The Rev. Robert D. Bryan

WEST STEWARTSTOWN, NH – The Reverend Robert D. Bryan, 90, of West Stewartstown, NH, passed away early Sunday afternoon, December 6, 2009, at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook, NH. Robert was born on Hall Stream in Pittsburg, NH, on February 26, 1919, a son of the late Robert H. Bryan and Mary (Parrish) Bryan. He served with honor in the U.S. Army in the European theater during World War II. Following his service, he returned to northern NH and began his career as a meat-cutter for more than 60 years, first for G.B. Currier Co., and later for Solomon’s Store in West Stewartstown. Later in his life, to fill an urgent local need, Bob became an ordained Episcopal priest, and he served as the Vicar at St. Paul’s Church, just across the river in Canaan, Vt., for more than 25 years. He was a renowned storyteller with a wonderful sense of humor. Bob was also known as West Stewartstown’s unofficial historian. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, uncle, brother, and a friend to many, many people in the northern parts of both NH and Vt. Rev. Bryan is survived by his wife, Gretchen (Pearson) Bryan of West Stewartstown, NH; three sons, Robert J “Butch” Bryan and wife Yvonne, of Dover, NH, Lyle P. Bryan and wife Joni of Spokane, Wash., and David Bryan and companion Carol Lesnik, of Lake Worth, Fl.; five grandchildren; as well as nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jeffrey Bryan, in 1966, and two sisters, Uldine W. Hornsby and Shirley Caldwell. Calling hours will be held at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook, NH, on Wednesday, December 9, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on River Road, in Canaan, Vt., on Thursday, December 10, at 11:00 a.m., concelebrated by The Rev. Robert Lee, The Rev. Marlyn Neary, The Rev. Rose Howe, and The Rev. Ronald Owen. An interment service with military honors will be held in the spring at the Colebrook Village Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Rev. Bryan may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, c/o Rev. Robert Lee, 51 Park Street, Canaan, Vt, 05903. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com.

The Rev. Robert D. Bryan

February 26, 1919 - December 6, 2009