We are deeply saddened to share the news of McGrory’s Boxing Club coach Vinnie Ryan’s passing.
Not only was Vinnie a legendary coach with many accolades—including being a Boxing Canada Hall of Fame inductee, recipient of Boxing Ontario and Hamilton Coach of the Year awards, and a Boxing Canada head coach at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, World Championships in Cuba and Australia, and many Pan Am and Commonwealth Games—but he was also a father figure to so many athletes. He will be missed dearly.
“Vinnie has meant so much to so many people and has touched and been a part of so many lives. He made everyone around him not only champions in the ring but also in life in general,” a statement read from McGrory’s Boxing Club on Facebook. “The McGrory’s family is heartbroken today to lose someone who has meant so much to us. Vinnie did it all. He was a champion boxer and coach and a husband and a father as well he acted like a second father to so many of his students. We will miss you so much, Vinnie. Until we meet again in that big boxing ring in the sky. We love you forever and ever.”
Our condolences to Val Ryan and family as well as the entire McGrory’s Boxing family.
In Celebration of Vinnie Ryan
July 1, 1939 – October 31, 2023
Vinnie Ryan passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on October 31, 2023. He was the beloved husband of 56 years to Valerie (McEwan) and the much loved father of Sean (Maria) and Jackie. The best Papa ever to Ryan and Darcy. Survived by his brother Desmond (Greta) of Ireland and predeceased by his parents Joseph and Eileen and sister Joan.
Vinnie lived the “Canadian Dream”. He was born in Dublin, Ireland and emigrated to Canada at the age of 26 with hopes of travelling and going to Argentina but never got past Hamilton meeting Val within 6 months and marrying soon after.
He dedicated his life to his family, his business Varan Mechanical and was the beloved coach at McGrory’s Boxing Club for 40 years, passing on his knowledge and passion to the youth of Hamilton. He was a Past President of Boxing Ontario and a longtime member of Boxing Canada Executive, but coaching was his first love and he continued until his illness both as local coach and coaching Canadian teams at Pan Am and Commonwealth Games, and tournaments around the world making friends wherever he travelled.
For Vinnie, coaching wasn’t just about the sport, it was about helping the next generation to write their own success stories and to reach for the stars no matter what their circumstances were or where they came from. He did it and had great belief that everyone with a willing spirit and a bit of guidance could do it as well.
His honors included Wearing of the Green honoree, City of Hamilton Citizen award, and Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame inductee.
Vinnie will be missed by his family and nieces and nephews in Canada and Ireland and the entire McGrory’s family. Local 67 members and the entire boxing community.
Visitation at Bay Gardens Funeral Home – “William J. Markey Chapel”, 947 Rymal Road East, HAMILTON (905.574.0405) on Thursday, November 9th from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Vinnie’s Memorial Service will be held at Bay Gardens Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, November 10th at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow.
For those who wish, memorial donations made to the Parkinson Society would be appreciated.
Photo courtesy of McGrory’s Boxing Club
Original obituary posted on Bay Gardens and Bayview
