September 30 1929 - July 6, 2024

ABERCROMIBE – It is with profound sadness that we sit down to write this obituary for our Dad, Aubrey Bryan.

Dad was born in Pictou on September 30, 1929, He was a son of the late Thomas Edward and Lena Mary (White) Bryan. Survived by his loving wife of 70 years , Kay; daughters, Kathie (Gerald) Delorey, Karen Adamson (Harry Richardson), Debbie Clark, Terry (John) Lynn; son, Jimmy; sister, Rose (Lorne) St. Claire; grandchildren, Noelle, Melanie, David, Bobbie Lee, Vonessa and Zachary; great-grandchildren, Kaden, Madison, Emma, Hunter, Hadley, Hannah, Annie, Nora, Brianna, Ashley, Michael, Justin and Austin; several great, great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Nancy, Florence, Joan, Sheila; brother-in-law, Bryce; many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Jean and Carol; brothers, Edward “Eddie” and Clarence; son-in-law, Dr. Kent Clark; sisters-in-law, Isabel and Dorothy; brothers-in-law, Stan, Warren, Sonny, Jerry and Les.

It is difficult to put into words what Dad meant to us, a wonderful husband, an exceptional father, amazing grandfather and proud great-grandfather and great, great-grandfather.

Dad was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Stellarton. Throughout his life, Dad, lead by example and was a wonderful role model and mentor to his children and grandchildren.  His deep-rooted faith allowed him to be his families “rock”.

Dad met Mom at an IOOF dance in the early 50’s, they married on August 29, 1953, in St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, Thorburn. Throughout the years, they shared many wonderful experiences. Fishing on the lakes with friends, dancing when ever possible and attending Scottish concerts in Cape Breton. They welcomed each of their children with grateful joy and were proud of the adults they became.

Dad went through most of his life doing without so he could provide for us. If an award was ever to be handed out to someone for hard work, it would be awarded to Dad, hands down.  He was still doing work around his home and property up until his passing. Every year he would plant beautiful vegetable and flower gardens, and we would all comment that “he grew the most beautiful flowers we had ever seen”. Dad passed that knowledge along to us. He taught us to be hard working, respectful of others, and to be thankful for what we had.

Dad could put his hands to anything, especially carpentry, building several homes (with Mom’s supervision).  He and Jimmy did work for all of us, if we needed anything done, we would say, “call Dad and Jimmy” and they would come. Jimmy was dad’s right-hand man. He would have tools in hand before Dad would ask for them. We think Jimmy taught Dad a lesson or two as well.

The most joy Dad had in his life was spending time with his family, especially, Jimmy, who was his pride and joy. Every Saturday, you would see the white Toyota truck with Dad, Jimmy and Molly heading to the A&W for breakfast. Of course, you would also see Dad and Jimmy at McDonald’s having coffee and catching up on current events. Yes, everyone in town knew the white Toyota truck.

He was an avid hunter and in recent years, preferred the challenge of using a bow, which he used to get his deer last fall. He and is fur friend, Molly were always together, whether tending the gardens or napping on the veranda. Dad was an avid crib player and enjoyed many wonderful games with his family and friends.

There is so much more that each one of us can say about Dad, however, we will hold those memories in our hearts.

We wish to thank his family physician, Dr. Emmanuel Rivera and former physician, Dr. Forbes for the wonderful care he received.  We wish to thank Dad’s neighbours, EHS personnel and all those who assisted last Saturday. We greatly appreciate all our family, friends and neighbours who have provided words of comfort, food and offers of assistance.

The family will receive visitors 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 12 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13 in Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Stellarton with Father MacDonald Ibeh presiding.  Interment will be in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Aubrey’s memory to Summer Street Industries, Pictou County Food Bank East or Pictou County SPCA.

“Dad rest in peace knowing we will care for Mom, Jimmy and Molly.”

Lovingly written by family.