The Targa family was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Carolyn Ryall, who competed in the first Targa Newfoundland in 2002 with her husband, Alan, and came to Targa several more times. They won the Grand Touring title in the inaugural rally in a 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX.
Carolyn and Alan were together for 53 years. Carolyn, who was described as an “amazing teacher”, worked for the Peel District School Board for 24 years. She was a lifelong reader, traveller, and Blue Jays fan. Alan describes her as “the love of my life”. She passed away on June 13, 2026.
Here is an excerpt from a beautifully written tribute to her (link below):
“She also brought her sharp mind and sense of adventure to the car rallying community; as the trusted navigator to her husband, Alan, she competed in regional navigational car rallies as well as the first 5-day, 2200 km Targa Newfoundland Rally in 2002, winning her class with zero penalty points, setting the standard for future competitors. After retiring as a competitor, Carolyn continued to volunteer, giving her knowledge and decades of experience as a worker and organizer.”
A celebration of Carolyn’s life is scheduled in September. There will be a memory wall to share your memories of Carolyn. Please share your brief favourite Carolyn anecdote by email to alan@cryall.com so he can include it with the others.
Targa owner Robert Giannou has fond memories of the Ryalls:
“Alan and Carolyn were tremendous competitors, heartfelt helpers and wonderful sportspeople. Alan competed hard! Perhaps a tad too hard in 2003 when he flipped their Subie WRX (with co-driver Glenn Hamilton) in the last few feet of Greenspond Island’s stage as he crossed the flying finish which crested into an R5 at full chat.
It was a spectacular event but the Subie was done. They were not physically hurt, yes they were stiff and sore, but still seriously in the game. I drove them both back to the overnight in Gander and their attitude was just awesome.
Some time later when I attended the wake of their son who had passed I saw that same attitude of thankfulness for what they had done and experienced together. The same let’s get on with it attitude, especially from Carolyn. She remains in my mind a class act. We were lucky to have her as Alan will tell you.”
We send our sincere condolences to Alan and family.
