Alan Ryden died October 25, the victim of a rare disease, osteosarcoma.

An 18 year old student at Houston Baptist College at the time of his death, Ryden was a former All-American swimmer at Memorial High School.

He is survived by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Adolph T. Ryden, a sister, Sandra Lynn Ryden, his grandmother Mrs. Alton B. Farris of Richards, Tex., and numerous aunts and uncles. He was buried following private graveside services, which were followed October 27 with a memorial service at the Memorial Drive Methodist Church.

A large number of relatives, friends, and neighbors attended the memorial services, including many of his former schoolmates and swimming friends.

While at Memorial, Ryden was twice All-American, and swam for three state championship teams under the direction of Coach H.L. "Pete" Payne.

His career in AAU swimming also included All-American honors, and stretched for ten years under the Dad's Club coaching of Richard Quick and Skip Kenney.

Ryden holds the Dad's Club team records in 50 and 100 meter freestyle events.

One of the highlights of his AAU swimming was qualifying for the National Junior Olympics held in Lincoln, Nebraska in August of 1974.

His medical condition was diagnosed during his senior year at Memorial, a time during which he was one of the nation's most recruited swimmers.

The young athlete was a native Houstonian, having been born here January 14, 1957.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, the family has requested that donations be sent to the Dr. Montague Lane Research Fund, Baylor College of Medicine, 1200 Moursund, Houston, Texas, 77025.

Source: The Houston West Side Reported. Thursday, November 6, 1975