John Barrie Bryant

Bryant, John Barrie, age 77, of Royal Oak, died September 13, 2013. Beloved husband of Barbara J. Loving father of Lisa Duane Kimmel, Bruce D. Noreen Bryant and Barry N. Sandra Bryant. Proud grandfather of Benjamin Bryant Kimmel, David Bryant, Madeline Bryant, Barry Robert Bryant and Alexandra Bryant. Dear brother of Bonnie Ralph Sitter. John Bryant was a man who threw his heart and soul into everything he did. He loved singing, sailing and spending time with his beautiful family. His grandchildren meant the world to him. He never tired of teaching something to them – how to sail a boat, split a log, parallel park, or start a bonfire. He called the boys "Bud" and called Madeline "Buddy Girl". John was an active man. He loved roller blading, playing racquetball, and riding his bike everywhere. He spent his summers on Lake Superior sailing even when the winds were so strong no sensible person would have gone out. John was an accomplished pianist and sang with the Deep River Choir Detroit, Michigan and the Voices of Naples Naples, Florida. He loved his church and was firmly grounded in his faith. He served Heritage Church of Christ as an elder. He was involved in other community activities and believed that there was nothing he couldn't do. John and Barbara spent their retirement years traveling north and south on I-75. Their summer home is in the Upper Peninsula near Sault Ste. Marie. Their winter home is in Naples, Florida. He used to say that they traveled from the Locks to the Keys every year. John retired from a 30 year teaching career from Warren Fitzgerald Schools. He taught architectural drafting and mathematics. He served as president of the Fitzgerald Education Association for a number of years. He continued to "teach" for the remainder of his years either by example or step by step instructions. He truly was a "people person". There wasn't anyone who he couldn't become friends with him. John will be remembered for his quick wit and amazing sense of humor. Even as he battled his cancer he managed to write humor-filled health updates to his friends. He was the kind of dad who was very involved in his children's activities even when his children became adults. He was there for every hockey game, swim meet and concert. He always made sure that his children were at rehearsals and practices regardless of how early they were. Memorial gathering Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with memorial service Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W 11 Mile Rd. 4 blks. E of Woodward, Royal Oak. Memorials to the American Cancer Society or the Heritage Church of Christ in Clawson, MI are appreciated.

John Barrie Bryant

October 25, 1935 - September 13, 2013