R. Gordon Bryan was born May 10, 1942, in Bandon, Co. Cork, Ireland, to Dick and Olive Bryan, the third of three children. He was raised on the family's model farm.
Always athletic, he enjoyed gymnastics and rugby. He graduated from Gurteen Agricultural College in 1961. In 1964, he took off with 10 pounds in his pocket and a one-way ticket to New Zealand, where he created a mobile sheep dipping business. A visionary with drive, he established a haulage
A man of faith, he was a lay preacher and a church board member. With ten other adults, he created and ran interdenominational youth camps, which became Scripture Union for the Republic of Ireland. He thoroughly enjoyed sailing his share-owned yacht in the Atlantic Ocean and flying his share-owned private plane. In 1972, he met Elizabeth; after ten days of courtship, three months later they were married and have shared an extraordinary, loving marriage of 40 years.
n 1977, his son Trevor was born, bringing more pleasure to his life. In 1982, he moved to Rapid City. Here his integrity, wit, and gentlemanly care endeared him to many. Ever a risk-taker, he invested in real estate, established several businesses, and indulged his passion for collecting antique tractors. Always a man of faith, he was Junior Warden and served on the vestry of Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
From 1986 to 2005, he lived in Alexandria, VA, Rapid City, SD, Philadelphia, PA, and San Antonio, TX. He was involved in various businesses in each location. In 2005, he returned to Rapid City. Here he bought virgin land, developing the infrastructure for Sun Valley Estates in Piedmont.
He, Elizabeth, and Trevor brought the Banff Mountain Film Festival to Rapid City for the enjoyment of the community and for the financial benefit of the Dahl Fine Arts Center. In April 2009, while supervising his men on a construction site in Edgemont, he was involved in a construction accident, which resulted in a permanent spinal cord injury. He was paralyzed from his neck down. His intrepid spirit intact, he spent six months at Craig Hospital, Denver. With hard work, he was able to move his left arm enough to "scratch my nose"—a goal he set early on. Returning to Rapid City, he continued to share his love of life, humor, and business acumen. As it became apparent his body was deteriorating, he moved from his home into West Hills Village for a year.
Making the decision himself, he moved into Hospice House, March 15th. Although he suffered three years of excruciating, debilitating pain, horrendous hospitalizations, and diminishing hope of recovery, his zest for living, his kindness for others, his strength of character, his fun-loving spirit, and his faith did not diminish. We thank God for Gordon, for the man God created him to be; for his well-lived, full life; and for the joy and love he brought.
Thank you, God, for your servant, Gordon—may light perpetual shine upon him. Ar aghaidh leat go dtí do Thiarna i neamh. (Go to be with your Lord in heaven.)
Gordon is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Bryan; son, Trevor Bryan; two grandsons, Brad Jones and Reed Bryan; his sister, Dorothy Jeffers; and his brother, William Bryan.
A Celebration of Life memorial service with Eucharist will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church with Fr Rich Ressler, Celebrant and Fr. David Cameron assisting.
Inurnment will follow in the Emmanuel Cremation Garden. In Lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established. Edstrom & Rooks Funeral Service at Serenity Spring of Rapid City is in charge of arrangements.