BOB RYE

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

• My dear coach & mentor, despite the time & space that our lives have displaced. I am incredibly saddened by the belated news of your passing. I was only recently advised, by a chance meeting with an ex-teammate, about the struggle you & your family have endured. Condolences to Lee & your entire family. I'm struggling to quantify the depth of your dedication & all the young men you've helped over the years. "Atta Boy Coachie"...luv ya! Ilmars-Al. Condolences to everyone, & thank you sir, for your tolerance & guidance. You & the Lions/Rods helped me to forever be, a better human being. - Posted by: Ilmars (Albert) Kuras (Friend & disciple) on: Aug 14, 2018

• Dear Lee and families, We are so very so for your loss, and our loss at the seat in the Legion. Will miss seeing him around with the guys. Our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: FG Legion sick visiting (Friends of the Fort Garry Legion) on: Mar 07, 2018

• Too much fun had by all of us at your trailer in Petersfield. September “boys” week was always fun. We know you will be missed by all. Happy travels hombie. - Posted by: Bruce & Ingrid (Friends) on: Mar 03, 2018

• Hey Bob.......I forgot to mention that although my memory is not the best nowadays I can still remember our very first practice. It was at Viscount School and Gerry (our fabulous coach) Hobson asked ....Who wants to hike the ball and who wants to throw it. From that day on we had some great games together. Well done my friend. - Posted by: Ron Wilkinson (Teammate) on: Mar 01, 2018

• I will never forget hearing Bob's "Atta Boy" when anybody made a good play on one of his teams, It always meant so much to hear those words for anybody that played for him. The last time I saw Bob was this past summer. He was not looking good, but he was the first to ask me how I was doing. I said I'm well, his response "Atta Boy". Thanks Coach! Good on those guys who held the special night for him @ Tony Roma's this past summer. So well deserved..RIP Bob.. - Posted by: Jamie Thould (Coach/Friend) on: Mar 01, 2018

• Bob was a great teammate and we had a lot of fun times on the Fort Garry Lions. Rest in Peace. BIG GUY !!! by Ron Wilkinson - Posted by: Ron Wilkinson (Teammate) on: Feb 28, 2018

• I am deeply saddened to hear of Bob’s death, and extend my deepest condolences to Pat, Lee and their entire family. I now live in Naples, Florida, but my days growing up in Fort Garry and of knowing wonderful guys like Bob are a lasting memory. Bob was a couple of years ahead of me in Fort Garry Lions, but he was both a terrific booster and mentor to the players of the teams at all levels. But what I remember so well about Bob was his prowess as a pitcher because I did play baseball against him in Winnipeg. Unlike virtually every 16 year old (then and now), Bob developed a knuckle ball and I got to see it first hand when he debuted his new pitch to strike me out and win the game. Bob was a fabulous contributor to the fun and friendship of so many people in Winnipeg and we are all the better for it. - Posted by: Ken Ransby (Friend) on: Feb 28, 2018

• Bob was a winner on and off the field. Lost a great teammate. - Posted by: Jim Saper. () on: Feb 24, 2018

• Little did I know that when I bought my parents home in 2005 that Bob Rye was included in the deal. As he had looked after their yard and shovelled their driveway for years, I didn't want Bob's routine disturbed. It was always a social visit when he came over to cut the grass or shovel the snow. Years ago we had a repairman over to work on our dishwasher and when he arrived Bob was cutting the grass ( I was golfing ). When the repairman finished he gave my wife the bill with the extra senior discount because he said that her husband was abviously over 65, referring to Bob! She gladly accepted the discount and obviously didn't tell the guy Bob wasn't her husband. A few days later Bob was over and I told him the story, and he looked a little miffed and said " I'm only 62!". RIP my friend and I still owe you a beer...or two.. - Posted by: Bob MacDonald (Friend) on: Feb 24, 2018

• My condolences to Lee and family. I consider it a privilege to have known Bob for over 60 years. What a great friend. He was such a positive influence on so many people whom he came in contact with. Many players and friends over the years went on to happy and successful lives and careers due to the guidance and love that Bob provided for them. Thank you for everything Bob. Rest in Peace my friend. Jack Cusack - Posted by: Jack Cusack (Friend) on: Feb 24, 2018

• Ryder changed many... young men's lives. From teaching us to be the best we can and pulling together 40 of us to believe and win not only on the field but in life. I had the honor and privilege of knowing this iconic gentleman. He was not only was a mentor in the dressing room and on the field, he was a life mentor, gave many of us a direction to pursue and become successful in our future.... I just want to say how blessed I am for meeting Ryder (truly blessed). The man was/is one of a kind! I love you Ryder and believe me you will always be loved by many. Tom Piskor (longer tribute to follow) - Posted by: Thomas (Tom Piskor) (Coach/Mentor/My second father) on: Feb 19, 2018