
Holding a hotel licence at age 22 made the Ryans the first family in Australia to boast five generations of hoteliers. I took off post-grad overseas for five years working in Europe, UK and USA with Hilton and Sheraton, before returning to Australia to long stints with Southern Pacific Hotels and Rydges Hotel Group. Opted out of corporate life in 1995, opened a hotel school, and also put my shingle out on several of my own watering holes - my most recent gigs, eight years at the Cauliflower, South Sydney, and the past ten, Harold Park Hotel, Glebe, just sold. Watch this space for update on my next venue.
I have two incredibly handsome sons, Harry (23) and Rafe (21), due mainly to their grandmother, Ivy's, genes. One a chippy, the other a sparky - If I have another, I wish for a refrigeration mechanic. 1962 was a good vintage - 'well rounded, upfront, shows longevity' - I've always been told I could do with a good laying down. Ryan family motto: 'Iecur est malum est must exsisto punitor' [The liver is evil; it must be punished]. I have no criminal convictions (in this country).
Joined the Australian Crossword Club in 1991 - Rang the then secretary complaining my Slot 4 had no numbers on grid. Since that inauspicious start, I've been runner-up Compiler of the Year, a few times, not permitted to author a Slot under six, and have incriminating photos of most ACC members.
