1945 – 2013

JAY — Gary Douglas Bryant, 67, of Jay, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home in Jay on Friday morning, Jan. 25.

He was born June 13, 1945, in Waterville, the only child of Arthur Wood and Mary (Bessey) Bryant. He was a graduate of Dirigo High School, Dixfield, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the Farmington State Teachers College.

On Feb. 17, 1968, he married Marlene Graban at St. Rose of Lima Church, Jay. For many years, he was an educator, specializing in teaching science; in the summer months, he enjoyed teaching driver education. He later became a paper maker at NewPage in Rumford.

He was a HAM radio operator, handle WA1QIK, a hobby that included memberships in Seagull Network and Mars Network, the latter of which he connected soldiers and family members through his contact systems. A “life learner,” he built radios from scratch and always had to study and secure the latest technology that was relevant to anything that required wiring.

In his youth, he spent summers at the Bessey Family Farm in Albion and in adulthood enjoyed traveling, particularly to the coast, for family picnics and later to Orrs Island for what his girls describe as “‘cushy’ camping.” Quiet time would be spent reading online. Mark Twain was a particular favorite. He also enjoyed plays, musical theatre, aviation (watching the Blue Angels) and trying out new restaurants.

Favorite time was spent with family. Birthday gatherings, holidays or spontaneous visits with the grandchildren, which might include building robots or watching 3-D movies, were activities that he cherished, and his dry wit was always welcomed at these times. Always the ‘thinker’ and the ‘observer,’ he absorbed the precious moments with his family and friends and was grateful for their presence in his life. Among those friends was his beloved cat, Callie.

He is loved by his wife of 44 years, Marlene of Jay; their daughters, Maureen St. John and her husband, Jay, and their daughters, Sophia and Mia, of Saco, and Jennifer Nappi and her husband, Geoff, and their son and daughter, Logan and Taylor, of Westbrook; his mother, Mary Bryant of Jay; and several cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Arthur.

Remembrances and tributes may be shared with his family on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.