Wayne T. Bryant

Wayne Thomas Bryant, 66, loving father, loyal friend to many, and devoted husband for thirty-three years passed away Saturday, January 9th, 2016. Wayne was a South Bend native, graduating from Riley High School class of 1966. Wayne met the love of his life and wife of thirty-three years, Pamela Delmage, when he was 8 and she was 7 on Shavehead Lake in 1957. Their love story started at the end of a pier but spanned nearly 60 years crossing the country 4 times. They met early in life and were best friends, however, they didn’t marry until their early thirties. Wayne and Pam remained together until his passing. On Shavehead Lake he was very active in the community and vigorously fought for the things he believed in; clean water preservation, animal habitats, and health of the lake and it’s surrounding residents. The man never met a plastic bottle he didn’t ensure was recycled. Many of his fondest memories were at Shavehead Lake on the water spending time with his family and friends enjoying the simplicity of nature and friendship. Wayne had many hobbies including cooking, photography and swing/oldies dancing at the Brookdale Club in the 90’s. He later served as both the President of the Shavehead Lake Association and the Elkhart Rifle & Pistol Club for many years. In addition, he worked at Monoco Motor Coach for eleven years and managed a full garage Dave’s Marathon for fourteen years. Wayne was always prepared for anything. His signature daily regimen was to ensure he took his Gerber pocketknife, watch, wedding ring, and crucifix necklace wherever he went. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. There are countless stories of him taking care of others, by always ensuring that if he could help no matter what the time of day or situation, he would. Wayne plowed snow every winter on his own accord for neighbors and older folks even at the sacrifice of sleep. Later in life, when the ladies in his retirement community needed help he would haul out his old toolbox and fix anything they needed. Wayne was a master handyman who later continuously helped his daughter Courtenay (Cori) Bryant for hours with her food truck and later bar she managed in Washington DC. Wayne was a wonderful father to Courtenay Bryant. He was always there for her when she needed guidance on how to repair or trouble-shoot a problem and was a strong shoulder to lean on. He provided her with the wonderful example of how a good father and role model should be with his constant respect and admiration for his wife and daughter in his actions. Wayne is survived by his wife Pamela Delmage Bryant, daughter Courtenay Bryant, brother Barry Bryant and sister-in-law Linda Bryant. In celebration of his life, we don't want others to go through what we have due to his suicide and we want to help others seek help. In lieu of flowers, we have created a memorial fund for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Wayne’s name. We have attached the link below for donations. We hope that our outspoken account of his life and death will help others not feel alone and find the strength to see their worth. Wayne struggled recently with severe health issues that we think made him believe he wasn’t good enough for us all. However, in our eyes, we aren’t sure how we are going to do without the love and support he provided. We want this fund to go to those who need help and to programs that support suicide prevention and education. So please give in his name if you wish to give due to this tragedy so something wonderful can result from his passing. As a family, we have decided not to hold a funeral service at this time. We will be holding a memorial service on Sunday, January 17, 2016 from 2-6pm at 302 Cantata Ct., Reisterstown, MD. 21136. Later this year in the summer time, we will be joining his friends and family at Shavehead Lake, MI to perform another memorial and celebration of his life by spreading his ashes where he grew up. Link to memorial fund donation page: http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=958781 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Wayne T. Bryant please visit our Sympathy Store.