Glen Ryan was born in 1941, he was one of 13 children in his family with 6 brothers and 6 sisters. He was active with his family in racing bikes and his forestry career working with the Edwards family introduced him to woodchopping.
Glen started woodchopping in 1959. He won show championship in numerous western divisions shows. He has won countless handicap events and was a very successful tree felling competitor. Glen has been competing at Sydney Royal Easter since 1960 where he won several handicap events. He has also successfully competed Interstate.
Glen became handicapper of the Mid-west Axeman’s Association when Tom Kirk retired in 1966. He continues to handicap a few shows.
For over 50 years Glen has also dedicated many hours to cut chopping blocks for Western District and Metropolitan Shows. He continues to cut blocks for a few smaller shows.
In February 2009 Glen was inducted into the Lithgow Sporting Hall of Fame as The Reg Cowden Memorial Trust nominated him for all his years of dedication and work as the handicapper for the Mid-West Axemen, achievements from his participation in the mountain run in cycling an for his first place in the doubles World coal shovelling championship.