On September 4, at the age of 101, Gerry Bryant’s clock wound down and he quietly slipped from this world.
The eldest son of Albert and Della MacKay Bryant of Sherbooke, Gerry joined the Air Force straight out of Lennoxville High to fight fascism. He trained as a tail gunner, but the war ended before he was deployed. In 1945 he joined the Sherbrooke Regiment (which later became the Sherbrooke Hussars), working his way up to the rank of Major. He served as 2nd in command until he retired in 1971.
In I949 Gerry married the love of his life, Margaret Knutson of Waterville, and they raised four children who recognized him as the best dad ever. His optimism, youthful spirit and sense of adventure provided his children with a map of the world and the tools to navigate it.
Anyone who knew Gerry will remember him as a man who, when he walked down the street, stopped to talk with everyone, treating them all with the same courtesy whether it was the mayor or the bag boy at the supermarket. Unimpressed by money or power, he was a true egalitarian.
Part of Gerry’s work for the family business involved making sure that every grocery store and depanneur in the Eastern Townships had an adequate supply of Bryant’s Bull’s Head ginger ale; years later, people throughout the region still remember him for his ready smile and rapid-fire humour.
A man of quiet faith, Gerry served his community as a town councillor, and in multiple roles in the Lennoxville and North Hatley United churches. Well into his 90s, he still drove “old people” to their appointments.
Gerry spent his last few years at Grace Village, where he delighted in the attention of the staff, including the young people from across the globe who cared for him like one of their own. His family will be forever grateful.
He leaves behind his wife of 75 years Margaret (of Grace Village), surviving children Robyn, Stephen and Dana, granddaughters Tana, Erica and Della, great-grandsons Griffin, Gordon and Oliver, and nephews Gordon and Allen. Gerry was predeceased by his youngest son, Andrew, and his younger brother Donald.
There will be a community celebration of his life at a later date, so please stockpile your memories!
No flowers please. Donations to Waterville United Church and/or the Grace Village Care Foundation are welcomed.
Arrangements entrusted to Cass Funeral Home (Lennoxville).