July 6,1930 - Dec. 25, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing in Victoria, British Columbia of Bryan,a former Guelph resident, dearly beloved husband of Margaret (nee Loft) for 71 years, father of Cheryl and Susan, brother of Stephen, grandfather of Sachika, Kiyoshi, and Tawny. He was predeceased by sisters Betty and Anne, brother Barry, and Grandson Caleb. Bryan was the much admired patriarch of a far flung family of nieces and nephews. He will also be remembered with great affection by other relatives and friends in many parts of the world.
Bryan was born and educated in London, Ontario. He later served a seven year Short Service Commission in the Royal Canadian Navy as both a fixed and rotary wing aircraft carrier pilot aboard HMS Triumph and HMCS Magnificent. After his honourable discharge he flew helicopters on the Canadian DEW Line, in the Northwest Territories, Greenland, and on the offshore oil rigs of the Gulf of Mexico with Kenting Helicopters Ltd. He returned to fixed wing flying and aircraft sales in 1961 with Field Aviation Ltd., following which he served as sales manager of Combs Aircraft in Denver, Colorado. He next was Sales and General Manager of Kenting Aviation in Toronto. In 1969 he rejoined Field Aviation Co. Ltd., Canada’s exclusive Beech Aircraft Corp. distributor, where he served with distinction as a Vice President and Director until he retired in 1990.
Bryan was an active and longtime member of the United Church of Canada serving in the choir, in the pulpit as a lay speaker, and in a number of official positions, including board chairman.
He was a gifted public speaker in both prose and poetry and was especially well known for his recitation of poems by Robert Service , given in many parts of the world where he travelled.
Bryan was a gentle man who will be fondly remembered for his sense of humour, his ability to smile, and for his deep capacity to love and cherish his family and friends.
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