By Neil Brown
It is on a sad note we acknowledge the passing of Teddy Ryan on Monday 8th of December at 91 years old. A multi-talented media man, Ted was GRV’s very first Marketing Manger working out of the William St office. He had got a start in greyhound racing calling the trials at Cheltenham Park with the Kirby’s back in the late 60’s. He also served on the first and a number of Greyhound of the Year panels.
A media professional for over 40 years, Ted was a noted race-caller, he called all three codes, calling over 15 Melbourne Cups for national television and radio.
Over the years Ted had worked for all the major national TV channels in Melbourne both 7 and 9 and in Sydney on Channel 10. He also worked at Melbourne racing radio stations as well as 3GL calling the football. Ted also wrote for The Melbourne Observer and run the Punter’s Club at Melbourne’s first casino. Ted was also Marketing Manager at the Collingwood Football Club but was a North Ringwood man to the core. Ted was a licensed auctioneer, notably conducting an enormous number of charity auctions for a huge number of Australian charities.
My fondest memories of working with Ted were at Pub-Tab promotions where we would take a greyhound to the hotel. Ted would do live cross’ to 3UZ’s Brian Mazoletti. One night at the Middle Hotel in Mordialloc, an all-in brawl erupted in the public bar. Ted never missed a beat explaining to Brian how well everything was going while my greyhound ‘Baghdad Beggar’ barked encouragement to the brawlers with his front paws up on the pool table.
Ted was great company, and an entertaining storyteller. He was a great and loyal mate. Loved by many in the Greyhound Fraternity. Condolences to Ted’s family.
