George Charles Bryson

EVENTS. 1

Final Resting Place, Private

Jan 1, 2021, 2:00 PM US/Pacific

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Salmon River

Oregon, USA

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The memorial organizer requested donations in honor of George Charles Bryson

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Memorial Fund (Scholarship, Dedication, etc.).

The George Bryson Special Education Educator Scholarship was established at McMinnville School District by our niece, Dr. Maryalice Russell last year for graduates pursuing a degree in Special Education. George had the privilege of congratulating the first recipient this year. These were his words, “Congratulations Morgan on receiving this scholarship. The information I read about you tells me you have the heart of a special education teacher and I wish you the best in your endeavor. In my experience...teaching special education was one of the most rewarding career choices of my life!” For those of you who prefer to mail a check: George Bryson Scholarship Fund c/o McMinnville School District 800 Lafayette Ave. McMinnville OR 97128

$160 Raised of $2,500 Contributors (4)

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Kathy Bryson

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George Charles Bryson

February 20, 1947 - August 09, 2020

We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate and pay tribute to the life of George Charles Bryson. Sharing your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. As further plans are made, we will share details here. Thank you for contributing to this memorial. Kathy Bryson Waylon, Kaori, Sakura and... see more

OBITUARY

George Charles Bryson, “Memphis” February 20, 1947 - August 9, 2020 Son, brother, uncle, father, husband, son-in-law, brother-in-law, father-in-law, friend, teacher and principal are all words that describe who George was to those who loved him. Throughout his illness family, friends, staff and students reached out to thank him for “caring,” “sharing,” “loving,” “listening,” “putting them first,” “having... see moreGeorge Charles Bryson, “Memphis” February 20, 1947 - August 9, 2020 Son, brother, uncle, father, husband, son-in-law, brother-in-law, father-in-law, friend, teacher and principal are all words that describe who George was to those who loved him. Throughout his illness family, friends, staff and students reached out to thank him for “caring,” “sharing,” “loving,” “listening,” “putting them first,” “having their backs” and always “doing more.” The man we loved is reflected in his surprised response to this outpouring of affection and respect, “I didn’t see myself that way...I was just doing what I thought was right.” George spent his formative years in a Catholic orphanage in Newark, New Jersey. As a means of survival he established his own set of rules and principles at a very young age. Graduating from high school during the Vietnam War, he attended Memphis State University when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, and enrolled in the first Black Studies class soon after. Bar tending and working in construction to put himself through school, he graduated with a BA in Business Administration and Marketing. He lived the life of a rogue in his twenties. Realizing the odds in Memphis, TN were no longer favorable, he flipped a coin and moved to Oregon to be with his sister, Marcia and her family. Early in his life there he assisted his best friend, Frank in a run for Governor, owned and operated Memphis Express, “A Sandwich Construction Firm,” fell in love and had three beautiful children, Waylon, Nicole and Tyler. He traveled in his job; the west coast, Hawaii and Alaska, working on the pipeline at the time of the Exxon Valdez disaster. At the age of 45 he made the decision to go back to school and work on a degree in education that would allow him to be a greater presence in his growing children’s lives. He tended bar at The Grand Cafe on the weekends and worked as a school janitor at night while attending Portland State University, graduating with a Master of Education degree. His career as an educator began as a Special Education teacher at West Powellhurst Elementary School in DDSD. He discovered teaching was rewarding and worthwhile. Falling in love, George and I married and together we built a life, blended two families, became “the parents” to Waylon, Nicole, Jessie, Tyler, Jonathan and Jay Paul. Becoming Papa to Madelyn, Voltaire, Sakura and Monet brought him great joy. His love was unconditional. Creating friendships with our “mountain family,” spending down time on the “Bryson Reserve,” fishing, golfing, drinking a beer at The Shack, he lived a full life. In 2002 George was elected president of the teacher’s union by his colleagues and that position opened the door to his true calling, Principal Bryson of Gilbert Park Elementary School. He gave his all to his staff, students and families, ended each morning’s announcements with, “Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours!” He touched lives and left a legacy of successful learning. While caring for his parents and supporting me through the illness and loss of mine, he rediscovered his faith and chose to live for Christ. George retired, we traveled and sold our home to start a new adventure that was sadly short lived. After waging a battle that couldn’t be won yet still waking each day smiling and saying, “Another beautiful day Babe...one more day with you,” George claimed victory over death. George Charles Bryson, “Memphis” was bigger than life. His absence will forever be felt by our family and all who knew him. The example he set for us demonstrated strength and courage in the face of adversity. He gave us the ability to continue our lives full of “faith, hope and love.” George died surrounded by his family. I’ll end with the toast our son, Tyler made at the lake that evening, “To Dad, when my time comes I hope I am so lucky!”

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Amanda Zengel:

September 9, 2020 · via mobile

When we (Josh and I) were in 1st/2nd grade (I think??) Cindy and/or George would watch us after school. I'll never forget the time it was raining and all the kids (Nicole, Waylon, Josh and I) decided to jump in the creek on the walk home. In our school... more
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- Kathy Bryson Thanks for sharing Amanda!
  
  September 9, 2020
Kathy Bryson:

September 7, 2020

13:20

George Bryson Memorial Video
Please view this memorial video, put together in George's honor by his family. Watch to see photos of George throughout his life, with his family, friends, and colleagues.

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