Gary Douglas Bryant

JAY -- Gary Douglas Bryant, 67, of Jay, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home in Jay on January 25, 2013.

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 Teacher's 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 papermaker at NewPage in Rumford.

He was a ham radio operator; handle WA1QIK, a hobby that included memberships in Seagull Network and Mars Network, the later 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 travelling, particularly to the coast for family picnics and later to Orrs Island for what his girls describe as "cushey camping." Quiet time would be spent reading on-line. 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 that 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.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday from St. Rose of Lima Church, Jay. Following Mass, all are invited to a family reception at the Bryant home. Family and friends are invited to call at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 308 Franklin Rd., (Rte. 133), Jay, Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. In appreciation for the exceptional care received in the past, his family suggests that remembrance gifts be given to the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, 300 Main St., Lewiston, ME 04240. Following cremation, private family spring committal services will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Livermore Falls.