R. I. P. Ryan Davison

Ryan Davison, a former student-athlete and member of the Laurier Golden Hawks lost his courageous battle with cancer earlier this month at the age of 41.

Ryan leaves behind his wife Carrie and two daughters, Avery and Jordyn.

Ryan came to Laurier in 1998 from his hometown of Guelph and was instrumental in helping the ball team gain traction within the athletic department. Baseball was a club sport in those days and Ryan, along with a group of other student-athletes lobbied for it to become a varsity sport.

They were ultimately successful and baseball became an Ontario Universities sport in 2001, Ryan’s last year as a student-athlete.

Ryan was a catcher during his time at Laurier and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He later went on to obtain his CA (now CPA) designation and had a successful career as an accountant. In 2007 he came back to Laurier as an assistant coach and spent two years helping out the program in that capacity.

“Ryan was the ultimate competitor and one of the best teammates you could have” said former teammate Scott Ballantyne, now the current head coach. “Ryan was one year ahead of me and was one of the guys who helped with my transition from high school to University.

“Ryan would do anything for his teammates and loved being part of the ball team. We weren’t particularly good back then, but ‘Ryno,’ as he was affectionately known by his teammates, didn’t care. He was always having fun at the ball park. He did a lot for us off the field back then in the early days of the program. He is a huge reason that we are where we are today as he put in a lot of work to get the program off the ground in the late 90’s and early 2000’s.”

The 2000 Lauirer Golden Hawks with C Ryan Davison in the front row wearing the shin guards (third from the end).

Ballantyne described Ryan as “a battler and he showed that not only on the field as a player, but in his ultimate battle with cancer these past few years.”

“We will miss his fun loving personality,” Ballantyne said, “this is a big loss to our Laurier Baseball family.”

The team will honour Ryan by re-naming the Ultimate Team Player Award, handed out annually at the team’s award banquet the Ryan Davison Ultimate Team Player Award.

Ryan had played his minor ball in Guelph all the way up to junior with the Silvercreeks. He then enrolled in Lauirer in 1998 for four seasons.

He caught and also played some first base and outfield. Ryan could always be counted upon to help out as the team attempted to gain varsity status -- which it did in 2001.

Never ‘The Star,’ he contributed in a lot of ways as a team leader and a great teammate. He was Laurier’s Crash Davis in a way as he worked with younger pitchers to help guide them through games. A teammate with a “really good sense of humour,” who could tell a joke and “keep the mood light.”

Ryan was never much of a fan of umpires and wasn’t shy to voice his opinions to them. After school he played senior for the Milton Red Sox for a number of years in the 2000’s as well.

A huge Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Eagles fan, Ryan came back to his Laurier roots as an assistant coach under Ballantyne in 2007-08.

Ryan was diagnosed with colon cancer 3 1/2 years ago and fought hard to the end.

From Guelph Today

It is with sadness that we share the passing of Ryan James Davison. Ryan passed away on Nov. 10, 2020 at the age of 41, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle against cancer.

Predeceased by his daughter Hannah and his grandfather, Mervin. Survived by his loving wife Carrie and their beautiful daughters Avery and Jordyn, his parents Earl and Debbie, his grandmother Muriel, his sister Tara (Javi) and their daughter Lauren. Also survived by many beloved extended family.

Ryan was born on May 13, 1979 in Guelph, Ont. He attended Westwood Public School and Guelph Collegiate, where he made many long lasting friendships. From an early age, he developed a love for all things sports, but especially baseball. As a valued member of many teams growing up, including Concrete Groovers, M & M Ranch, GCVI Green Gaels (high school), Wilfred Laurier Hawks (university) and ending with the Milton Red Socks, he displayed leadership and sportsmanship qualities that were undeniable.

He attended Wilfred Laurier University, receiving a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Economics and graduating in 2001. During his university years, he met many people whom he called friends until the end. It was during this time that he met Carrie, whom he would marry in 2004.

During his years after university, he worked at Deloitte and Touche, Grant Thornton, Lawrence Group and finally at RLB. His work ethic was like no other.

Ryan was all about family. With Carrie, he had three strong, beautiful daughters. He enjoyed family gatherings, always the jokester, making people laugh and feel seen and appreciated. He loved spending time with his Grandparents and the time with his parents was always cherished.

In 2017, Ryan received the news that he was about to face the hardest battle of his life. Over the next 3 1/2 years, he fought through surgery, chemo, and radiation. Through all of this, he kept a positive outlook, always ensuring his struggle was never the focus. Every week, he showed up. His determination to stay with his girls and rest of this family was evident in everything that he did. He fought to the end.

As per Ryan’s wishes, there will be no funeral service or visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Terry Fox Foundation and Hospice Wellington Guelph. Cards are available at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph.

Details to follow for a Celebration of Life party.