program of the Faculty of Library and Information Science, University of Toronto.

He lectures extensively on genealogical and historical topics, particularly British and Ontario research and methodology. As well as accepting speaking engagements in Canada from St. John’s to Campbell River, he has spoken at American national conferences and in several states.

Ryan is one of the hosts of Ancestors in the Attic, a History Television show scheduled to premiere on Oct. 18, 2006.

In his spare time, Taylor is interested in reading fiction and biography, listening to vocal music, and enjoying the obituaries in the London Times.

The following was written by Louise St Denis and Brenda Dougall Merriman of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies:

Thank you to everyone who expressed concern after receiving our e-mail about Ryan Taylor's disappearance.

Authorities are waiting for an official confirmation of identification, therefore we can give no further details.

Ryan will be greatly missed by the genealogical community. He has been an instructor at The National Institute for Genealogical Studies in the Canadian Studies program for several years. A genealogy librarian by profession, Ryan was noted for his eclectic interests and making friendships during his lecture tours. He was the author of over a dozen books. Many students will also remember an enjoyable week spent with Ryan at our first Research Academy in Salt Lake City when he directed the English program.

A memorial service will be held for Ryan. If you would like to be notified of the details when the family has them finalized, please send us an e-mail.

Should you wish to offer your condolences to the family, you can reply directly to this e-mail. You could include your fondest memories of Ryan, anything that makes you smile when you think of him --- maybe comments about how he helped you solve a genealogical 'brickwall'! Since Ryan enjoyed books so much, we will gather your comments and present them to his family in the format of a memory book.

If you would like to read a biography about Ryan, and view his picture, a man with a great smile, please go to www.genealogicalstudies.com; click on INSTITUTE; click on FACULTY & CONSULTANTS; Scroll down to his name.

In sadness......

The National Institute for Genealogical Studies

Louise St Denis
Managing Director
and
Brenda Dougall Merriman
Director, Canadian Studies

Comments

[Gerry Tordiff]

I worked with Ryan when our London Branch O.G.S. hosted the Annual Seminar in 1998, and found him so helpful, and willing to share his vast knowledge. Since that time, at each seminar, I have made a point to attend his lectures. He was so interesting and knew his subjects, which he always presented in a well organized, relaxed manner, well. He had a great speaking voice, which made listening to him all the more pleasant.

I have a number of his publications, which are a great asset to all Genealogists researching in Ontario. His passing has certainly left a big void in the Genealogy World. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.

Sincerely,
(Mrs) Gerry Tordiff
London, Ontario

[Bev Petersen]

Ryan was my best source for Canadian research. I will really miss him!

[Roselyn Wells]

We will all miss Ryan in Indiana. He was a great speaker and was a really nice person. He helped me with my Ontario research and I would not have found details about my family in Ontario if I had not asked him for help. He was to be our Genealogy Society speaker the 9th of October. We have had him the last five years and we can't imagine not ever seeing his friendly smile ever again. I feel so sorry for his family - my condolences. If we are that attached to him here, I can't imagine what his family is going through. His caring, thoughtful, wonderful personality will be remembered for a very long time. Any question was not too small for him and he was the most humble person I have every known, especially knowing how intelligent he was. Everyone at our meetings hung on to every word and he just lit up the room with his smile. Bless you, Ryan.

[Judy Farkas]

I met Ryan about 12 years ago when we both moved to Fort Wayne. I was his travel agent and although I only met him face to face about 4 times in all that time when he would call I would drop what I was doing and take care of his needs. He was never demanding, but knew what he wanted and I was very happy to take care of his needs immediately. I will miss his calls, I was saddened when I read that he was missing in Toronto and prayed that it wasn't true, but alas it seems to be. I will always remember his kindness.

[Dayle Forderer]

Thank you sharing your memories of my cousin Ryan Ronald Taylor. We are still in a state shock.

[Donald Wood]

Thanks Ryan, you uncovered that vital initial information that put our many family members solidly on the trail to our past.

[David W Webster]

As a fellow lecturer in Salt Lake City on a couple of occasions over the last few years, involving week-long, intensive courses, with morning lectures, and afternoon and evening support to the students in the Family History Library, I couldn't have wished for a better colleague than Ryan.

Outside of the requirements of the courses involved, I can think of few others whom I'd have been delighted to meet over breakfast, lunch, or dinner, in the knowledge that, together, we'd darn well solve several problems facing the world-wide genealogical community ..........

Ryan, mate, I'll really miss you !!

Orraverybest

David

David W Webster FSA Scot
www.rossgenealogy.co.uk

[Jane-Ellen]

I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Ryan's death. Like many, I first met Ryan at a family history lecture. Ryan had that wonderful excitement for his subject and took such a personal interest in each individual's research. I had the privelege to meet with Ryan over dinner a few times when he spoke to the Kamloops Family History Society's Seminars. These were always fun events made so much better by his infectious enthusiasm and that wonderful smile. We'll miss him. My deepest sympathy to his family.

[Sharyn Besse-Moriguchi]

Our deepest sympathy to Ryan's mother, brother and sister....our dear friends for many years. "Ronnie" as we knew him was the sweetest, kindest and most loving little boy. His smile could melt any heart.
Now the angels in heaven will be smiling too.

Know that our prayers are with you and that we love you so much.

Love from Roberta, Raymond and Sharyn Besse

by e-mail from
Sharyn Moriguchi
Vancouver Washington USA

[Audrey[Metheral]Wilkinson]

I was shocked to read about Ryan Taylors passing.
I attended two Saskatchewan Genealogy Seminars when Ryan was guest speaker.
We both had ancestors originating in Hartland,Devon,Eng and when he visited there did extensive research on my Metheral tree,putting together a booklet for me.He also sent me a souvenier cup from Hartland.
A man who had so much knowledge and great personality willbe greatly missed.
I hope the family receives the tributes of him.
Audrey Wilkinson