Montreal legend Ryan Larkin passed away at age 63, on February 14, 2007. He had recently been diagnosed with brain cancer.

The one-time Oscar nominee for the short animated film Walking, was perhaps best known as the subject of the Oscar-winning short animation Ryan, above. He was an artist who--perhaps--opted into poverty, despite being on the very brink of major commercial success. As late as last summer, he could be found panhandling or having a quiet drink in the Copacabana on St-Laurent.

He was very much a part of the Plateau neighborhood and, although perhaps it seems easy to say it, he'll be missed. Whether his story seems tragic or an inspiration, he was still a little piece of Montreal's magic. Rest in peace, Ryan.