Much-loved Lew a memory maker

LEWIS JOHN RYDER 1929-2019

IF one’s legacy was to be measured by how many people were touched by his generosity, guidance, influence or firm hand, then Lew Ryder has been one of the greatest influences in the Burdekin’s history.

The man responsible for Ayr’s first skating rink – which saw generations of Burdekin residents fall in love, meet friends and enjoy family – was farewelled at a funeral last week, just a few months before his 90th birthday.

Former customers and friends of Lew shared their tributes on Facebook last week, with a handful posting photos of their rollerskates in honour of the much-loved community man.

“He gave a lot of kids many hours of enjoyment at his skating rink,” Carlo Tomarchio said.

“I have fond memories of riding my bike to the rink at the showgrounds with my rollerskates wrapped around my shoulders. Speed skating to Black Betty (Ram Jam) and getting whipped around one of the steel posts.”

Janelle Short said Lew “did so much for our district”.

“The passion he had for young people and his community was second to none,” she said.

From an early age, Lew was no stranger to customer service as his parents Hugh and Florence owned fish and chip shops in Charters Towers.

Lew grew up with one brother Hugh James (Jimmy) Ryder and one sister, Florence Edith Wall nee Ryder (Flo).

While still in school, Lew was never one to miss an opportunity and started selling ice cream from his own horse and cart from street to street as well as making the product from scratch.

Lew was schooled in Charters Towers and left the town at 16 to start work with the railway. He was originally stationed at Rollingstone, as a lad porter, and worked his way up to assistant stationmaster in Proserpine.

After leaving the railway he followed his parents to Ayr where he cut cane for a short time while still making and selling ice cream.

Lew then worked at Turners Cement Laundry Tubs in Young St.

Having a flair for customer service and learning how to sell ice cream, he then started working for Edgar and Hudson Electrical retailer who then sold it to Sydney H Turner. Lew ended up managing the store.

It was at that time he met and employed Joyce Kelly, whom he later married on April 14, 1960.

Lew took on the responsibilities of managing two Townsville stores and a Charters Towers store for Sydney H Turner.

Lew was the consummate salesman, so there was no surprise that he won various awards for sales nationally. Lew also acted as a booking agent for travelling bands and entertainers passing through the Burdekin. Most memorably, he became good friends with Col Joye, who stayed in touch with Lew throughout the years.

As Lew continued to advance his business portfolio, he and Joyce decided to start a family and their first son John Anthony was born in June 1961. This was closely followed by the birth of their second son Lance Lewis, in July 1962.

John and Lance remember some special times as a family growing up. When Kevin Wheelan was in the process of setting up the Didgeridoo Zoo, the Ryder family in Cameron St housed and cared for all of the animals before the zoo opened.

In Lew’s later years he grew cumquats, rosellas and loved his orchids. He also made cumquat and rosella jams and mango chutney. He won prizes at the Ayr Show for these and his slipper orchid.

He was always looking to teach his grandchildren the importance of working hard.

Lew had to give away his orchids when he entered the aged care home but recently one of these won first prize at the Bundaberg Show by Johnno and Val Johnson (Johnno was Lew’s best man).

Lew and Joyce’s first grandson Ashley’s birth coincided with the pouring of the slab for their new home being built in Macmillan St, behind the skating rink.

While family was Lew’s first love, his love of business followed. He enjoyed people and liked being of service. He made many contributions to the economy of the district through his various business ventures.

Most notably was the introduction of rollerskating at the showgrounds in Ayr that he started in 1965. This was to become one of his greatest achievements.

He spent many years working for Sydney H Turner but decided in the late ’70s to build his own fortunes by building a dedicated rollerskating facility in Queen St, Ayr in 1979.

It was also one of the few places in Australia where the skating rink was transformed to an indoor cricket centre mid week and after 1pm of a Saturday for cricket super league.

Lew Ryder was a memory maker. Just about everything he did, gave you a reason to remember him.

Lew was at his best when he had an audience. Everything he did was a spectacle. His quick wit and sharp tongue often left people speechless and entertained many others when he ran the music at the skating sessions.

He always engaged the crowd. He never believed in just playing music, he ran a show.

And it is that show that many thousands of people will fondly remember about Lew Ryder for the rest of their lives.