• Student Comments & Evaluations
  These are just a sample of the many emails, snail mails and evaluation comments I have received from students. The original copies of the following comments have been carefully preserved in archival format as these comments are treasured by Pat and are being preserved as carefully as her own family history. I have included this page as a heartfelt "Thank you" to all my wonderful students. Many of the current and upcoming classes (in development) are a direct result of my student's requests.
   

2007 Unpuzzling Your Past
“Pat’s classes are full of so many helpful hints and her class notes wrap everything up so well.  I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Pat’s story of her family searches, her findings, pitfalls and puzzling past.  It was a very enjoyable class and it was great to meet my new friends and fellow “novice” genealogists.  After “Unpuzzling Your Past” I’m ready to tackle my pile of paper, review all my records and reread all those memos again!  Only this time with a new sense of direction and some fresh ideas.  I’m not so puzzled now!  Thanks Pat! Barry T.

2006 General Comments
"Dear Pat,
I really enjoyed taking your genealogy courses, and would recommend them to anyone interested in learning more about their ancestors and where they came from. Like many novices, I got started by sorting through old family pictures, assorted documents and letters, while cleaning out my parents home. As I attempted to sort these disorganized boxes into some sort of order to determine what was worth keeping (my parents never threw anything away, and apparently I have inherited a milder form of the same disorder!), I became fascinated with trying to fill in the gaps and learn more about who these ancestors really were. Although I had some limited experience researching on the Internet, I felt overwhelmed by the incredible amount of information available, and the number of web sites that looked promising if I would only be willing to part with some of my hard earned cash! I knew I needed some expert guidance, but was reluctant to pay much for that either. But what a bargain it has turned out to be! I have already saved, and will continue to save, hours of what would have been wasted effort searching in the wrong places, and ignoring the valuable information sources I already have. I think each course is valuable in it’s own right, but I think that if taken in series as we did, the total is definitely greater than the sum of the parts. So many aspects of research make more sense because of a perspective gained through another of these related courses. I found working through the your examples of real ancestors particularly instructive and helpful, because they weren’t just straightforward or easy, and involved several methods of research. I frequently refer back to the excellent class notes you provided, as well. And not only did I learn a lot, but I gained some new friends sharing a common interest. I find it very encouraging and fun when classmates get just as excited as you over some new ancestor traced or old document discovered! (Genealogy in isolation I think can be a bit like knowing a really good joke but having nobody to share it with.) Yes, you were right, learning can be fun! Thanks for your nice comments, and I consider you a friend! I also enjoyed making and sharing the forms, and am glad that you can make use of them. If you find others that you need ‘tweaked’, keep my reasonable rates in mind (that is ‘cheap’, although I think I prefer ‘inexpensive’)."

"Hope you have (or had) a great and historical visit to Germany, and hope our paths cross again soon. Time for me to go shuffle some peas. Enjoy your summer with your garden and Deep Woods Off!" Bruce

2006 Class Notes

2006 Irish Research Moose Jaw Sask.
"Thoroughly enjoyed your talk the other night, everyone did!  It was no problem you speaking for more than an hour, that’s why we weren’t going to have a business meeting, so we could enjoy your knowledge of Ireland for the time we had. Love your web site and looking forward to taking some courses from you some time." MC

2005 One student's perspective
"Thanks for sharing, Pat. I'm ready to hunt. It was good to hear from you. This fall I'm taking more classes. Don't care if I've taken them before or not. They're such a good motivator. I've spent a year immersed in the Ukraine. My trip was fantastic! I was better prepared than I would have been without your classes. My roomie on the ship kept telling everyone about my map fetish. She told me I didn't need them because they (the organizers) would get us where we needed to go. Didn't get it, did she!!" MF
 

2008 Family History Library [on-line course]    INTERNET COURSE
1. Hi Pat:
We have been off travelling so I have not had as much time to work on this class as I would like, but it was wonderful. Your organization and presentation of the material, as with all your classes that I have taken, is super. It is clear, consice, and flows well, plus the humor is most appreciated.I have even been able to pass on some research info that our extended family expert(on my husbands side of course) didn't know!! Many thanks for that one especially!!
Harriet G.

