By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Forty years ago, a Bowling Green second grader died from lymphoma, leaving behind a heartbroken family and school.
On Monday, that energetic little boy was remembered again.
“I can’t even describe it,” retired Bowling Green police chief Gary Spencer said as a new piece of playground equipment was dedicated to his son, Ryan, at Kenwood Elementary.
“It was 40 years ago today that Ryan died,” Spencer said.
“I can’t even begin to tell you what this means to me,” said Barbara Spencer, Ryan’s mom. “I’m thankful for the people who did this.”
Ryan was diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of leukemia, in October of 1981. That was followed by months of treatments and hospital stays.
“He was a very special child,” his mother said during the first dedication. “He was constantly in the hospital for chemotherapy, spine taps and bone marrow and blood tests. He hated all of it, but he knew it had to be done. He handled it much better than many adults would.”
Soon after Ryan’s death, the first piece of playground equipment was dedicated to his memory.
“Ryan would like it,” a classmate was reported saying when the first climber was dedicated. “I think all the kids will, too. They like new things and they’ll remember him when they play.”
That climber was made of treated wood and was removed years ago when it became unsafe to use. When Gary Spencer said he wanted to repaint the sign in Ryan’s memory, Superintendent Francis Scruci said they could do better than that.
“He was admired for how hard he fought, by adults and students,” Scruci said of Ryan during the dedication. “We made a decision the equipment needed to be replaced.”
So on Monday, on the anniversary of Ryan’s death, a new piece of playground equipment was dedicated at Kenwood for a whole new group of students to enjoy.
Returning for the event was his second grade teacher, Carolyn St. Meyers.
“I think it’s so wonderful that after 40 years we’re still remembering him,” she said. “I never forgot Ryan.”
St. Meyers, who had a son the same age as Ryan, often went to the hospital to tutor her student.
“My goal was that he wouldn’t repeat second grade,” she recalled.
“Ryan was special. He and I had a rapport right from the beginning,” St. Meyers said. “It was a privilege to know Ryan.”
The retired teacher pulled out a worn card shaped like an egg that Ryan had made for her.
The card read “You are the best teacher in the whole world,” signed “form Ryan.”
Throughout Ryan’s illness, St. Meyers kept his classmates informed of his condition, so they would have some understanding of his illness and not be afraid.
A radiologist visited the class to prepare the students for Ryan’s radiation treatments. At the time, Ryan’s face had been marked for the treatments. He was self-conscious, until his classmates told him he looked like an Indian, St. Meyers said.
“The children were very compassionate toward Ryan. We always tried to make him feel comfortable,” she said.
During his stays in the hospital, his classmates sent cards, drawings and tape recordings. After Ryan’s death, those students helped organize the playground equipment dedication ceremony. They recited poetry, sang and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Donations made at the time of Ryan’s death paid for the climber.
“We were really overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and generosity of people,” his mom said at the time. “We wanted to use the money for Kenwood. We’re so grateful for the help and care from everyone there.”
The climber was installed behind the primary grade wing, with a bench sitting nearby for teachers to use during recess duty. A sign was posted designating the “Ryan Spencer Climber.”
“Ryan was very active. He loved the outdoors and a climber is very appropriate,” his mom said during the original dedication.
On Monday, it was a new batch of first and second graders who gathered to watch the new equipment dedicated on their playground.
“Enjoy the climber,” Gary Spencer said after cutting the ribbon, opening the equipment up for business.
