Ray A. Bryant

WEST STEWARTSTOWN, NH -- Mr. Ray A. Bryant, 80, of West Stewartstown, passed away at his daughter’s home in Londonderry, NH, on Sunday afternoon, May 31, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Arundel, Me., on April 21, 1935, a son to the late Victor and Gladys (Hutchins) Bryant. Ray graduated from Kennebunk High School in 1954 and spent most of his life in West Stewartstown. Ray worked for the Beecher Falls Division of Ethan Allen for 42 years as a supervisor in the maintenance department. He happily spent 48 years as an active member of the Beecher Falls Volunteer Fire Department, with many of those years at the rank of Assistant Chief. He enjoyed helping his community and socializing with the members of his department. Ray also had a passion for restoring antique cars, for which he had a great talent. He loved driving his cars in the local parades. But his greatest joy always came from spending time with his beloved family. Ray was one of the most kind, patient, and caring persons that one could ever meet. Everyone he met loved him, and for good reason. He lived his life believing and teaching others that “there is good in everyone.” He is survived by two daughters, Roxanne Wright and husband Steve of Pittsburg, and Sherry Dorman and husband Winston of Londonderry; two sisters, Alice Williamson of Farmington, Me., and Joanne Watts of Pocahontas, Ark.; four grandchildren, Lance and Blaine Dorman, Karen Carr, and Kristen Tessler; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Ray also had a special relationship with his brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as long-time friend and co-worker, Michael Brauch. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Grathia (Ladd) Bryant in 2010; his daughter, Raelene Biron, her husband Michael, and two grandchildren. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2015, from 5-8 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook, NH. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, at the Independent Baptist Church in West Stewartstown. Interment will immediately follow at the Alice Hunt Cemetery in Canaan, Vt. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Chief Bryant may be made to the Beecher Falls Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 326, Beecher Falls, VT 05902. Condolences may be offered to the family by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Ray A. Bryant

April 21, 1935 - May 31, 2015