Roy Bryson, age 92, passed away on November 3, 2011. He was born on March 31, 1919, at the family ranch on Spokane Creek, located east of Helena, to John and Ella Bryson. He attended Spokane Creek Grade School and graduated from Helena High School, where he received part of his education in boxcars after the 1935 earthquake destroyed the school.
After graduation, Roy worked in Helena at the County Home and then at Foley’s Mill. In 1942, Roy enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a carpenter during World War II. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1945, Roy returned to work at Foley’s Mill. Later, he went to work in the construction trade for Jake Larson, where he learned the construction business.
In 1951, Roy married Margaret Guettler in Helena, Montana, and became a step-father to her two children, Michael and Marlene. After they were married, Roy and Margaret, along with Roy’s sister Rosie and her husband Bud Baum, started their own construction company, Bryson and Baum. Over the next thirty years, Bryson and Baum constructed many homes in the Helena area, including their own.
In their spare time, Roy and Margaret enjoyed camping and fishing and spending time with their family at their cabin along the Blackfoot River and hunting game in the Stemple Pass area. Roy liked helping his daughter Marlene and her husband Alex Sandru on their ranch in Canyon Creek and, later, helping them and their son Rick on their ranch in Twin Bridges. Just last fall, Roy was in the corrals on shipping day, working alongside his son-in-law, grandsons, and great-grandchildren.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents; his four siblings Earl, Gary, and Harry Bryson and Lillian Myles; and his beloved wife Margaret. He is survived by his sisters Rosie Baum, Hazel Trawick, and Helen Hodgson; his step-son Mike Foley (Donna and her son AJ) and Mike’s children Mike I. (Janelle) and Debbie; and his step-daughter Marlene Sandru (Alex) and their children Rick (Jody), Steve (Tammy), and Lori (Joel).
Roy was actively involved in the lives of his twelve great-grandchildren and is remembered with love by Mike, Jonathan, Kaitlyn, and Michael Foley; Alexis, Ty, Joe, and Kjersten Sandru; Shandell and Hunter VanDonsel; and Cody and Kori Clark.
Roy’s thoughtfulness and love for his family will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 9th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with military honors to follow at Montana State Veterans Cemetery. A reception will follow at Elks Lodge # 193, 330 Lola St. Memorials are suggested to St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or to an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
Ellen Bryson says
Uncle Roy will be missed. It was always a pleasure to visit with both him and Margaret. My favorite memory of him was watching him on his horse headed to round up cattle in Lincoln. Rest in peace Roy.
Helen Richter says
To the Bryson family:
I was sorry to learn that Roy passed away. He completed many remodel projects for my family as we were constantly involved in a “new project” and in need of his talents. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
God Bless
Helen Richter, Helena Montana
Jody Sandru says
You defined the word gentleman. Our family was so lucky to have you to look up to. My greatest comfort is you are reunited with Granny B. Thanks for being a wonderful role model for my children, and for all the love and support throughout the years.
Joe Scanlan says
Rest in Peace Roy,
You were such a great man, I will always tell the story on how you saved the day, at my late mothers house, with the truck rescue, we needed a truck and you did one better by helping out at age 92. You were the Hero that day!
Leslie DeBree Olsen says
To all of Uncle Roy’s family please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. He was such a gentle spirit and will be deeply missed. May you all feel the peace and comfort of the Lord upon you today.
With Sympathy,
Leslie and family
Pat & Claudia O'Connell says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today as you bid the last farewell to Grandpa B. He was quite a man, and we enjoyed knowing him up in Lincoln at the home. He was such a loving and cheerful man, and the love of his family was very evident. What a beautiful life!
Pat McKelvey says
Roy is a very patient man with a reputation to do things right. I certainly appreciated Roy as a businessman, and hopefully learned some of that from him as well. His honesty and integrity were mirrored in his partnership with Bud. Rest in Peace Roy.
Ron Guettler says
Will Will be greatly missed. Gods speed.
Ti Dahlseide says
Hi,
I am a neighbor of Roy Bryson. I have not met any of his family, so not sure who to contact, but want whoever is arranging the get-together at the Elks Lodge to know that I will bring a meat & cheese tray from other neighbors and me. If there is a time you would like to have it delivered, please let me know. My phone number is 443-3404. Thank you.
We will surely miss our dear neighbor. Although I didn’t know him well, he was always so pleasant and his whole face lit up when he smiled.
Tim Moore says
My condolences to your whole family. I worked for Roy for eight years and he taught me an incredible amount, not just about carpentry, at which he was a master, but about life in general. He was an exemplary boss and an all around great guy. I enjoyed his visits over the past few years when he would stop by the office. He will be fondly remembered.