It is with a heavy heart that the Niagara College Athletics & Recreation announces the passing of OCAA/CCAA Hall of Fame member Peter Rylander. A great friend to many in the OCAA and CCAA, Peter passed away at Hospice Niagara - The Stabler Centre on June 1, 2018.
Peter began his long and successful career at Niagara College in 1969 and remained an active part of the OCAA and CCAA until his retirement in 1996. In his 27 successful years as the Director of Athletics at Niagara, the Knights won 19 OCAA championships, four national titles and five ICHL championships.
His accomplishments also included coaching the golf, tennis and men's basketball varsity teams, and in his final three years he guided the touch football team to three consecutive OCAA championships from 1993 to 1995.
He was honored by the OCAA with the Service Shield Award. He served three terms on the OCAA's Executive Committee as Treasurer (1973-75), President (1983-85) and Past President and Chair of the Constitution Committee (1985-87). Rylander also served as the OCAA's Senior Convenor for golf (1975-76, 1994-96) and men's basketball (1978-80).
At the national level, Peter served as Secretary for the CCAA Executive Committee for three years. His involvement wasn't limited to the Executive Committee as he was was the OCAA Senior Convenor for golf in 1975-76, 1994-95 and 1995-96, and was the Senior Convenor for men's basketball in 1978-79 and 1979-80.
In 2003, he was inducted to the OCAA Hall of Fame, followed by the CCAA Hall of Fame in 2016.
His total dedication and enthusiasm has forged a reputation of excellence at Niagara College for years to come.
Peters complete obituary may be found at www.morseandson.com
Source: Niagara Knights with files from OCAA/CCAA Communications