Obituary of Donald Lee Bryan

July 18, 1945 – Bassano, Alberta

September 13, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Don Bryan, after a prolonged hospital stay. Don was born in Bassano, Alberta, and moved to Calgary in 1957. He pursued his first degree in Business at the University of Calgary and spent four years working in the oil industry. However, realizing that this was not his true calling, he returned to university to earn a second degree in History and embraced his passion for teaching.

Don began his teaching career in Chestermere, where he spent ten impactful years shaping young minds. He later taught high school in Crossfield for a year before moving to Airdrie, where he served as Assistant Principal for five years. His dedication and leadership eventually led him to Beiseker, where he worked as Principal for seven years and was honored with the Teacher of the Year award. Don concluded his teaching career in Indus, teaching for two more years. Even in retirement, his commitment to education persisted as he continued to work with students through homeschooling for another five years.

In 2005, Don faced his first major health battle after suffering a stroke due to a medication reaction. With determination, he overcame the challenges of relearning how to read, never losing hope. Recently, Don encountered his second health struggle, marked by severe vascular issues that led to the loss of both lower legs. Despite his ongoing efforts to adapt and learn to walk again, additional health complications arose, ultimately leading to his passing.

Though Don never married, he was never alone, finding constant companionship in his beloved friends, Pepe and Sparky. He was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Jessie Bryan, his brother Jack Bryan, and his twin sister, Diane Adam. He is survived by his brother Lawrence (Eleanor) Bryan, sister Dorothy Werstuik, brother Gordon (Karin) Bryan, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Leigh at Foothills Medical Centre, as well as the many doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists at Peter Lougheed Centre who cared for Don over the past five months.

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Don’s family here.

In living memory of Donald (Don) Bryan, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.