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About |
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| Name | Phil Ryan |
| Date of Birth | October 18th, 1939 |
| Date of Death | July 20th, 2018 |
| Home Town | San Francisco, CA, US |
| Favourite Saying | RESIST 2016 |
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Milestones |
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| 1966 - 1969 | Howard Law School, JD | ||
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published a tribute .
I loved walking into the Rosebowl when Phil was there. He would respond, “oh good one of my favorites is here!” You never know the last time you will see someone. I will miss Phil and his kindness knowing I won’t here those words again. I wish peace and love to Dina and his family. ❤️ Think of you often Phil.
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published a tribute .
I had the privilege of serving as Phil's physician for many, many years. He was a man of wisdom, insight and courage. He confronted each setback head on, did what was necessary, and moved back onto his life path with enthusiasm. He was loyal, appreciative, and always a pleasure to be around, in sickness and in health. We became good friends, which was also a privilege for me. I will miss him.
Martin Brotman M.D.
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published a tribute .
I met Phil (& Dina) shortly after joining Callixa in 2004, and they both helped in making it one of, if not the most, pleasurable working experiences I've had. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to reconnect with Dina and Phil in the last 3 years, and my wife Edith and I would like to offer Dina and Phil's family our deepest condolences at this time. We will always treasure our visits to Napa and your wonderful and warm hospitality.
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published a tribute .
https://m.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Phil-Ryan-flamboyant-SF-civil-rights-and-13108277.php?t=64778ad415#photo-15923399
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published a tribute .
Thanks, Phil, for writing IGNATIAN MAN. Friends are saying thanks. And enemies?.... well, you haven't got any. You have left fond memories for us all! I expect your next news report soon. Take your time. There are no more deadlines. Your editor in chief, Dan.
IGNATIAN MAN
By Phil Ryan
More than six decades ago we were Ignatian boys
Do you remember that autumn day so long ago
The dread teenage years, the loss of childish joys
We pushed through the swinging doors of our Stanyan Street school
Greeted by a clamoring hallway of stern senior classmen
Resplendent in their white Block Club sweaters
My God, they're so big, they're grown men, we all thought
And we're just kids with girl's cheeks and acne on our faces
And hair growing in new and hidden places
In small packs of grammar school buddies we climbed four flights of stairs
And shuffled into our Home Rooms
For what our parents said was a Jesuit education
Right away they segregated us from our boyish pals
Transforming us to strangers filled with adolescent consternation
Richmond greeted Sunset, North Beach saluted Mission
Bay View smirked at Pacific Heights and the Marina,
Though Chinatown had little to say
As we settled at our desks
Just boys along The Bay
In every class the voice of Father Leonard crackled through the intercom
Dictating his expectations of our day
It was all so damn confusing, we felt so awfully odd
But when we heard our Principal speak
We were certain his was the voice of God
Just four of more than seventy years it took to pass from boys to men
It is this unique and intimate journey we took together
That binds the Class of '57 in history and brotherhood
We heard the taunts of public school boys who always called us cherries
Until we met them at Kezar and Funston and roughly taught them
Wildcats are rarely fairies
Sound bodies, sound minds our Jesuit teachers were heard to say
Engage the whole man they taught us
If in life's enduring game you wish to play
They gave us Virgil and the language of the Bard
Theater, art, dances and debate, eloquence by every name
Though physics and math many of us found too hard
A classical education was the thrilling game
But exhaustion was it's secret aim
For Jesuit education, raging teenage hormones
Will momentarily tame
At least for a while I remained quite chaste
Until I realized my mouth is Irish
But I'm Italian below the waist
Together we surfed the turbulent waves of teens
We danced to Fats Domino, kissed girls to the soulful swing of
The Penguins and the Platters
Sipped fictional cocktails at the Blackhawk
Where Brubeck and Miles taught us jazz is all that matters
We invented Elvis so white folk could dance with the human race
But memories made misty through the years
Is not what brings us to this time and place
It's our four-year journey together that links us hand to hand
For every member of the Class of '57
Has become an Ignatian man
On a spring day six decades ago,
We stepped down the steps of a grand basilica
And when our feet touched the sidewalk
Our parents, teachers and siblings beheld an Ignatian man
What were we? Who are we?
What is this thing called man?
