After a long journey that required courage, character, and humour, our beloved husband and father is at rest.
He leaves behind his cherished and devoted wife of sixty-six years, Terry, his children Phil (Pamela), Linda Parke, Shelley Whyte, and a large extended family of nieces and nephews and their families.
He was predeceased by his parents James and Doris Whyte, his sister Doris Papso, his brother James Whyte and sister-in-law Patricia, and his son-in-law Ron Parke.
Bryson was the grandson of immigrants who came to work in the coal mines in Cumberland in the 1880's. He grew up during the Depression, having to work hard from a young age to help support his family.
He was also a keen student, accomplished in both academics and sports. After graduating from Courtenay High, he went to Vancouver to enroll in university, but enlisted in the armed services instead.
Like so many of his generation, the experience of both economic hardship and service in Europe during the Second World War forged a deep resilience and resourcefulness. He remained undaunted the rest of his life.
Dad and Mom were married in 1951. Dad returned to school to persue his interest in fine woodworking and became an industrial arts teacher. He taught for many years, the highlight being the time he spent at Tsolumn School, an experience he always remembered with great warmth and affection. He always looked forward to the reunions and seeing the students again.
After retirement, Dad continued working hard despite difficult health challenges. He crafted his beautiful woodworking. With Mom he built an art framing business, and for all of us he created wonderful memories and life lessons.
He loved the outdoors, he could quote the poetry from his school years, and he loved having a dog and a pick-up truck, and visits with family and friends. He was also very proud to share with his brother James being both made Knights of the Legion of Honour of France for their service during the Second World War.
It's impossible to express in just a few words how much he meant to us, and how much he was loved. He was always there, and is missed.
Thank you to everyone who helped, including the homecare aides, the Medicine Shoppe in Comox, Kathy from Lifelabs, Marla, and especially Dr. Lamykina.
Dad didn't want a service, but we will have a gathering at a later date to celebrate his life.
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." A.A. Milne