2004
2. "I loved the class! but to be honest, haven't had time to do much in it. I did the first lessons, walked through the steps, but after that, I printed it all off and read it, but haven't had any time to play with it. The wonderful way you've put this together will make it easy for me to proceed once my life settles down. I can hardly wait to get into it! The entire class is in the pile to my left. The print off's are full of great info, and a little of it I knew, but I was surprised at how much I didn't know! You gave me tons of info that I didn't know - enough for me to have made a handful of search printoff's of family info that I now need to get down to the FHC and research...:)  that's a good thing :) :) :) - a VERY good thing!  Sure glad we didn't get graded on attendance :)"  Marie from Virginia.
Update 2005: I just cannot get over how much I've been able to achieve through the FHL - and my success is owed directly to the great course I took from you Pat!! I now have copies of primary sources for tons of BMD's, wills, land patents, church, court & school records and these documents have answered lots of questions AND taken me back three more generations. THANK you so much ... without this course I would still be stuck exactly where I was. When are you going to offer more on-line courses? Even though my research is mostly US based, after taking your on-line Canadian Immigration course I discovered ancestors I was not aware of (didn't know the little devils had wandered to Canada - nor did I realize how records can overlap), plus so many new ways/methods/databases and records to search. PLEASE let me know and I'll be the first to sign up, I don't even care what they're about as I know I'll learn so much from you. Thanks again Pat. Marie

2006
2. "Pat, you did a fantastic job of putting the info/lesson/assignment sheets together, very clear, and helpful enough that a real beginner could easily follow along. I thought it was very well done.  I am a big one for examples, and you had plenty. Even though I've been a 'regular' at our FHC for longer than I care to admit, I learned so much taking this course. I had no idea the number of things I had been missing - for years! It was great. Now, when are you going to make more classes available for those of us who can't quite manage the commute to Regina?" Dianne from Texas

3. "WOW! This is astronomic!! I so much learned and locate family not before known. Danke sehr. Thank you.  Solvig from Germany.  Excuse my English. I even learn new English. Danke sehr."
 

2004 - Unpuzzling Your Past
1. "I am really enjoying your class -- I leave each evening so excited to check into all the new possibilities you have raised for us to research. Thanks." Tina C. [a brand new Mom]

2. "Thanks Pat. I have been taking sessions since '97 through the U of R both on line as well as classroom sessions, and the SGS, but I will gladly say that this is the first time I have really felt that I got some "meat ". It has been enjoyable and I think your style has done much to generate my renewed interest after a four year hiatus. Looking forward to the next classes. I'm looking forward too to continuing to enjoy the new knowledge." Jim W.

2002 - Unpuzzling Your Past
1. "The most helpful part of this class was the realization that the basic information we need to start our research may be right at our finger tips. Session on recording the information we already have, interviewing family members, and home sources helped me discover information that I already had access to - I just didn't realize it. The class most definitely exceeded my expectations! One of the reasons I didn't start tracing my roots before this was due to not knowing how or where to start. This class provides the basics by taking a major undertaking and breaking it down into sound, manageable steps." Anonymous

2. "The most helpful part of these classes: list of where to find information, how to track and record information.......everything. The tips were great!" Tracy L.

3. "I wasn't sure what to expect but because it was a beginner class it started me thinking in the right direction and got me interested in advancing my research. The class location was very comfortable ...... perfect for me." Anonymous

2001 - Unpuzzling Your Past
1. "Thanks Pat. These classes were EXCELLENT!" Shirley B.

2. "The best part was the enthusiasm, motivation and new found knowledge! I've been researching for years and thought I knew what I was doing. I didn't, but I do now. Thanks so much!" Anonymous

2004 - General Comments
1. "Over the past few months, I’ve taken the opportunity to participate in several of Pat’s courses, including “Unpuzzling Your Past”, “Family History Center”, “Going Home to Ireland” and “Going Home to the USA”, to name a few. Every class has been informative, enjoyable, challenging and inspiring.  

