Sunday, October 13, 2024
Much of my mid-to-late teenage years were spent around the Ryan household in Mallorytown. (Although I haven’t seen him in years, Matt still remains one of the best friends I ever had in my life).
Ted and Sandy were always friendly and kind to me - and our crew. Ted always was willing to share wisdom and experiences from his life. He spent many a Saturday night talking to us in the basement on Goodbody Crescent, while we may or may not have indulged in the odd beverage intended for those older than we were. Pipe in mouth, scotch in hand, and that nonchalant, soft, monotone voice - whether talking sports or just shooting the preverbal bits of advice he liked to share - it was always nice to chat with Ted.
A few bits I can recall from those years:
Ted: “Jason is that you on my roof?”
Jason: “yeah. I’m just getting a better view of the eclipse. “
Ted: “the moon? Well you best get the hell down now or you’ll be on it”
…
Another thing I remember is Ted bringing up is some song by the name of “hoochie coochie Henrietta from Honolulu” or some such craziness (sorry Matt if I got that wrong … I think it’s accurate though). Sadly I have yet to find a recording of it.
Best wishes and prayers to the entire Ryan family - from my family.
Tonight I’ll have a drink or two… or more, (white Russians are my choice now), in Ted’s memory. And I might just get inspired after that to looking up dear old Henrietta and her hoochie coochie.
Lance Charlton
