Nelson resident and educator Reinhard ‘Ryan’ Lengsfeld dies at 74
Reinhard “Ryan” Lengsfeld, a longtime educator and Nelson resident, died Sept. 1 at the age of 74.
Photo: Facebook
Reinhard “Ryan” Lengsfeld, a longtime educator who later made his home in Nelson and became known to West Kootenay residents as a moderator of a regional Facebook discussion group, died Sept. 1 at the age of 74.
Born in Germany in 1952, Lengsfeld immigrated to Canada with his family as a child. The family settled in Grenfell, Sask., before he later moved to Calgary.
He earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary and a Master of Education from Gonzaga University before pursuing a career in education. According to his obituary, Lengsfeld taught science and German with the Calgary Catholic School District and was also involved in curriculum and program development.
An Alberta Parks educational publication provides another record of that work. The “Nature” of Science Program: Interactions and Environments Field Study, developed through the Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, lists Ryan Lengsfeld of Don Bosco School as a member of its writing team.
The program was designed as an environmental field study for Grade 8 students and included work on ecosystems, scientific investigation and human interaction with protected natural areas.
After his teaching career, Lengsfeld eventually moved to Nelson.
His obituary describes him as someone who remained interested in politics and social justice and who enjoyed discussion and debate. It also says he wrote short stories and columns during his years in Nelson.
That interest in discussion extended online. Lengsfeld served as a moderator of the Facebook group Ranting And Raving in the Kootenays, a regional discussion forum familiar to residents across the West Kootenay.
Lengsfeld’s obituary also speaks openly about his long-term recovery and his willingness to support others as a sponsor, describing that work as another way he contributed to the people around him.
He is survived by his sons, Lyndon and Grady; his partner, Mary-Anne; Mary-Anne’s children, Cameron, Amanda and Lynn-D; his younger sister, Barbara; and his cat, Chester.
Lengsfeld’s life took him from Germany to Saskatchewan, Calgary and eventually Nelson, spanning a career in education, curriculum development and community involvement before his death at 74.
A historic mine opening near Rossland’s Kootenay Columbia Trail will be permanently sealed, with a three-week trail closure beginning Sept. 28 so crews can complete the work.