Pat’s approach is the classic “we learn by doing”, and she achieves this objective through a variety of activities both in and outside the classroom. She uses a logical progression of factual information, extended examples, group discussion and problem solving activities that teach and reinforce the methodology of genealogical research.  Emphasis is placed on careful detective work, beginning with known, documented facts about one’s family and then building on that. Advice on  record-keeping, types of sources and where to find them, troubleshooting for mistakes that researchers commonly make, and “inside” tips  all add up to many successes that I have experienced recently with my family history research. 

Each class is followed up with prepared notes from Pat, outlining and reinforcing the concepts and methods learned, and usually including an assignment or two (online) to further enhance our understanding. Should any student have a question or problem, Pat is always approachable and helpful. 

It is obvious to any of us who have taken these courses that Pat is not only a very knowledgeable, experienced researcher, but is also a very conscientious instructor who puts in far more time and effort than we may realize.  She clearly loves what she does, and this is reflected in the satisfaction and enthusiasm of her students.

I highly recommend Pat’s course to anyone interested in learning how to do family history research." Anna-Marie Dixon from Ontario

3. "Thanks Pat. I have been taking sessions since '97 through the U of R both on line as well as classroom sessions, and the SGS, but I will gladly say that this is the first time I have really felt that I got some "meat ". It has been enjoyable and I think your style has done much to generate my renewed interest after a four year hiatus. Looking forward to the next classes. I'm looking forward too to continuing to enjoy the new knowledge." Jim Wells

4. "Thanks Pat for the great genealogy classes. I thought that Pat’s Present-ations made the Past Perfect and I want to take Future classes. See you in the fall."  April McGillivray

2005 - Comment following presentation at SEC
"Just returned from the noon hour presentation by Pat Ryan on Genealogy. She's great. Hope SEC will give very serious consideration to including Gen. classes in the Fall Schedule -- in the computer room, please." Jean B.

2003 - General Comment
"Pat, Just wanted to let you know that I did visit your website. Absolutely wonderful. Your page of poems almost brought a tear to the old eye (if you tell anyone I'll deny it)! I realize I haven't taken any classes as of late, but I have encouraged many others to do so. I hope some of them have. I believe I owe the majority of my Genealogy Happy Dances to you. I think of you always in my research. Keep up the good work." Garth K.

 

2003 - Going Home to Scotland
1. "Still reeling from all the info you presented to us Pat. It was a fantastic class, and I'm so impressed with your knowledge. Feel so lucky that you passed it along to us. I'm still a reluctant genealogist. About 20 years ago I inherited a lot of photos and documents. My goal was only to organize this precious stuff for posterity. Which I did. So then I became the family keeper of stuff, (give it to Matilda, she has the other things). Now my husband's family is passing photos and info on to me. So for years I said I didn't want more pieces of paper. But the bug bites, and I'm bitten, I'll admit it. And new information make things more complicated, but it sure is fun. Looking forward to complicating my life more in the fall." Matilda F.

2. "I am a professional genealogist and have been researching my own family in Scotland for over 15 years. I took this course to refresh some of the basic strategies that we learn, and then forget to put into practice, as we grow as 'experienced genealogists'. The class was well worth my time. Not only is the instructor familiar with all records/areas of researching, but the class is also great fun!! I would highly recommend this class to anyone with Scottish roots."
Linda Wiggins, MCCSG    Certified Saskatchewan Researcher

2008 Family History Centre
Thank you Pat, and I want to say, this past lesson was awesome, I never knew their was so much help and easier way to find my ancestors, I  have followed every step several times over, there is no way that  there will be an end to this search, you see, it took me back to 1616,  and found all my Spanish Indian relatives, with birth, parents, baptismal,  marriages, and I went into a crying spree. May I say, you are the best  teacher ever! Please Please tell me and advice me what other classes  to take with you after this one ends, I am with out words.

Your manner of teaching is clear, precise, excellent, and humorous,  and again, had no way of knowing that there was so much out there,  just by following your lessons and instructions.

 I am shooting to be certified Genealogist, and you have inspired me so  much, the class mates too.