We are searchers for a woman's love
And find it where we can
We hold our babies awkwardly and pray they'll understand
We love them dreamily, with wondering care
And all we ever want for them
Is not to fear to dare
We fret and contest, we struggle to survive
We plan and dream and covet
To simply stay alive
We laugh a lot and cry not often
We hide our inner boy
And always try to soften
That part of Everyman that always needs to win
Who craves acceptance more than love
An Ignatian man's only mortal sin
We come together less frequently,
Our bellies dropped and expanding
Our manes graying, our ranks thinning
It is autumn now, the years more quickly skimming
And in the recesses of nostalgia's soul
We feel the chill of winter's call
But we are Ignatian men and our faith reminds us
That Winter comes for all
In the shared odyssey of our lives
We have known love and its loss
Grieved at death and departing wives
Yet never surrendering to despair
When our arms embrace and comfort a vulnerable child
Paternity does our soul repair
We are classmate from beginning life
Comrades in arms, fearless in the face
Of life's incessant strife
We are warriors who often cry
Peacemakers unafraid to die
We are husbands, sons, fathers, grandfathers, lovers
And we are brothers
We are Ignatian men
Who live and breath to die for others
Copyright(c)2007
Phil Ryan
All rights reserved
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published a tribute .
Dear Dina,
My family and I are so grateful for the opportunity to have spent the day with you and Phil in Nappa this past May. What a lovely afternoon! Jada will cherish the book Phil gave her. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
With loving memories, Michelle
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published a tribute .
The day after my daughter Malina was born Phil came to the hospital to visit Mirit and see our new baby girl. Phil and I took a break and went to McCoveys,a SF Giants sports bar to grab a beer and some food. I remember Phil giving me the history of his beloved SF Giants and talking about the great players past and present who he appreciated watching. The SF Giants had just one the World Series in 2010 & 2012, so we were very excited. The conversation then later switched to heartfelt, sincere one. Phil explained to me that having a daughter is going to change your life forever and you will never be the same. He told me that there is a SPECIAL bond between daughters and their fathers. He explained that Malina will be the joy of my life like I never experienced before and I will marvel in her growth and be inspired by her for the rest of my life. At the time I wasn't sure what Phil was talking about but as the past five years have gone by Phil and I were able to experience the love, laughter, joy, the "blessing"/gift that Malina has brought to our family. Phil was so RIGHT the day Malina was born five years prior. Thank you for all your charisma, advice, stories, History lessons and laughter. You were truly a larger then life figure.
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published a tribute .
I first really remember Phil when he and Dina announced their engagement at Callixa soon after I started working there. They had a joy together that wafted of true love.
Over the years it was always a treat to spend time with him. He loved life and it was infectious. His service to others, passion for justice, and the love he shared with others will live on forever.
With losing so many family and friends, I've been meaning to file a complaint with our creator as to why we are helpless and powerless to keep our beloved ones here with us in this life and must go on without them.
Phil, don't lose your legal chops on the other side. I'll have some work for you! Love you Phil and Dina.
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published a tribute .
This tribute is a beautiful mosaic depicting Poppa Ryan's values and morals. He lived a long, fulfilled life assisting many people from different walks of life fighting for justice and equality. His struggle is not in vain. I am living proof of his ability to see injustice and to pursue liberty and freedom that our great United States Constitution declares. His courageous actions, day after day, and unwillingness to accept defeat by sounding the alarm and shouting, "Never give up, Never give in, for you have inalienable rights upon which to live..." That is who he was and who he is at his core. And that unique character trait will I forever carry for the rest of my days. Now he is at peace. Poppa, I will see you later. Love you HE LIVED; HE LOVED; HE LAUGHED; HE IS....
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published a tribute .
Phil was Vice President of our eighth grade class at L'École Notre Dame des Victoires on Pine Street in San Francisco. In the Last Will and Testament of the Class of 1953 Phil wrote, "I, Philip Ryan, will my superb French accent to Adrian Buoncristiani." Phil alluded to "the little French school" many years later in his well-written novel, ALL SINS REMEMBERED. Only Nick Zannini scored more points on the boys' NDV basketball team than Phil. Crouching with his dark glove at the ready between third and second bases Phil was not going to let anything get past him in our sandlot years. In the Class Prophecy list of the NDV Class of 1953 someone humorously wrote, "Philip Ryan for the rest of his life,/ Will be sweeping floors for his wife." Those were the days we thought would never end. In May 2017 at the 60th Reunion of the Saint Ignatius High School Class of 1957 Phil read us a poem he wrote about who we were. Others have written we were "the Silent Generation." They never knew Phil Ryan. He will be remembered and missed.
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published a tribute .
This picture captures you intelligence, sense of humor and joie de vivre. You added so much life to our family get togethers. I will miss your stories at the dinner table and sharing your breadth of knowledge. You indeed were a warrior and I hope you are resting in much deserved peace. Love, Mirit
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published a tribute .
I first met Phil in 2000 as a friend, and then a husband of Dina Bitton. it was my pleasure to communicate with him under multiple circumstances and on multiple subjects.
Phil was able to listen (not only to talk).
Phil was positive.
