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.
