PIT TOUCH and FLAG FOOTBALL in WINNIPEG MANITOBA - FOOTBALL!

3774 Posts

The remainder of the championship celebratory pictures and stories will have to wait a day as we report the loss of the Aints Ryan Martin who passed away suddenly Tuesday morning. Ryan collapsed on Monday night and was unable to be resuscitated. This comes just two days after the Aints championship final.

I had the pleasure of playing with Ryan Martin for a number of years with both the Blazers and the Avengers and I will always remember him as a force on the field and a great guy off. Ryan was integral in getting the Avengers franchise off the ground and was our leading scorer for numerous seasons until he had to take a step away from the game for personal reasons. Ryan had recently returned to playing in the PIT and we had hoped that he would have once again been a staple in the league. Ryan was always a happy go lucky guy and we in the league send our condolences out to his family, his friends and his teammates in the football community. Ryan leaves behind two small children for who the PIT is going to work with teammate Mike Laping to raise money for a university scholarship fund. We will release more information as it becomes available.

The PIT Crew

177 Posts

Very sad indeed. I did play with Ryan but more often played against and lots of times officiated his games. Was always the epitome of the type of player you want on the field and playing the game. Condolences to the family.

Cliff Kitchen

19 Posts

I had the privilege of playing with and against Ryan. A class act and one of the best teammates you could ever ask for. So sad to hear of his passing.

31 Posts

I to was so shocked and saddened when I heard of Ryan's passing yesterday morning. I had the privelege of knowing Ryan when I worked at Birchwood GM. We became friends through work.He was one of the founding members of the Woodys. Those of us that were friends with Ryan at work had decided to put our football skills to the test and form a touch footbal team...the Woodys.Ryan had always led our team in scoring. He was the ultimate teammate. Ryan would always suggest to our qb in the huddle that he would run a particular route to open up the wideout on his side. Ryan knew the defense would have 2 guys cover him. He never demanded the ball during our games. One of the most selfless guys I have ever played football with in touch or tackle. He was a great guy and hard worker who will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out his family. Especially his children.

Joey

Woodys

16 Posts

A true class act. As great as he was as football player, he was a greater man. I was honoured to call him a teammate and more honoured to call him a friend.

Kanwal

15 Posts

My condolences to Ryans'family and friends. I too had the privelage to play against and was even happier when Ryan joined my team for numerous sessions. Great teamate and great person to hang around and call a friend, makes you appreciate more how little or how long you have to spend with those around you.

Marco

9 Posts

HI All,

Ryan was much more than a football player to many of us. He will be so greatly missed. Getting over the shock of this loss has been difficult for me.

For those that are interested his family will be having a service at Chapel Lawn October 14th at 2.

63 Posts

You'll be missed Squishy!

9 Posts

Hi All,

I have more information on the Ryan Martin Memorial Touch-Football Tournament.

Ryan Martin graduated from St. Paul's High School in 1994 and passed away in October of last year. Ryan was a dear friend of mine and left behind 2 children.
No more than a week before his passing he and I spoke of our children's education funds and how we worried we may not be able to help them as much as we would like. Ryan was an excellent athlete and excelled at every sport. His favourite was football and he and I played together for over 10 years. We worked together at the Birchwood Automotive Group since we were both 16. I loved Ryan Martin. This Tournament will be to add some money to his children's education fund.

The Tournament will be held Saturday, June 18th at St. Paul's High School. St. Paul's has been very gracious and has helped me out tremendously.
Our tournament will cost a minimum of $20 per player or if you chose to donate more please do. We will be starting at 10 am and the tournament to be completed by 7. Beer Gardens beginning at 2pm until midnight?????. (These times may vary as we complete our planning process)

If you would like to come and just enjoy the day, honour our friend, support his kids and have a few beers, it will cost $15 a ticket. There will be lots of other fun activities. SO, FUN FOR EVERYONE!!!! (Door prizes, corn-hole, ladder golf etc.)

Thanks so much for all your kind words during this difficult year losing my friend, my teammate, my brother.
I love you Ryan!!!!!!!

Mike Laping
(mike.laping@gmail.com)