Ryan Andersen

Ryan, affectionately known as “Pie” to those close to him, crossed over suddenly in his 50^th year to his next chapter. He was taken far too soon from his wife & love of over 30 years, Jodi (Brooks) Andersen, his beloved daughter, Myra and his loyal dog.  The youngest of his family, Ryan continues to be loved deeply and missed by his parents, Mark and Violet, and his brothers & sisters-in-law Tom (Kerry) & Jeff (Mary). Close to his heart were his nieces and nephews, Josephine, Charlotte, Isak and Grace Andersen, and he is remembered lovingly by his mother-in-law, Marion (Jim), brother-in-law Jim, and nephew James.

Ryan had an extraordinary capacity for love, reflected in his wide circle of extended family and dear friends. The void he leaves behind, truly “Pie-sized”, will be impossible to fill.

Born in Quebec, Ryan spent his first years there before moving with his family a few times around Ontario before they settled in Barrie, where he built so many lifelong friends.

After high school, Ryan headed west with friends, briefly attending Capilano College (something his dad liked to joke was an expensive way to learn how to play guitar). He later returned to Barrie to attend Georgian college.

It was love at first sight when Ryan and Jodi met while both working at the campus pub during their time at Georgian. After graduating, Ryan travelled to South America for what was meant to be a short work project, but the long-distance calls quickly made it clear they couldn’t be apart. He soon returned to complete his university degree, and Jodi joined him in Toronto, where they began to build their life together, filled with live music, travel, and shared adventures.

After graduating with his business degree, Ryan worked on Bay Street in the financial industry. In 2005 the pair were married in Parry Sound, close to Ryan’s family cottage, and a few years later moved to Barrie where they still live.

Summers at the family cottage will never be the same. Ryan could often be found tackling his morning chore list, often involving a leaf blower.  Once the chores were complete, it was time to relax. Standing on the dock, holding his giant speaker overhead, blasting the perfect song to welcome arriving boats. Saunas, ice cream runs, cliff jumping, boat rides, swims, sunsets, bonfires, and star-filled nights will all feel different without the special energy Ryan brought to every moment.

Ryan had a rare gift for making people feel important, whether he had known them for two minutes or twenty years. He left everyone better than he found them. He was the life of every gathering, and music was his love language. Along with it came energy, laughter, dancing, and his unmistakable smile and laugh. Ryan gave the very best hugs and loved to make people laugh. Whether others joined in or not didn’t matter, he was always his own biggest fan when it came to his jokes.

Ryan was a dedicated and accomplished athlete, as well as an enthusiastic fan of nearly every sport. His athletic journey began at a young age, skiing with his family, where his natural ability, determination and quick learning were evident early on. These awesome talents allowed Ryan to quickly excel at almost any sport he got involved with through his whole life.

His love of team sports carried into his high school years, where he became a standout three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and rugby. His talent, passion, energy, and strong sense of teamwork earned him the distinction of Athlete of the Year in his graduating class.

In 2012, Ryan and Jodi welcomed Myra into their family. Ryan was endlessly proud of her in everything she does. Myra carries forward two of his greatest passions - music and basketball. She has developed her own love of music taking over the car stereo and plays rep basketball, with countless hours spent playing “21” in the driveway, often beating her dad.

Later in life, alongside Myra & Jodi, his passion for sport continued in a new way as a devoted supporter and proud contributor to the Barrie Royals Basketball Club where he sat on the board with many of his previous teammates. There were many Saturdays that you would find Ryan and Jodi cheering on Myra in a gym around Ontario. He was so incredibly proud that Myra has found a passion in basketball, with the community he helped create for her holding her extra tight. When not in a gym, Ryan loved ripping laps on his skis or mountain bike on the local Hills & trails of Simcoe County with his Family & Friends.

In 2014, Ryan co-founded two companies that reflected both his entrepreneurial spirit and his deep love of the arts: Hey Bear Productions (HBP) and My Ontario Film Locations (MOFL).

Through HBP, Ryan found a meaningful way to share one of his greatest passions - music. A lifelong fan, he devoted himself to presenting and producing live concerts across Central Ontario, supporting both established performers and emerging artists seeking a stage. He was instrumental in launching the beloved Songwriter Series, which for six years brought singer-songwriters of all genres together in an intimate downtown Barrie setting.

Ryan was also a co-founder and producer of the popular Troubadour Festival, helping to create memorable live music experiences in the heart of his hometown. Connecting people through music was a source of immense pride for him. Over the years, he had the privilege of working with hundreds of artists, including The Skydiggers, Cowboy Junkies, Dwayne Gretzky, Dean Brody, Matt Andersen, Weather Station, Sarah Harmer, Alan Doyle, and Natalie MacMaster.

At the same time, Ryan brought his vision and drive to the film industry through My Ontario Film Locations. Recognizing a need within the Greater Toronto Area, he developed MOFL into a full-service locations company offering both scouting and management services. The company quickly found success, contributing to large-scale productions for clients such as Apple, Pepsi, Tim Hortons, Canadian Tire, Dove, and Bell Media.

Ryan was taken far too young, with so much more to give. While his time here was not long enough, his impact was immeasurable. He will live on in the hearts, memories, and stories of all who loved him. If you wish to honor Ryan’s memory, carry on in your life in the ways you remember him best: hug your people, tell them how you feel, play the music (loud), share a joke, enjoy the yummy food, and go see live music—just remember to wear earplugs.

From Grateful Dead’s Scarlett Begonia’s:

Once in a while you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look right at it.                    

Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.

Plans are being made to create a legacy foundation in Ryan’s honour, which will be dedicated to men’s mental health. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to this when it is announced.