We Remember

RYDER, John Stephen

August 22, 1936 — April 4, 2026

After a long and adventurous life of 89 years, John Stephen Ryder died on April 4, 2026.

Born on August 22, 1936, as the fourth of 13 children, he excelled in sport and at languages in school. Later, it was on one of his early adventures in France that he met the love of his life Paula May Sourbutts, 68 years ago this week.  They fell in love sharing journeys across France before getting married on July 29, 1961.  They travelled to Australia where John began his teaching career and they started their family with the births of Christopher and Stephanie. They returned to England and celebrated the arrival of Jonathan before settling in Canada where Catherine, Nicholas, and Jennifer were born. Dedicating himself to mastering his trade, John served as a vice principal and taught French until his retirement in 1996. He often recounted with pride stories of his students; his time leading extracurricular activities such as drama and coaching soccer; and his professional friendships with countless colleagues.

As they started retirement, John and Paula moved to Kelowna, BC. They continued to share many adventures traveling to Europe and Australia, and driving across the western half of North America. John truly relished his time on the open road with his love at his side.

He loved his children completely, always there to offer advice and support, and celebrate their successes.  He was proud of them all.  This love and pride only grew as he and Paula welcomed their grandchildren Sara, Jonathan (JJ), Keri, Ryan, Stephen, Matthew, Vincent, Philippa, Philip, Michael, Lucas, and Jacob and great grandchildren Stephanie Rose and Jasey to the clan. His spirit of adventure is evident in his grandchildren as they begin to set out into the world as adults. He often and emphatically said that being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was the greatest achievement of his life.

Throughout John’s life, sport remained a common focus.  He played soccer into his 50s and golf throughout retirement.  He was instrumental in the early growth of soccer in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.  He co-founded a men’s league in the city and organized a large annual tournament that ran for 10 years, attracting teams from Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He supported Yorkton Minor Sports Soccer and ran a successful soccer program at Sacred Heart High School, laying the foundations for the thriving soccer community in Yorkton today.

Above all, nothing rivalled the love he shared with his wife Paula, which was evident until the moment of his passing. John will be remembered for his enthusiasm for conversation, his humour, and his enjoyment of a visit over a pint or a cup of tea. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in John’s memory to the MS Society of Canada.

A private service will be held with close friends and family.

Sadly, John was predeceased by his daughter Stephanie, as well as by his parents Alfred Mary Ryder and May Aspinall.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Paula May Ryder (née Sourbutts); his son Christopher (Denise); his grandchildren through Stephanie, Sara, Jonathan, and Keri; his son Jonathan, granddaughter Philippa, and Philippa’s mother Nancy; his daughter Catherine, grandsons Ryan, Matthew, and Philip, and their father Gord; his son Nicholas (Pamela) and grandsons Stephen and Vincent; and by his daughter Jennifer (Paul) and grandsons Michael, Lucas, and Jacob.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Share with Others:

Share on Facebook
Share Via Email

MS Society of Canada Link: www.mscanada.ca

 


 


Condolences

  • Tracey Wasman says:

    So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this sad time.

  • Sonja Sörensen says:

    Dear Chris and family.
    I had the pleasure of meeting your dad in Antwerp when we were neighbours, we chatted over a beer. Such a lovely man, charming and funny. A true gentleman.
    Sonja & Richie.

  • Correen Nagy-Malinoski says:

    I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad Chris…such an inspiring man he was and I feel fortunate to have been touched by his wisdom and kindness in my formative years as a student.

  • Penny Williams says:

    So sorry to hear that John has passed. He was so lovely and caring, especially to my late sister Sally (he was her Godfather), and to my parents Michael and Peggy who were very fond of both him and your mum. Although I’d not seen a lot of him from across the Atlantic, he left a big impression on the times we did meet, chat and message. Much love to all of you. X

    • Darcy Todos says:

      Dietta and I would like to pass on our condolences to Paula and her entire family. I was blessed to have Mr. Ryder as my teacher and later on as a colleague when I became a teacher at Sacred Heart in Yorkton. There, as brand new teachers, my wife Dietta and I enjoyed having John as one of our administrators and mentors. John had an uncanny and brilliant way of working with kids. His use of the line “jiggery pokery” when working with students became a mainstay I used when working with my own children … too funny. He was a true blessing and you could see the positive impact he and Paula had on their own family. Dietta and I were also very thankful that we had the honour of teaching two of their children, Nick and Jennifer.
      May God continue to comfort you during this time as you cherish the gift of John (Mr. Ryder).
      Darcy and Dietta Todos (Saskatoon, SK)

  • Hannah Patterson says:

    I am saddened to hear of the loss of your dad. He was a great man and I know his memory lives on in all of you. What a grand life he had! . My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

  • Rachel Sterzuk says:

    I am saddened to hear of John’s passing. I sincerely enjoyed teaching with John and loved his sense of humor. He was very kind to me as a young teacher. Please accept my deepest condolences. I will say a prayer for John and for your entire family.

  • Dallas Puto says:

    A wonderful colleague and mentor. Our sincere condolences, as well as thoughts and prayers go out to the Ryder family.

  • Michelle Z. says:

    I had the pleasure to have Mr. Ryder as my Principal and French Teacher at Sacred Heart High School in the late 80’s Rest in peace Mr. Ryder. Condolences to the family..

  • Rita Hilbig says:

    Please accept my condolences. I enjoyed my time at Sacred Heart with John. He was always up for an advice session or a lively debate. His best advice to me, on a personal level, was on travel. I was debating spending the money to go on a holiday with my sister, knowing I’d have to put it on credit. His said, “Rita, in 20 years are you going to look back and wish you had that $1500 or will you look at your photos and be glad you had the experience?” So true, John, so true. Hope that you are bringing love and laughter to the Next Place.

  • Glenna Ottenbreit-Born says:

    Mr. Ryder was my favourite French teacher! I remember an “a-ha” moment in class and him seeing it! Such a wonderful educator! I’m so sorry for your loss and hold your family in my thoughts.

  • Don Szano says:

    So sorry to hear this news! I truly enjoyed working with John at “St. Joe’s” when we first moved to Yorkton! John was always a compassionate man who always looked at people’s strengths rather than their weaknesses! 👍👍👍❤️

  • Brian Boutin says:

    Our condolences to Paula & your entire family at this time of loss. We were blessed to have had John as a colleague at the beginning of each our careers. With a prayer, Brian Boutin & Julie Vermette

  • Carrie Harms says:

    Sending my deepest sympathies and prayers. He was a wonderful high school teacher! He was so full of energy and kindness. I am so very sorry for your loss.

  • Andrew Daldry says:

    Such a sad loss, always a huge part of the Ryder family despite the distance and he will be sorely missed
    All the best to everyone

  • Frances Heinrichs says:

    Paula and family, so sorry to hear of John’s passing. My prayers are with you and your families. God’s peace be with you.

  • Emma Hunt says:

    Sending love and hugs to you all. I’m so sorry for you loss. Uncle John was wonderful and will be remembered with love. Such a lovely, interesting man ❤️xxx

  • Mick Bailey Princes Risborough UK says:

    My condolences on the loss of John. Great memories of our last meet at Tyddn Difyr

Leave a Condolence Message for the Family


» To share your condolence on this page please fill out the requested fields.
» If you have a photo to share, please do so as families appreciate it. To share a photo (please note, just one photo per condolence please), click the 'Choose File' button and select a photo from your computer.
» Once you are done, click the 'Share' button.
» Your email is never published or shared. Your name and email are both required.

NOTE: all messages will go through an administrative process before being posted.