As head of the Fine Arts Department, Ian Ryrie was pleasure to work with.
I loved and respected his energy, enthusiasm, and expertise.
Mary A. Epstein
Former Brookline Public School parent, PTO president and arts activist
Now - Department Chair
Kodaly Music Institute
New England Conservatory

I feel truly honored to have had Iain Ryrie as my teacher. This is a tremendous loss to his family, friends, colleagues and students. He leaves a remarkable legacy of intelligence, compassion, and humor. It was a privilege to have spent time with him.
Alaina Hammond, Brookline High School class of '99
Former drama student

I will miss you Ian Ryrie. You really sent a lot of us kids in the right direction for me it was Rugby and I will always be thankful for that gift you brought me. I think of that big red mustache you had when I was young and that smile that would appear beneath was priceless. May your family know how much you did for a lot of Brookline kids back in the day....so much so much!
Rest in Peace.....................RR

I was so sorry to hear of your passing. May God bless you and your family in their time of mourning.
Thank-you Iain.

Your most polite rugby player.

I had the pleasure of first knowing Iain as a coach. He had a remarkable way of eliciting the best out of me and my rugby team mates. Few days went by when I wasn't trying hard to impress the guy. When as a sophomore I scored my first two tries against WPI I thought for sure his stoic, wry grin would turn into a big approving smile- instead I got a 'not bad Charney- next time try and put it down between the posts' It just made me work harder. When a few years and not many compliments later I was named captain I started to feel i was indeed beginning to earn his respect. In so many ways Iain helped me become the man I am today. Beyond giving me the gift of rugby which helped me make friends around the world I followed Iain's footsteps and became an international teacher. As an adult we stayed in touch- saw each other from time to time and in the end it was just as he'd planned- mutual respect and admiration- mine for how he made me feel his equal and his i imagine knowing he'd had a big hand in shaping all I’d become. I miss you my coach and friend.

To the Ryrie family- I extend my deepest sympathies and wish you heaps of strength and courage.

Jonathan Charney- BHS Class of '85

I had the great pleasure of being coached by Iain Ryrie on the BHS rugby club. We were a band of misfits and he was our leader. I always assumed he liked me because he seemed to enjoy busting my chops more than the other guys but I suspect he liked us all...

To his family and friends I extend my heartfelt condolences.

Liam McNiff
BHS '92

I knew Iain through many lenses - drama, music, rugby - and can say he was one of the biggest influences of my BHS years. His intellect, wit, creativity, and toughness was truly inspirational. I continued to play rugby and sing for 20+ years after leaving BHS, including a short time playing with Iain at BRFC. Condolences to his family. He will be missed

Peter Rosenmeier, '86

Iain was instrumental in shaping my approach to theater and writing, disciplines which have become my profession. Hard to believe he's gone. I will never forget him, his sense of humor, his interest in life and ideas. He was a unique, formative influence on me; more so than any other teacher I've had at any phase of my life. Cheers, Iain. Your friend, Davey Holmes

I've had many coaches through out the years, but Iain was one of the very few who asked me "What did you learn?" after a game. That was one of the many things he did that stuck with me, and that I repeat as I coach my kids today.

Iain will be missed around the world, because he made a huge impression on many, many students and players.

Condolences to his family and all those that loved him.

Rick Davis
BHS 1988

Iain was a lovely, wry man with a great wit and passion for everything he did. His untimely passing is a huge loss, both to his family and the vast number of us that he taught, coached, mentored and inspired. RIP.

Lynne Dewhurst-McBurney
BHS Class of '85

Iain had such a positive impact on so many people throughout my high school career--whether through drama or the infamous "Rugby Punks." He was the epitome of the ultimate cool teacher who ultimately taught you as much about life as he did about drama or sports without you knowing it. A tremendous person with an amazing legacy. A truly sad loss.