Thank you again. Alma C.

2003 - Family History Centre
1. "I wish there were some way to convey my thanks. You brought me over a great slump in the family history/genealogy drive. It has meant far more than most people realize. As an avid genealogist you obviously understood that. I was feeling a bit depressed as I felt I had reached the end of what I could accomplish with out travel or a massive letter writing campaign ..... and then along came Pat and a home computer. I was not even sure where to begin to write. Your professional kindness has meant a great deal. I look forward to seeing you in in the Going Home to Scotland class in May." Ted S.

2. "Thanks for the real learning experience in genealogy, it was a fun class, you made it very interesting! I enjoyed it very much, and look forward to continuing it in some way in the future. It is like I am traveling through time, that is through another time period of the genealogy that I do not know about but would like to learn about. The little library and its wonderful staff is a good place to start. One of the best parts of this class was actually meeting the various people I had not known before, although briefly. You get a lot of ideas by sharing information with each other. Again, thanks for all your help Pat." Linda B.

3. "Just want to thank you for the great class Pat. I learned so much. The hands on is what I needed, and I can do all kinds of things I couldn't do before." Matilda .F.

2002 - Family History Centre
1. "The most helpful part of this class was the good orientation, knowing what is available, learning how to access the records, but the best part was the actual hands-on searching we did." Anonymous
 

2004 - Canadian Immigration
1. "Astounding - I am so glad I took this class. In one lesson I have learned tons of new resources to use most of which I can start from my home. You weren't kidding when you said the Internet is a magnificent tool, once you learn those "Good" sites. I only thought of passenger lists and had no idea there was so much more. Truthfully I wouldn't even have been looking for or known how to find those little 'secrets' in the lists. Thanks Pat. This is great and I've already found some of my ancestors. The links you provided will stay in my favorite bookmarks, AND I now know how to use them!" Dianne

2. 2005 - "I attended your excellent talk on Canadian immigration records at the recent AGS conference in Edmonton -- for which much thanks, by the way -- and have a question for you resulting from it. (You were already surrounded by several other people at the end of the talk, so I thought my question could wait for email.)." Pat responded to her question, and this person now has a whole new avenue of research to approach.  Carin R.

2004 - Saskatchewan Archives
1. "This class just blew me away!! I learned so much I just can't thank you enough Pat. I have used the Archives in the past, but had no idea how much more there was. That tour was a real eye-opener! I guess the very best part was using records in tandem - it finally clicked in my brain just how we should be using records - and this is really how you do research. Awesome!! I GET it!!! and this after 15 years of mucking around, taking little classes here and there, thinking I knew what I was doing. You showed me how it really should be done. I also understand why we should take classes in the sequence you offer. Now I'm ready for the census!" Margarete

2003 - Saskatchewan Archives
1. "I had my grandfather's homestead file for 3 years. I also had a brick wall that I couldn't get past. I was excited to take this class with you, but I wasn't expecting to have my brick wall crumble! Learning 'how' to read that homestead file, plus the other records you directed me to (that I didn't know existed and wouldn't have understood how to read anyway) caused my 3 year old brick wall to crumble. I am so excited to do the next steps you've suggested and I can't wait to take more classes with you. Thanks Pat, thanks a lot!" Sharon

2002 - Homestead Records
1. "Most helpful was learning why and how to read grid road maps and where to look, AND your assistance in picking up information from the documents I was looking at. Especially liked the hands-on experience - the tour provided us with a good overview of what is available at the Archives." Anonymous

 

2004 - Prairie History Room
1. "This room and it's collection is incredible. I can't believe anyone would ever consider giving it away or dismantling it in any way, shape, or form! Ludicrous!! If people only understood what is in there, how to find it, and most importantly how to USE it.............well then I guess this wouldn't be an issue. Of course I must admit I also was unaware until I took this class. You did such a great job of preparing us and then leading us and then pushing us (ever so gently) to more and more and more. I am amazed. Thanks Pat. I'll be back to both the PHR and your classes. Having gotten a taste of the Canadian census, I'm really looking forward to that World Census you will be doing next year." Bob

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