Obituary of GORDON KENNETH BRYANT

GORDON KENNETH BRYANT

1939-2025

After a brief battle with esophageal cancer, Gordon passed peacefully with family by his side on May 11^th. Born and raised in Winnipeg, he was the eighth of nine children of Ivy and Art Bryant. A very active youth, from playing baseball, basketball and soccer to attending cubs, boy scouts and boys choir, delivering newspapers and cutting grass weekly for houses on Scotia St, his family dubbed him with the nickname “Go Go”.

To take a job delivering for Sanderson Drugs, his father co-signed a loan which allowed him to purchase his first bicycle. His career in telecommunications started at just 17 years old when he started working with Siemen’s Brothers which took him to many places across Canada. One of those places was Wadena, SK where he first met his future wife Marilyn Wirtz. After Wadena, Gord continued travelling with work, living in numerous locations – one of his favorite being Halifax – before finally landing in Winnipeg where he – in an amazing coincidence – reconnected with Marilyn who was attending nursing school there.

Married December 22^nd 1962 and after Marilyn graduating from nursing school in 1963, the couple began a seven year journey which – due to his job – involved moving over 25 times to various places across Canada. During this hectic time they welcomed into the world their first two daughters, Cheryl in 1964 and Stacey in 1965. In 1970 they settled back in Winnipeg where they purchased a house on Scotia St. which would become their lifelong home.

Continuing his career in telecommunications he took a job with MTS where he worked until he retired at the end of 1994. Shortly after starting, Gord and Marilyn welcomed into the world their third daughter Shawna in 1974. After a brief retirement Gord took other work in telecommunications where he had the opportunity to work in Phoenix and Denver. Upon returning to Winnipeg, being ever the hard worker, Gord worked in construction until 77 years old when he turned his focus towards caring for Marilyn.

Gord’s proudest moments involved the opportunities he was able to help give to his family. At 19 years of age he joined his brother Art and sister-in-law Joyce in purchasing a cabin at Falcon Lake. He and Marilyn would eventually assume sole ownership and to this day their children and grandchildren continue to enjoy and create new memories there.

Gord and Marilyn enjoyed travelling in the winter. Aside from two family trips to Hawaii and Florida, they spent a few years snowbirding in Mesa, Arizona. Prior to his passing, Gord was able to head back to Mesa for another season, made more memorable by various family members who travelled there to spend time with him. Gord’s daughters extend thanks and gratitude to the new friends Gord met in Mesa that helped to make his final visit special.

Gord is predeceased by his wife Marilyn and leaves to mourn his three daughters Cheryl, Stacey (Brad), Shawna (Armando) and honorary daughter Kirsten (Gerry). Grandchildren Jade, Noah (Stormy), Parker, Kali; honorary grandchildren Devin (Ashley), Quinn (Ashley); great grandchildren Kaylin, Eli, Layla, Grayson; honorary great grandchildren Lynden and Mathis; brothers Tom (Eileen), Melvin (Angele); brothers-in-law Melvin (Angela), Wesley (Elaine); sisters-in-law Joyce and Irene and many nieces and nephews.

Gord’s family would like to extend their thanks to the many health care professionals who assisted him during his brief illness.

Respecting Gord’s wishes, there will be no service. If you so choose, donations can be made to Riverview Health Centre in Gord’s honour: https://rhcf.mb.ca