Ryan, Harold F., 1908-1979.

Harold F. Ryan, S.J. joined the Society of Jesus in the California Province with which he was associated for most of his life, principally at Loyola Marymount University (then Loyola University of Los Angeles). He entered the Society at Los Gatos on August 6, 1926, being ordained on June 16, 1939.

Father Ryan's life was devoted to the teaching of English and to the spread of interest in English literature, especially that of contemporary Catholic authors. To this end he devoted his spare time as scholastic, priest and professor to the solicitation of contributions by Catholic authors to the gallery of writing, photographs, memorabilia, letters and biographies which would be set up on exhibit at the University. Father Ryan also devoted himself to the formation of a functioning English department and in time its integration into the University's graduate programs.

Father Ryan died as he had lived, in the midst of his fellow Jesuits. Rising from the community dining table on the evening of a festive dinner on February 23, 1979, his last word were, "Well, I have given everything I ever had to the Society of Jesus".

From the description of Reverend Harold F. Ryan, S.J., Catholic authors collection. (Loyola Marymount University). WorldCat record id: 42840021