Date of Birth: 1946
Place of Birth: Bonavista, NL
Inducted: 2014 (Builder Category)

Marv Ryder devoted more than 30 years to the betterment of hockey within Newfoundland and Labrador. His extremely beneficial contributions were of great importance to every aspect of hockey from minor to senior and the manner in which he served the sport was responsible for numerous valuable programs and projects.

His service began with Bonavista Minor Hockey and continued up through a wide range of positions until he was elected President of Newfoundland Labrador Hockey Association. He served as President and Hockey Canada Board of Director from 2000 to 2006 following two years as Vice-President. He was the branch representative for 10 years and was Provincial Easter Tournament Coordinator for 18 years.

For 10 years he was President of the Bonavista-Trinity Minor Hockey Association. He was the games coordinator for six years and a coach or manager for the organization in novice to bantam competition for 10 years.

This outstanding record of volunteerism resulted in numerous awards being earned. They include the 1986 Brian Wakelin award, the 1988 Celebration’s Volunteer of the Year award for contributions to hockey, five selections as Bonavista-Trinity Minor Hockey Association Executive of the Year and a 3M medal in 1991 for Coach of the Year. The Town of Bonavista named him Volunteer of the Year in 1992. He received the Federal Government’s 125th Anniversary Medal for volunteer work in hockey and was awarded Hockey NL’s Gold Stick in 1994. The Minor Hockey Meritorious award of 1995 was followed by the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association’s Outstanding Volunteer Award in 1996 and Hockey Canada’s Order of Merit Award in 2004. He was the first recipient of the Reg Butt Award for Outstanding Dedication to Minor Hockey. One legacy left by this man is the significant revenue this branch receives when Canada host International Events because of his influence and vision at the Hockey Canada Board level.

The value of Ryder’ lifetime contribution is demonstrated by a banner at the Bonavista Stadium and every player in the local association wears a jersey that has Ryder’s name displayed within a ribbon embroidered on the sleeve.