Person:Bryan Reamsnyder (1)

Article published Saturday, March 26, 2005

BRYAN H. REAMSNYDER, 1944-2005 Teacher drew praise for leadership in TPS

Bryan H. Reamsnyder, 60, a teacher at the east side schools he attended who became a leader in the Toledo Public Schools, died of cancer Thursday in his Oregon home. He had cancer more than two years, yet he continued his duties as a counselor at Cardinal Stritch High School until November. He'd worked there about eight years.

He retired from Toledo Public Schools in 1996 as executive director of secondary education. He oversaw junior high and high schools and athletics.

"He did an excellent job," said Crystal Ellis, who was superintendent of schools. "He was a great person and a great educator. He earned the admiration and respect of all who knew him and worked with him."

Mr. Reamsnyder was a football referee and, for 30 years, he and his crew spent fall Friday nights officiating at high school stadiums in northwest OH.

He began his career in 1966 as a science teacher - and a baseball, basketball, and track coach - at Garfield Elementary School, which he'd attended. He taught math - his specialty - at Waite High School.

Mr. Reamsnyder was a graduate of Waite High School, where he played on the 1960 City League championship baseball team. He was a member of the City League Athletic Hall of Fame. He was head tennis and baseball coach at Waite. He moved into counseling and became guidance director there.

He became assistant principal of Libbey High School in 1984. He was named principal of Woodward in 1990, a post he held for three years.

"One thing everyone has always said about Bryan is that he was fair and honest and talked to everyone with respect," his wife, Sherry, said.

He received bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Toledo.

Surviving are his wife, Sherry, whom he married Aug. 3, 1973; daughters, Erika Dawkins and Andrea Reamsnyder; brothers, Thomas and Rick Reamsnyder, and two grandchildren.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Eggleston Meinert Pavley Mortuary, Millbury Chapel, where the body will be after 2 p.m. Monday.

The family suggests tributes to Cardinal Stritch High School.

Published: Mar 26, 2005 REAMSNYDER Bryan H.

Bryan H Reamsnyder, 60, of Oregon, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2005, in his home. Bryan lost his valiant efforts against cancer after 32 hard fought months. He was born in Toledo on July 13, 1944, to Robert and Mary Reamsnyder. He attended Garfield School and graduated from Waite H.S. in 1962. While at Waite he was a member of the National Honor Society, Forum Literary Society and played baseball where he was a member of the 1960 City League Baseball team. Bryan attended Toledo University where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education. Bryan began his career as a 7th and 8th grade science teacher at Garfield where he also coached the boys baseball, was the assistant basketball and track coach and helped supervise the girls' intramural program. Five years later, he joined the teaching staff at Waite teaching math and served as class advisor, head tennis coach and head baseball coach. He also became the Eastsides first accelerated seventh and eighth grade algebra teacher. In 1976 he became a counselor at Waite and then moved on to Guidance Director and in 1984 Assistant Principal at Libbey High School. He would eventually become Principal at Woodward High School before being selected to be Executive Director of Secondary Education for Toledo Public Schools. Bryan retired from the Toledo School System in 1996. He would later serve as a counselor for Cardinal Stritch High School in Oregon. Mr. Reamsnyder served his community as chairman of Northwood's Civil Service Board and was also the city's recreation director. Bryan was a registered football official with the OH High School Athletic Association for over 30 years and was an active member of the Northwest OH District Football Officials Association and a mentor to many young officials. Bryan was also a member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, OH Association of Secondary School Administrators and was selected to the 2004 Toledo City League Hall of Fame and the Waite High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Sherry; daughters, Erika (Duke) Dawkins of Woodville, OH, and Andrea (Chad Davenport) Reamsnyder of Walbridge, OH; brothers, Thomas (Sandra) of Bryan, OH and Rick Reamsnyder of Toledo; grandchildren, Colton Bryan Dawkins and Caitlin Dawkins. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in the Eggleston Meinert Pavley Funeral Home, Millbury Chapel, 1111 Woodville Road, where visitation will be Monday from 2-5 and 6-9 p.m. Interment will be in Lake Township Cemetery. Contributions in Bryan's memory can be made to Cardinal Stritch High School. Bryan was an inspiration to others, never complaining, and was determined to fight the good fight. He credits the love of his family, working at Cardinal Stritch and all his wonderful and caring friends for giving him the added support and courage to continue the struggle. Our most heartfelt thanks to the brilliant and respected Dr. William Horvath and his stellar and much loved nursing staff for the excellent care and devotion during this time. Brian was the best husband, father, and Pops anyone could ever have and will remain in our hearts forever. Special thanks to Hospice of Northwest OH, and especially to Laura, for all their care and concern. www.egglestonmeinert.com