About Basil

Basil Ryan has lived in Franklin since 1974. Basil graduated from Bay View High School where he was active in academics and sports. After graduation, he was accepted to several universities and chose to attend UW-Milwaukee. He has been involved in a variety of business and volunteer causes throughout his life.

Basil and his wife, Karen, were married in 1979 and chose to continue to live and raise their four children in Franklin. When the children were young, Basil was an active volunteer in their school, church and scouting activities. All four children were actively involved in Franklin Little League baseball. Basil volunteered as coach and manager for all age groups from T-ball through senior league, coaching several champion teams. As the children got older, he was active at Franklin High School by particiipating in numerous volunteer causes for the swimming, baseball, and golf teams. His greatest joy was being on the sidelines at all of their games and meets watching his children represent Franklin. His children hold several school records in swimming.

Basil's daughter attended the University of Wisconsin for three years and graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a Nursing Degree. She is currently pursuing her Master's Degree at Concordia University Wisconsin in addition to working full time as a registered nurse. His oldest son graduated from UW-Milwaukee and currently works full time in an investment and property management company. His next son will graduate from Purdue University this May with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and his youngest son currently attends UW-Milwaukee.

Basil was a member of the Franklin Fire Department for 8 years. He was an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and held numerous certifications. He was certified as a rescue diver and served on the Franklin Fire Department rescue and dive team.

Basil recently returned to UW-Milwaukee and will receive his degree in Political Science in 2008. He enjoys working with college students and has been volunteering at UWM. He most recently was a member of the UW-Milwaukee Mock Trial Team, competing at various colleges and universities throughout the Midwest.

He is currently seeking a pilot license and is a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

Basil enjoys the outdoors and many activities such as golfing, skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, swimming and walking.

He raises German Shorthaired Pointers and the newest addition is a 9-week-old puppy named Brady. He is a member of North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) and enjoys training and competing.

Basil and his son own an investment and property management company and he also enjoys farming his land.

Basil was elected 4th District Alderman for two terms and was appointed to numerous City of Franklin committees. (refer to section titled Why Basil for complete listing). Basil enjoys working with constituents and helping them achieve results. He believes you can fight City Hall successfully and that people do have a voice in their community with the right representation.

The Ryans are members of St. Alphonsus Church.