Cathy Worton Krendel
BHS Class of '85

Iain's imprint is deep and enduring for me, too - I feel the loss. Sharp of mind and tongue, he certainly made us drama kids think and act and work (he went easy on you rugby boys haha). It's impossible to make plain what I learned from him - you'd have to know me. Love and condolences to the family.
Jess Tatlock
BHS Class of '87

I had the pleasure of meeting Iain over 30 years ago when he started my life long journey and love of the sport of Rugby at Brookline High. I always remember him for loving to bust my chops at practice and on the field. He just wanted to bring out the best in me and I was determined to show him that I could play rugby and play well. His influence led me to play overseas for the USAF in Okinawa and the Philippines, as well as earning a scholarship to play for Life University. I have made many friends because of Iain. He not only had an impact on myself and the rest of the boys, but he had a profound influence on my brothers Joel (acting) and Michael (rugby). He will be missed but never forgotten.
Dr. Paul Blumsack BHS 82

Iain was absolutely my favorite BHS teacher (class of 85). He was the only teacher I could call by his first name, and not out of any disrespect--quite the opposite. Even after I left high school and we lost touch, I always felt his presence in my life. Even now, sometimes during those quiet nocturnal moments when old memories intrude, I suddenly get a flashback of his sarcastic whit, or something he said to me a long time ago.
Ian, be happy wherever you are. My condolences to his family.
Dima (class of 85)

Iain changed my life and it's safe to say I wouldn't have devoted a life to doing theater, or teaching, or engaging the world the way I do, were it not for his profound and transformative influence. What a loss, and what a gift his life was.

Derek Goldman (BHS '88)

Iain was the first cool grownup I knew well, who combined artistic self expression, with a tough guy cool. He was also the first adult I knew who played rock n roll, and basically was instrumental in my realizing that you could grow up and still have the same values and ideals that a young person does not want to lose in growing up. He was honest, funny, smart, compassionate, talented and unforgettable. I looked forward to those drama classes every day and will always remember his encouragement, his frank critique and his selfless generosity towards young people. I remember seeing him randomly at the YMCA in Newton a few years ago, he looked great and remembered me - any other teacher and that would have surprised me, but running into Iain was like running into a long lost friend. I can't believe he is gone and am really going to miss him.
Ari Vais (BHS '87)

My first memories of Iain were when he coached my brothers in rugby and to be honest...he scared the crap out of me. Later in high school in his drama class, he continued to do so but it became my mission to make him crack a grin and I'm pleased to say it happened...once. That class was one of my most memorable experiences at BHS and I will remember it and you always.
-Jessica Charney class of 1990

Here's something I learned from Iain Ryrie in our 1987 Improv theatre group at Brookline High. I was one of several adult members, a parent in the midst of some very talented, funny kids. Iain taught us how to break through writer's block. When we got stuck for words he said to ask ourselves, "What's your point of view?" Like, what are you trying to say? What's the theme and purpose of this piece? By stating a point of view, we re-focused on meaning and the right words followed. Does that make sense? Give it a try. Iain was a “yes we can!” kind of guy. He taught me to push through my fear, forget about not wanting to make a fool of myself, and focus on the meaning of a story. Iain, that’s my point of view about you – and I thank you.

Iain was my drama teacher all throughout my time at BHS. He truly changed the course of my life, making me the writer I am today. He introduced me to new ways of thinking about drama, not just the classics, but contemporary drama that I seriously doubt was being taught at any other high schools. He inspired so many of us, treated us as true artists, and encouraged us to develop our own school of theater. We were never talked down to, though sometimes he could be hard on us, in probably all the right ways. I look around at my friends, who all came from this Iain Ryrie school of theater, and I see that he has truly informed who we are today, and what we are doing professionally. I don't know of any other high school teacher who had so much impact. He was a maverick (a word I use very sparingly ever since Sarah Palin co-opted it!) I will never forget Iain telling me to "Stop hiding". The power of that one note transformed the way I thought about performance, about playwriting. That was only one note of thousands. He will be terribly missed.

Truly saddened to hear this news. I worked on the Roberts Auditorium Tech Crew, under Iain's guidance, along with Eric Zelman, John Nickerson and others. We pulled a lot of long days (and nights) doing lighting and sound for the various productions Iain and the students produced. It's kind of a cliche, but he brought out the best in students. I also remember him being a wickedly funny guy. Condolences to his family.

Jeremy Chipman (BHS '88)

I'm so sorry, and my heart goes out to his family!
I was a student at the Emerson College summer institute (for high school kids) for two summers, and both years I was lucky enough to work with Iain. He had a profound effect on me, and I attribute a lot of my later work as a professional to his influence. I think of him often, as I'm sure many of his students do. G-d bless you Iain, and go show the angels how it's done!

I was really shocked to hear this news; as someone who was actively involved with drama throughout my four years at BHS, Iain was an extremely influential figure during my high school years. As an American transplant in England for the past decade, I can also credit him with exposing me to that particularly British form of irony and sarcasm at an early age - something that has been especially useful!

