Noel Ryan was an administrator with the heart of an artist.
Ryan, the former chief librarian and one of the main architects of the Mississauga Library System, died Saturday at age 83.

Ryan headed the local library system from 1971-87 and led it through a rapid expansion and key planning and preparation for the opening of the new Mississauga Central Library in 1991.

A visual artist who studied abstract expressionist painting in Paris in the early 1950s, Ryan amassed a valuable art collection for the system, introduced one of the first 16 mm. film collections in the country, and initiated a microfiche system in which newspapers were catalogued, an invaluable aid to local researchers.

"Mississauga was a showcase of innovation," because of Ryan's foresight, says Don Mills, who succeeded Ryan in the job. "His legacy had already been established in the 1970s and 80s because of his tremendous vision."
Ryan fostered the branch system of service and saw it expand significantly during his tenure, which included construction of the Raymond Moriyama-designed Burnhamthorpe District Library.
The library grew from 35 to 180 employees under Ryan's tutelage. Circulation climbed from one to three million items.

"He also introduced technology very early," said Mills, noting the replacement of the old card catalogue system with computers proved "a tremendous boon" for administrators and readers alike. Mississauga was one of the first libraries in Canada to have a computerized catalogue system.

"He established an annual visual arts show which had tremendous community support. He introduced innovative design and furniture in libraries, and he championed children's programming," said Mills.

The director of library services was especially pleased that Ryan, who suffered from aphasia (a disorder that damages language centres in the brain), was able to attend the opening of the Churchill Meadows library two years ago, the City's 18th and final branch. "He got to see his vision completed," said Mills.

In his uncompleted memoirs, titled A Life of His Own, Ryan recounted his Second World War experiences serving with the Victoria Rifles, the Canadian Infantry Corps and the Black Watch in Europe.
Although he would win medals for his service, Ryan wrote in his memoirs, "Let's set the record straight from the beginning. I'm no bloody hero. Nor was I a coward. I was concerned that Mrs. Ryan's little boy should not get his ass shot off. This meant that I would be very cautious at exposing myself to enemy fire while still doing my job and supporting my mates."

In 2004, Ryan held an exhibition of his work from 1965-75 at the Living Arts Centre, titled Juxtaposed. He also wrote poetry. In an interview with local historian Kathleen Hicks, Ryan said, "I was never terribly interested in selling my (art) work. I gave away more than I sold. I regard myself as a dilettante."

Edna Toth, whom Ryan hired to head the publicity department soon after he became chief librarian, said he was a very good boss to work for. “When people were on the right track, he let them do their thing."
Ryan is survived by his wife of 59 years, Doreen and children Colin, a resident of Edmonton and daughter Karen, who lives in Clarkson. Colin and his wife Kelly had their first child, Madeleine, just weeks ago.
A memorial service led by Reverend James Lindsay will be held in the Noel Ryan Auditorium of the Mississauga Central Library Friday May 8 beginning at 4 p.m. Ryan will be buried in Westminister Cemetery in Toronto.