It is with profound sadness that the family of Ryan Bolen announces his passing on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at the Bruyere Continuing Care Hospital (Palliative Care Unit) in Ottawa, Ont. after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Ryan was one of four children born to Donald and Cynthia Bolen. He was born on March 23, 1978 in Emo, Ont.
Ryan is survived by his parents, Donald and Cynthia Bolen; and sisters, Heidi (Ken) Kreger, Kimberly (Kelly) Olson, and Lisa (Matthew) Wutzke. He was a proud uncle to Benjamin, Lucas, Cole, Alexzander, Blake, Tucker, and Kaleah.
Ryan also is survived by his grandmother, Dorothy Brown; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, Donald and Stella Bolen; grandfather, Raymond Brown; and uncle, Jack Bolen.
As a young boy, Ryan was active in Wolf Cubs in Stratton, Ont. He later joined Tae Kwon Do and received the 1st Dan Black Belt in 1993. He also participated in curling, soccer, and baseball.
Ryan received many awards over the years, including the Sturgeon Creek School Grade 8 Academic Award in 1992 and a school first in a physics contest at Rainy River High School in 1995.
Most recently, Ryan was awarded the Best Overall Student Presentation in the Division of Instrumentation & Measurement Physics. This was presented by the 2015 Physics Nobel Prize winner at the 2016 Canadian Association of Physicists’ Conference.
As summer jobs, Ryan worked for the Municipality of Morley, ETA Construction, a cabinet company, and as security for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Ryan left home after completion of Grade 12 and O.A.C. in 1996. He then headed for the University of Toronto, where he graduated with Honours and a Bachelor of Science in 2001.
In 2005, Ryan moved from Toronto to Ottawa to further pursue his studies. Ryan attended the University of Ottawa, where he received his Masters in Physics in 2009 and his Ph.D in Physics in 2017.
Ryan also worked as a T.A. and spent endless hours doing research in the ARC (Advanced Research Complex).
Aside from his academics and research, Ryan also was passionate about martial arts. In the summer of 2008, after learning Mandarin, Ryan went on a six-week martial arts holiday to Beijing, China.
To date, Ryan still was practising Qi-Gong and Jiulong Ba Gua Zhang.
Other areas of enjoyment in Ryan’s life were camping and fishing with friends, as well as woodworking inspired by his beloved Grandpa Don.
Ryan was known for his eternal optimism, thoughtfulness, and hearty chuckle. His motivation, determination, and perseverance were an inspiration.
Ryan’s life intersected many, and he always will be loved and remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and students.
Funeral services and interment were held Friday, July 28, 2017, with Rev. Frances Flook officiating from Stratton.
The honourary pallbearers present were Darren Angus, Eddie Tetu, Telford Advent, and Bill Penney.
The honourary pallbearers in absentia were Chris Charles, Marko Kudjerski & Yandra Lluch, Carmen Larsen-Grijalva, Christina Gallucci, Normand St-Jean, Michelle Chartrand, Dr. W.E. (Liam) Kieser, Steve Wardulenski, Sandra Troster Diaz, Hannah Rodgers, and Gerry Baizana.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
DR. RYAN DONALD BOLEN
