Ryan was in my life only for a short time while we were in our early 20s, but has been in my thoughts ever since. I loved the time that we spent together:  going for walks in Point Pleasant Park, playing Scrabble in his comfortable and inviting bachelor apartment, an evening or two out at the Symphony, and most of all just talking about any subject at all. Ryan was able to have an engaging conversation about anything which must be how he was able to touch the hearts of so many. Since we parted ways I have several times wondered how he is doing--. I am heartbroken that my search for Ryan led me to discover of his passing and I share my condolence with his friends and family. I love and miss him.It is a bittersweet thing seeing everyone's memories of him here. I can see that he became a truly great teacher, and an amazing man. I wish we had more time together. 

Ryan taking a tea break on our field trip to Lushan Mountain. I miss you so much, my dear friend.

Received an  email from ever loved with saying you are 38 today and it just reminds me of everything and memories we have before. May you rest in peace.

“人生到处知何似，应似飞鸿踏雪泥。”

“What is life, wherever we may wander? Surely it is but like a wild goose treading on snow, leaving only evanescent traces.”

RIP Ryan.

My heart dropped when I heard the news of Ryan's passing. Ryan and I had never met in person. We'd been online friend the whole time. In 2019, we started to email each other, we became pen pal I guess. 

He's already moved back to Canada and I still lived  in China then. Through emails, we talked about how our life's going. He would tell me how he was cheerfully busy with his garden. He said he had a very busy and happy summer in 2019, having parents, uncles and aunts, friends, and even one of his formal students came to visit him. He cared a lot about his friends and family.  

We often time talked about his time in China too, he would love to visit again. 

Our last email contact was in July 2021. Ryan mentioned that he and his dad were doing some renovations to his house. He also just built a bookcase for her friend Pat. He loved reading books. Ryan also said he wanted to visit me in Shanghai and finally chat in person. I would've been so happy if we could meet. I would love to see his house and his garden too.

That was our last email, and I'm very sorry we couldn't meet. 

I miss you my friend. Thank you so much for being there for me. Thanks for sharing your life, your garden, your story, your poem with me. You are such a kind, caring, and loving soul. 

We often long for a long life, fearing loss, but in reality, the meaning of life is not measured by its length, but by how we live our truth in this limited time, experiencing profound emotions and exploring life's various possibilities.

I believe Ryan loved all his friend and family so much and was very sad to leave.  We will be thinking about you. 

Rest in Peace.

Goodbye my friend. And God you looked so handsome wearing those hats. 

I love you.

The leaves have fallen and turned from green to orange once again. Yesterday, while fishing over the Atlantic, I was reminded of when you spoke fondly of your small house by the shore. May you rest in peace, Ryan.

I would have counted Ryan to be my best friend for a few years when I still lived in Nova Scotia over twenty years ago. I thought of him today for no reason in particular and decided to see if I can learn about his present activities. How sad to learn of his passing two years ago, almost to the day. 

If I recall correctly, he was one grade behind me and first showed up to school very proper. It didn't take long before we discovered common interests in history and classic rock. He was a huge Beatles fan and it took awhile for me to convince that other, newer acts were worth a listen. We hung out a lot. We were teammates in our school's Call to Remembrance team, a competitive trivia program run by the legion on Canadian military history. We explored our corner of Nova Scotia a lot. I have only positive memories of our time.

My parents and left Nova Scotia during my high school years. We exchanged letters several times but unfortunately it was tough to keep in touch. Our lives took us in different directions and we never reconnected.

Ryan was easily the kindest, warmest individual I ever had the pleasure knowing. He was an old soul even back then. I think he even embraced that idea in the early 2000s. I miss him.

Dear Mr. Ryan G. Morris,  

Today marks your first death anniversary. A year ago, your departure grieved me. I am devastated to lose you as my excellent teacher and compassionate friend. You have changed my life because you were my Plato and Aristotle. I will always cherish some of the most extraordinary conversations in my life that I had with you. You have encouraged me to embark on a journey in quest of a virtuous life. You have guided me in times of dark and bright. Your spirit never dies.

I know one of your favorite pieces of classical music is Sheep May Safely Graze by Johann Sebastian Bach. May the pastoral beauty and melodic rhythm in Bach's work accompany you in Heaven. May you rest in grace and love and enjoy eternal peace. I will pray for you and your family.

My deepest sympathies to Mr. Morris's family,

Yaorong Liu

 

My condolences to Ryan's family. As I was jotting down market efficiency theories during the fixed income lecture today, I was thinking about Ryan (Mr. Morris). Ryan was my first Econ teacher who walked me through the theories and applications of microeconomics and part of macroeconomics. Ryan was also my lifetime mentor who advised the forming and operating processes for my start-up student organization which enlightened my academic and career goals in the business sector. I missed the time when I dropped by Ryan’s office hours to talk about the energy sector, globalization, Japanese art, Jazz music, etc. Time fleeted and I am in my last year of being a student before anchoring to the industry, I always remembered Ryan’s support that made me feel like I could do anything that I believe would be creative, feasible, and would last for a positive impact. Every time I walked by a waterfall, or appreciated nature and arts, I thought of Ryan and could imagine how peaceful and joyful he would be at this moment. As of now, the leaves are turning red and floating slowly with the babbling brooks every day, and in such a gentle, solemn, calming, and mellow season, Ryan is being remembered, respected, and loved in every peaceful moment in my life that quietly resonated with my memories of him. 

Very sad to hear. I remember well the summer I babysat for Ryan. 

I love Ryan. We spent a year together in China working at a school with three teachers so we depended on each other for all things. We spent weekends bird watching in rural mud flats, drank cheap liquor on New Year’s Eve and lived for the $1 noodles across the street from our apartment. I will miss him so so much.

Hi Zita and George. I just heard of Ryan's passing. So, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. 

Candace & Todd DeMont.

Hugs to you both. 

Cute Ryan ( The year is estimated)

Ryan’s class

Ryan’s class

Ryan’s drawing on student’s homework

Ryan’s drawing in his friend’s classroom

Two days before the last class with Ryan.

You are one of the best teachers I have ever seen and I love you forever. 

R.I.P Mr.Morris.

May the peace be with you sir.

RIP Mr. Morris🙏

Graduation