BX November 5, 1953
William M. Ryerson Dies in Hospital Here
William McIntyre Ryerson 45 Chestnut Avenue, for many years one of Brantford’s best known businessmen, died Wednesday evening in the Brantford General Hospital. Although he had been ill with a heart condition for some weeks, his death came suddenly and was a great shock to his family.
Mr. Ryerson was born in this city of United Empire Loyalists stock. He was a son of Thomas Egerton Ryerson and a grand-nephew of Egerton Ryerson, who founded Ontario’s public school system. His mother was Elizabeth McIntyre Ryerson. He attended the public schools here and graduated from the BCI and VS before going on to the University of Toronto. At the Collegiate he was active in school affairs, particularly in the Cadets. He was a veteran of the First World War, serving as an officer.
Mr. Ryerson was a graduate of the University of Toronto and of Osgoode Hall. Following his admission to the Bar of Ontario, he practiced law on Market Street for some years, before entering the grocery business operated by his father. The business established in 1885 as Ryerson Bros. (five years later T.E. Ryerson took over the store) was one of Brantford’s landmarks for years.
On the death of his father William Ryerson conducted the business successfully for many years. Some years ago he closed out the grocery business and entered the brokerage business. He was manager of Milner, Ross and Company (later Ross, Knowles) for years, retiring in October 1952.
Taking a keen interest in municipal affairs, Mr. Ryerson served as alderman for ten years from 1926 to 1936 with the exception of 1930. He contributed much to the city’s welfare and was generally liked for his warm, happy nature.
In fraternal affairs, his interest chiefly centered in Freemasonry. He was a member of Doric Lodge, AF and AM, the Scottish Rite, Mocha Temple, Shrine, and the Brantford Shriners Club. He was a member of Park Baptist Church, the Brantford Curling Club, the Brant County Bar Association and several other organizations.
Although not an active participant in sports of late years, Bill Ryerson, as he was popularly known, was a keen supporter of them.
Surviving are his widow, the former Aileen Hart, and twin daughters, the Misses Martha and Elizabeth Ryerson, at home.
Mr. Ryerson is resting at the Beckett Funeral Home, where service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday. Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.