Andrea Chipman (BHS '85)

I have come back to this site several times these last two days. It is funny how far away Brookline and High School appear to me. And yet, for five (yes five) years it was the center of everything. I never really felt a part of the large social context, and yet as these two days have worn on, it draws me back. It has reminded me how much our past is our present.

Iain, Drama and Rugby were integral to my time at BHS and perhaps those two activities and Iain himself (although I doubt he knew), were instrumental in pulling me through the toughest time of my life. Whether it was just letting go of all my anger and frustration on the pitch or channeling my loss through writing and performing for others, pretending my loss was someone elses, Iain was there to coax (sometimes not so gently), the best I could do out of me.

The resume of those whom he taught speaks volumes about his prodigious talent as a teacher. The breadth of these comments is testimate to the impact he had on our lives. I doubt I talked to him more than five times in the years since I left BHS, but I alsways intend to. I will regret not having done so and I will think of him often.

To his family, my condolences. Bye Iain.

Charles (BHS 87)

Iain pushed all of us to find our inner strength and talent. What a gift. What an act of love (from the toughest man I ever met).

John Nickerson (BHS 1988)

While I didn't know Iain well, as I wasn't at BHS for very long (a chronic condition with me and high schools), I remember him clearly. Because of Iain, every time I hear Pink Floyd's "Time" I think of him and drama class. If you took his class, at least that year, you probably know why.
I remember him as larger-than-life; I doubt his passing even slowed him down.

Ken (Stewart) MacGregor (BHS [should have been] '85)

Iain Ryrie! Never before did a man of such stature cast such an enormous shadow in both his passing and in his life.

Iain's sarcasm (wit, really) and passion left an indelible imprint on me immediately. As a teen, I thought his energy was derived from some sort of furious devotion to his "teams" (no matter the vocation or venue). Having seen Iain with Marjorie a year ago for a pint allows me both comfort and great sadness, as he shared with me his greatest reward- talking about the lives of Eric, Cailin and Marjorie.

Needless to say, when I tried to tell Iain how "I always pause before I bark at my absent minded sons during Little League games because I still hear you shouting 'wakey wakey' at me", Marjorie looked lovingly at Iain, who himself was already staring out of the window next to us, turning the discussion to other former students.

So long, pal. I am honored, perhaps blessed that your voice will always be (amongst) the loudest in my head.

So many of us have the same story. Who we are today was deeply impacted by knowing and working with Iain. He was an exceptional teacher, coach, mentor and friend. We are all better because he was part of our lives. May the love we feel for this amazing person help support his family at this time.

My heart goes out to his family.

With love, Tina (Kenn) Bowen. BHS class of '83.

I met Iain when I was taking classes in the Drama Dept. I always had such fun with him, and tried to stay in touch over the years even though I lived in California. I would travel home to see family and make a special stop at BHS every time, just to check in and say hi and see how things were going. I remember the first year he taught Rugby, and all the students that learned to love the game and Drama because of Iain's caring and love of both students and subjects. Here I am, just back again this week for family and was about to swing by tomorrow to say hi, when my friend called to tell me of his passing. I am truly saddened, and he will be missed, but definitely not forgotten.

Dina L. McLelland (nee Duhl) would have been Class of '83 had I not transferred to NMH.

Iain was one of the toughest teachers I ever had. Not that the work was hard but he pushed me way beyond what I was capable. He taught me to be a professional, committed and dedicated actor and student. When I applied to Emerson College he personally called the Dean of the department to tell them that I needed to go to that school. I believe Iain made it possible for me find my voice and to never change who I was for anyone. I too would take time to see Iain while he was still at BHS and when I was in my own cancer battle he sent me a note of encouragement which I still have. I was so sad to hear this news.

Some of the best education I got was in the auditorium of BHS.

Rose Meinert Beeson BHS 88

I also want to take this chance to tell you how much you have meant to me over the last 25 years or so. You made me into a man in a lot of positive ways. I won't ever forget the car ride back from the Acton Tens a few years ago after we had we all rolled back the years for one last surge of winning rugby. We talked about our lives, our families and what gave us joy off the pitch. You are a noble soul. You always were dead honest with me, and your intensity, passion, enthusiasm for life made me feel like you were a kindred spirit, even though to be honest I was always pretty intimidated by you and I really looked up to you and always sought your approval. I sometimes yell at my players during my own rugby trainings, "I'm a 44 year old man!" when I am, like you used to do, leading them from the front in fitness. By the way, your insistence on top fitness and your mantra "trust your hands" has helped our school's rugby team win the Gold at our season ending six-school tournament 3 years in a row and 5 out of the last 7. Your legacy of mentoring, coaching and rugby passion will live on forever. Know that there is a light shining for you on the other side of the world,

Chris.

