Edward “Neil” Bryant Sr.
February 10, 1937 – September 7, 2015
Edward “Neil” Bryant Sr., age 78, passed away on September 27, 2015, at Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles, Washington, surrounded by loving family.
Neil was born on February 10, 1937, to Elida Ruth (Bekkevar) and Edward
McNalley Bryant.
Neil grew up with and is survived by his siblings Mike
Bryant of Coos Bay, Oregon, Gary Bryant of Redmond, Oregon, Danny Smith of Sequim, Washington, Susan Lester of Arlington, Washington, and Bonita Jarvis of Shepard, Montana.
Throughout his childhood, Neil worked on the family farm in Carlsborg with his stepfather, Lloyd R. Smith.
After graduating from Sequim High School in 1955, Neil married Patricia Kirk. They moved to Kalama, Washington, where they raised five children: Peggy Johnson of Kalama, Ed Bryant of Chehalis, Jim Bryant of Glenoma, Tom Bryant of Ryderwood, and Pam Richardson of Arlington, Washinton.
In later years, Neil was thrilled to be united with his son Mike Paul of Graham.
Neil is survived by 17 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.
Neil joined the Army, serving from 1963 through 1965.
Neil’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially if there was an outdoor project he could help with. Neil often returned to the family farm in Carlsborg, working with Danny, living there many years before his recent death. Neil also worked with his son, Ed, in the logging industry.
Neil was a gifted mechanic and skilled heavy machine operator, driving dump truck until the day before his passing. He was an avid reader. Interested in diverse subjects, he enjoyed learning, as well as sharing his wealth of information. Most often, Neil would speak in a soft spoken manner, but on subjects of politics or the government in general, he could get a bit more excited!
Neil knew how to work hard and how to play hard. A humble man, Neil was surprised and pleased to be chosen as ‘Honorary Logger’ for the 28th Annual Sequim Log Show in 2015.
Father, grandfather, brother, friend… Neil will be remembered for his kind heart, and will be missed immensely.
A celebration of Neil’s life was held Saturday, October 3, 2015, at 11A.M. at the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars at 169 E. Washington St, Sequim, WA.