Phil was creative.
Phil always wanted to contribute to a great cause.
Phil was looking for a better future for everybody.
Those are unique qualities of a great human being.
He is no longer with us, and it is a huge loss for all who had a great honor of knowing him and being exposed to the sun of his personality.
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published a tribute .
My family and I have known Phil since 2000, when I joined Callixa to work with his wife Dina Bitton. We enjoyed many opportunities to talk about the economy, politics, and life in general. Or just crack jokes.
Phil was funny, witty, and learned. And always a champion for all people. He loved San Francisco. We will always remember him and what he stood for. A life well lived!
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published a tribute .
Phil and I go back to 1954. We were classmates at St. Ignatius High School. Even then, whether in anger or humor, he was a force. Together we shared many wonderful memories both at home and abroad. We argued, hugged, insulted each other. We laughed and commiserated together. During his high school years Phil could write, speak (how he loved to talk) and argue. He was opinionated and his feelings were deep. He used his talents to address the injustices he found in society, in politics and in the judicial system. In 1957 our high school newspaper was recognized as the "All American" high school newspaper of the year. The source of this information I received from Phil who was a featured columnist But, as in his accounts, Phil never let the truth interfere with a good story! When you lose such a loyal friend, we lose a part of ourselves. I miss his mischievous laugh, I miss our time together and I am very sad.
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published a tribute .
Dear Phil. I expect a full report. Your faithful Inside SI editor in chief, Daniel C. Flynn standing by you, as always. Go forth, kick butts, take names, and sow seeds of divine bliss wherever you go. A big bear hug to ya', caro amico! Dan, Brussels, Belgium
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published a tribute .
I remember our first date — Show Boat. “Is this real?” I proclaimed at the wonder and bravado of the musical. Little did I know, that magic would span our relationship and my world forever. You shaped the mere person that I am. You showed me the world through music, theatre, travel and education. My confidant, my defense, my guardian angel, my grandpa. The world feels off keel without you and I miss you more than words can express.
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published a tribute .
Phil was my intellectual comrade, Howard University law school classmate 1969, law firm partner in San Fransisco and author friend. Together we loved our families, sports, polictics. books, and the struggle for freedom, justice and equality. I will dearly miss my Man. JB
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published a tribute .
We first met Phil and Dina on table 28 on a cruise from Cape Town to Singapore and thought “who is this guy?” Phil in his usual manner managed to captivate his audience and we immediately bonded. Loved visiting Napa and especially showing Phil and Dina around Sydney. Our love to Dina and Family
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published a tribute .
Phil was a passionate fighter for justice, engaged in his community and the world--and also a deeply kind and loving man to his family and friends. I will not forget how much his stories made me think...and also laugh.
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published a tribute .
Dear Dina, Phil was such an inspiration to us all. I remember when he told me of his friend James Kavanaugh, a poetry teacher of mine at UCSB. To know they were friends causes me to think of the poem, "There are Men too Gentle to Live Among Wolves," to which we now could add, "unless they have Phil Ryan by their side". He was so fierce, and brilliant and loved with all his heart. Steve and I will miss him so. And will treasure his writings now more than ever, and all the great memories. May he march on to his drum, in ways we simply can not understand. With love, Gwen
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published a tribute .
Dear Dina,
I am so sorry for the passing of Phil. I first met him when we were freshman at SI at the tender age of 14. We had a lot of laughs over the years. Will there be a service held for Phil?
Sincerely,
Don
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published a tribute .
Will and I are deeply saddened by this loss. Another Fighter gone off to the Great Beyond. We shall continue the Resistance without you somehow. Love to the Family. Will and Debi Durst
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published a tribute .
Phil's great stories and fun loving attitude will be missed. Anthony and I always enjoyed our time spent with him. He was one of a kind.
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published a tribute .
We have lost a champion fighter for all. I guess The Warriors will have to do without him.
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published a tribute .
My mother, Grace Slick Johnson and I want to express our deepest condolences to Phil’s family, and we send all of you our love. We are deeply saddened by his passing. May his memory be a blessing. China Isler
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published a tribute .
Dear Family of Phil. I am so sad to learn of Phil’s passing and just want you all to have my condolences. I had the privilege of working with Phil on his opus BELLE CORA. He, too, had a beautiful heart and a deep love of his city, his history, and most of all his friends and family. Blessings and love, Kyra.
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published a tribute .
Met Phil when he represented my brother, the former Catholic priest, James Kavanaugh poet and author of the powerful A Modern Priest looks At His Outdated Church in the 1960s. They shared the same passion for justice and the three of us shared long talks over food and libations in. James’ Victorian on Delores St. Like so many others I will miss his powerfull presence.
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published a comment .
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