Class of '85

I've been teaching theater to children for 20 years, and doing at least one play with kids every year scripted through improvisation. The seeds of that work were planted by Iain in his acting classes and in the way we workshopped plays back in high school. I have also been coaching for 17 years (college Ultimate frisbee, not rugby), and continue to be a player/coach, as Iain was.
Iain was a mentor in unexpected ways, perhaps the greatest of which for me was the way he lived his life doing what he loved to do and doing well. His legacy was to teach through example: his drive, his wit, his energy, and his commitment to living life fully.
Condolences and love to Iain's family, from all of those he touched.
Bill Stewart '83

When I think back to my most memorable mentors and coaches as a youth, Iain rises right to the top of the list as I know he does for so many others. Whether training for Rugby in Dean park (more star jumps please..), hosting international teams, or just mixing it up with the dynamic group of people Iain brought together each and every year, the experiences were always unforgettable. He had a talent in motivating students and players to dig deeper and achieve their best. I will miss him but always remember him for his generosity, leadership and humanity.

Tony Lees - BHS86

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?n=iain-h-ryrie&pid=151337740

my favorite teacher still.
t.j. walsh

Iain had a profound influence on my life and nurtured my interest in theater and comedy. He was the first teacher I ever had that I thought of as a friend. When I was going through some tough times in High School there was nowhere else I would want to be than in drama class or rehearsal. Even on the days when I skipped school I'd still show up for his class. He was smart, and funny, and cool, and will be missed.

My condolences to his family, friends, and students past and present, Jason Blanche BHS 88

Iain was an amazing teacher - tough, honest, insightful, relentless - unmatched in so many ways. The original dramatic work he created with his students was extraordinary and real and true, and I bet I'm not alone in looking back at it as some of the finest work I've had the privilege to be a part of. If these tributes represent even a fraction of those of us he profoundly influenced, his legacy is enormous. Iain's too-early death is a terrible loss for his family and friends, but his gifts to all of us live on.

Steve Rivo, BHS '89

I just found this article, and felt compelled to chime in with my own Ryrie memories. I transferred to BHS my Junior year, and met Iain my first day on campus. Observing my size, he immediately began to recruit me for the rugby team. I was terrified to join; not because I was afraid of the sport, but because I was wary of being a part of any team or organization. I was full of teen-angst insecurity, extremely shy, and had not yet really begun to develop a sense of self. I hemmed and hawed, stammered, and did my best to avoid seeing Ryrie in the hallways. I dreaded encountering him, because I could sense he saw right through me. Deep inside me was a desperate need to belong, to feel a part of something, yet I was mortified to step out of my comfort zone.
I spent the year dodging him, and by the spring all he would do was glare at me from behind his bushy mustache. Scary as he appeared to me at the time, I always sensed his innate kindness underneath. I somehow knew he cared about me, he was not simply recruiting another big guy to play rugby. He was trying to help another shy teenager find his own identity, encourage me to emerge from my adolescent shell.
My senior year, I resolved to join the team. My first day of practice I saw Iain's face break into a smile. I could tell he was pleased and proud. He quickly suppressed his grin and barked at me 'about time you showed up.'
Being a part of the team was a wonderful experience. I'll always be grateful to Iain.

Ian, the greatest gift you gave me was a love for culture and comraderie. Being a football player, you made me appreciate what it took to transfer my skills to rugby. More importantly, you introduced me to the cultural aspects of rugby that I will never forget. Be it, sharing laughs and fun with the opponent after games, or hosting English players and seeing different viewpoints, even the in game comraderie depicts culture. I will never forget our arguments about music from english bands. And yes Ian, The Clash IS the only band that matters. Cheers good friend, you will be missed...Michael Batt

