Edward Russell Ryz was born in Dauphin Manitoba on December 31st, 1938 to farming parents. Music was always an important part of their family. His father played violin and had a band that played for dances in the community. Dad Ryz was determined to have their children carry on this wonderful tradition and encouraged them all to play.
Ed began playing the violin at age nine followed by brothers Ernie, Gordon and sister Ruth all playing various instruments such as banjo, mandolin, accordion and piano. Ed remembers how his father taught him how to tune the violin. He would often loosen a peg and call it a mystery string. He had Ed find out which one was out of tune and then correct it. Ed said he learned a lot from his Dad and by listening to Don Messer and Manitoba fiddler Andy Dejarlis among others.
At some point in high school, Ed began to play the Eb saxophone and along with his brother Ernie who played the electric bass and banjo. They started playing for dances and eventually formed a popular dance band called the “Moonlighters”.
On May 19, 1962, Ed married beautiful Diane, the love of his life. They had both grown up in Dauphin so it was that Diane could not resist the charming and persisting Ed. Their pride and joy were their two daughters, Lisa and Alyson. Diane was teaching at this time. In 1974, the family moved to Winnipeg. Ed was soon involved in playing at dances and meeting many other musicians. He continued to further his skills by taking lessons from well known fiddlers such as Mark Morrisseau . He joined the South Glen Fiddlers which consisted of more than thirty musicians. They played a variety of venues including the Festival du Voyageur. Ed often speaks of the fun he had with this group.
When Ed & Diane first retired, they spent several winters in Hemet, California. It was there that he took up violin making. He made three violins, all of which are currently in use. His grandson is the owner of the first violin. By this time, both daughters had carried on the tradition of playing music. Lisa played piano and saxophone and to this day is still a school band instructor. Alyson, is the youngest and plays the guitar.
In the year 2000, Ed and Diane moved to Mission, BC where they still reside. Ed became a member of the Central Fraser Valley Fiddlers moving on to becoming the Music Director for more than ten years. He faithfully attended countless practices that the club held every week except for the two summer months and December. His motto was “if you are not getting better, you will get worse”! With Ed at the helm, the club entertained at many senior homes, many dances at the Aldergrove Seniors Centre and fun venues such as the Kilby Historic Site, the Five Maples Gardening Centre, the Historic Stewart Farm and at the Fort Langley Historic Site of Canada for Canada’s 150 birthday. His involvement with the Knights of Columbus led us to perform for them several times and usually included a lovely meal. This last year was spent encouraging us all to record a CD called the “Milk Cow Blues”. It was quite the endeavour! But we all rose to the occasion and did it! Ed, with lots of experience as dance leader, has a great stage presence and a wonderful rapport with the dancers. Diane is also very popular with the dancers and continues to be part of the “Worker Bees” in the kitchen.
Ed is retiring from the position of Music Director as of September 1st. He says he is very proud of our group with it’s many active members. Ed has done well for us and now deserves a rest from all the responsibilities assigned to that position. Ed will however remain with our club as a member and join in when needed. Both he and Diane are involved in other interests such as helping out at the local food bank and travels to see their daughters in Alberta and Manitoba. Music, however, is still on his radar. He is the leader of the “Ukrainian Prairie Band”. This is a smaller group that also entertains at venues and plays at dances. They specialize in ethnic cultural music.
Ed continues to be well thought of by all the members of the Central Fraser Valley Fiddlers and a good friend to all.
Submitted by Rosalie Eeg