Martin Leonard Bryan July 24, 1949 – August 29, 2018 A fighter all his life, Martin Bryan exerted unfathomable inner and physical strength in his final battle with lung cancer.
He passed away in the early hours of August 29 surrounded by love from some of the many who will carry his powerful spirit forward in their hearts. Predeceased by his parents, Warren and Ruth Bryan, and his twin brother Mark (Julie), and his parents-in-law, the Reverend Percy Charles and Jean Dodd. Beloved husband and constant companion of Barbara (Barb) Bryan (nee Dodd). Proud father of Daniel Bowerman (Liz), Charles Bryan (Miranda) and Adam Bryan, as well as grandfather to Evan Bowerman. Cherished brother of Francey Fitzpatrick (Harry) and Leonard Bryan (Deborah). Remembered with tremendous fondness and love by his nephews and nieces: Sean and Justin Fitzpatrick (Tanya), Lori and Matthew Bryan (Krysta), Noel Boivin (Nong), Daniel Bryan (Koo), Matthew (Colet), Christopher (who Martin dubbed “The Pocket Rocket”) and Kaitlyn Molnar, among many others, as well as his grand-nieces and nephews, Noah, Payton, Louis and Beckett, and a beloved aunt, Lillian Dodd. Barb’s brothers and sister also mourn his passing: Scott (Heather), Clarke (Dee) and Phil (Bev) Dodd and Margaret Molnar (Michael). Martin retired from Dofasco in 2014 after a 32-year career that enabled him to build a life for his family in the Mount Hope countryside. In retirement, he was able to more fully explore a love of nature rooted in his childhood through award-winning conservation work for the Glanbrook Conservation Society, kayaking, as well as active support for conservation and historical preservation in Dinsmore, Saskatchewan. Martin and Barb spent their summers in Dinsmore on Barb’s childhood family farm, which they had purchased and where they planned to spend their later years. He was a lifelong voracious reader and had a natural creative flair for the language that was expressed both in writing and in wordplay, a skill he used to entertain many. Martin lived life fully and travelled the world with Barb and family, enjoying Europe, parasailing in Thailand and touring the Mekong Delta, and most recently spending his winters with Barb in Manzanillo, Mexico.
His immense charisma, hilarious wit, a heart big enough to take shelter in, and a gift for planting moments in people’s lives means that the void he left is deep and the memories vital, precious and shared by many.
Visitation will take place at MILLER FUNERAL CHAPEL , 28 Caithness St. E., Caledonia, (905) 765-2712 on Wednesday, September 5 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Martin’s memorial service will be held at Christ’s Church Cathedral, 252 James Street North, on Thursday, September 6 at 11 a.m. and will be officiated by the Reverend Dan Tatarnic, with a luncheon to follow.
The family would ask mourners to consider making memorial contributions to local natural and wildlife conservation areas and societies near their homes. Online condolences can be left at millerfuneralchapel.ca