“Red” Ryder

Mark Forecast and Chompers Currie have informed me of the death of Brian ‘Red’ Ryder on Sunday night 5th September. Born 15.4.1935 at South Grafton, New South Wales, Australia, Red was well known, having been south as a radio operator many times: M 61, W 63 & 65, Q 67, D 71 and Q 73. Mount Ryder (66.57 S, 52.15 E) is named after him. He was also a polar medal recipient.

He served in the Royal Australian Navy between 1953 and 1959 as a radio operator, and also had A Radio Operator by Profession with interests in Surfing, opal mining and race horses.

Red will be farewelled at the Narooma cemetery next Wednesday 15th September at 2pm.  Afterwards at the Dalmeny Bowling Club.

Mark Forecast wrote:  
“Great friend and colleague, Loved and Respected by literally hundreds of Antarctic and Navy people as well as every one else that knew him.  After his Radio Shifts he loved to ‘pick up his shovel’ and help out every one and any one.  Expeditioner  Extraordinarius:  Crapper Runs, Water Runs, Garbo, expert with the Huskies, Scientists best friend on Field Trips a-many .  Homers and wine connoisseur. Life and organiser of many Parties.

You name it and Red and would be involved with significant and dedicated contributions .” 
Other message include:
‘The passing of a legend..’ Chompers Currie

“One of the nicest people I ever met, so we feel very sorry.” k&rs.

Ros Shennan wrote:
Between his 1967 and 1971 ANARE trips, he worked in the North-West Territories of Canada and later for Esso on Bass Straight oil rigs.  Red was married to Dot who pre-deceased him some years ago.  He leaves two adopted daughters:  Julie (Canberra) and Robyn (Narooma) and a grand-daughter Lara. He loved his family, his mates, red wine, and the Sydney Swans. On a personal level, I don’t think I ever met anyone who didn’t like Red.

“He was so good at surviving against the odds. Sad here.” j&im.

This was posted on 6 September 2010.