Iain Ryrie introduced me to a sport considered by some as the greatest game on earth. Rugby! This sport has given me a lifetime of glorious memories. In the beginning as new recruits (thanks to J. Lockwood and the late P. Polishuck) we played touch during training at Dean park. There, Iain was the master mercilously demonstrating his textbook sidestep dummy pass against us green beans. He challenged us pretty good. Hating to get schooled endlessly by their master we responded like any good disciples would. We figured out how to defend against and perform this move against him during practice. Then we did it against our oppenents on game day with great success. This was just one example of the many lifelong gifts he has given to his students during his career as an educator and mentor. My last memory of being with Iain was 5 years ago when we were playing together in the 10 good men tournament in Acton. Our team, the BHS old boys took the Loo(ser) Bowl final. Afterwards, I remember seeing how proud he was (sporting the hugest Ryrie grin) to see several generations of kids he coached in high school share triumph together as grown men alongside their families. The cool ones went down that glorious day for sure. Iain thanks for charting my course and changing my life forever. May you rest in peace knowing you were a great man. J. Islas BHS 85(your rugby brother)

One of the most gratifying moments in my life, was winning Acton 10’s on the “Brookline Grads” team with Ian as a teammate –my coach, as my teammate! The man who introduced me to Rugby, and to a world of ideas outside the sport. The man I spent years learning from, and looking to live up to. I still have not been able to shake rugby, the memories, the wit, or the camaraderie Ian introduce me to. The thought of Ian’s passing has given me the chance to take stock of how this man helped shape my life; I am grateful for the patience he mustered every day to face such a motley crew. My thoughts are with my teammates, one of happened to be this unusual and singular man. Till the end he was willing to teach/share.

To the Ryri family, my sincerest sympathies in this difficult time.

Bye Iain, thank you for everything, till the very end you continued to teach me…
Daniel Mejia-Onat
BHS Forwards Captain ‘91

Iain was a constant force during my high school existence. From the 12-hour "Dramathons" to theatre rehearsals to getting caught smoking or making out up in the cat-walks, the auditorium was my lair, my sanctuary. Sometimes I would break in on weekends or stay late after school or during lunch, while most students ate in the cafeteria, I went and played the piano - and Iain was regularly there. I can still hear Iain today, "Stop banging on that piano you noisy bugger!"

I am, just now, recalling one day during my senior year, when we left school to go to the recording studio I built in the basement of my house, and we hung out there for a few hours, during the school day, just listening and playing music.

He's a big part of how I went from high school into the music industry and certainly why I am in television today. He wasn't an easy man to impress and he had that thing about him that made you want to make him think you were talented - and I was always trying.

I feel honored to have had Mr. Ryrie as a teacher. He was tough but fair and took his craft seriously - helped me take it seriously too.

You are missed.

Chris Phoenix, BHS 88

Looking back now, as is what everyone eventually does in life, it's hard to imagine a more positive influence from - or visceral reaction to - a teacher during the tricky games of adolescence. Iain created such a powerful nucleus that there were both direct and collateral gravitational forces acting upon even the outsiders. Students that were once mere sediment in the social layers of our school somehow became far more purified in his awesome centrifuge. Some of whom his teaching acted upon weren’t ever directly involved in rugby or drama; some were just insecure, growing, young observers, as was yours truly. A special die was cast in the spring of '82 that morphed into something of a cult not before seen at our high school, "The Rugby Punks" as they were called – a fairly elite group: Bullet-proof confidence, fun-loving attitude -- intelligent rebels. This was but one of the more public movements his influence would cause.

He brought with him worldly culture; publically, personally, and customarily delivered to each lucky one of us – and looking back, those were truly priceless lessons. I’m very, very glad to have known him.

My deepest condolences to the family,
--T. Schaffer ‘84

Bodhisattva ::
I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Iain Ryrie I've stumbled on this article, and feel moved to share a memory of crossed paths.
I shared a locker at BHS with two others directly across from Ian's black-box theater/classroom. Iain was uncannily aware of the students and engaged us as complex individuals allowing himself involvement in our emotional lives; a rare treat in postmodernity for fragile adolescents. One of the girls sharing the locker, a drama student of his, lost her single mother our senior year. Ian's compassionate response and involvement was an important part of her ability to cope and thrive beyond this tragedy. His presence at her mother's funeral meant the world to a lost and lonely girl. Iain's fearless spirit of community and generous personal investment created a feeling of place for those that swung in his orbit and the scaffolding to support the budding character of the lucky children his path crossed.

My deepest condolences to the family. I offer this humble message in hopes there might be some comfort in knowing his influence and memory lives on.

—Erin Kavanagh ‘85