Death of Edward M. Ryan (09-30-08)
The benefactor of Adams State's Edward M. Ryan Geological Museum passed away Sept. 20 in Grand Junction at the age of 88.
Cutting the ribbon at the Edward M. Ryan Geological Museum are Dr. Brent Ybarrondo, Dr. Rob Benson, Ryan, and Dr. David Svaldi.
In 2004, Mr. Ryan donated his collection of more than 5,000 fossils and minerals to Adams State for academic and public use. After exploring several possible homes for his collection, He determined Adams State was "the most perfect place." He also established The Edward M. Ryan Scholarship Fund for ASC earth science students. Contributions to the fund in his memory may be sent to Tammy Lopez, ASC Foundation.
A native of St. Louis, Ryan earned a bachelor's degree in geology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and a master's in geology from the University of Missouri in Columbia. He was a lifetime member of the Alpha Chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
Ryan served as a cartographer during World War II in Algeria and Hawaii. He then married his college sweetheart, Jane, and began a 38-year career as a geology professor at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri.
Following retirement in 1984, Ryan began developing a museum in his home. For 20 years he welcomed groups, school classes, and individuals from around the world. After the death of his wife in 1990, Ryan focused on expanding his museum and on traveling. He was proud to have traveled throughout the U.S. and around the world, having visited all seven continents. He went to Antarctica in 2006 at the age of 86.
"He loved life," said Ryan's daughter, Sally Ryan, and was a superior teacher admired by both students and colleagues. He is also survived by two other children, Jan Ryan and John Ryan.
