William Jennings Bryan Jr.

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died February 25, 2019

William Jennings Bryan Jr., of Gladstone, passed away unexpectedly, on 25th of February, 2019.

Bill was born on the 16th of August, 1962, in Gladstone, to William J. and Shirley (Anderson) Bryan.

Growing up a proud “East Ender”, Bill was a legend at the Gladstone “Rec”. Year in and year out, Bill could be found tearing up the Ping Pong tournaments. Summers were spent swimming in Little Bay de Noc, fishing and working at the Gladstone Dairy Flo with his lifelong friends.

After Graduating from Gladstone High in 1980, Bill moved to California and enlisted in the United States Navy, becoming a nuclear reactor operator on the carrier, USS Carl Vinson.

On Valentine’s Day, 1983, he married his childhood love Barbara Weycker, welcoming daughters Candice in 1984 and Amanda in 1989.

Following the birth of their daughter Amanda, the family moved to Minneapolis. Bill received a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota and operated his own consulting firm.

In 2008, Barb and Bill decided to return to the California sunshine and split their time between Gladstone and The San Francisco Bay area.

Bill was an avid golfer and hit the links, in the U.P. and California, at every opportunity with his closest friends. A food and wine enthusiast, Bill was known to always pick the right vintage for the meals he was passionate about cooking. Meals which (usually) turned out deliciously.

In addition to his loving wife Barbara, Bill is survived by:
Daughters: Candice (Dale) Eberly
Amanda (Eric Savage) Bryan
Sisters: Genie Gillis and Vicki Kasper
Granddaughters: Christianna and Charlotte

Bill is further survived by his nieces, nephews, cousins and many close friends.

Bill’s parents, William and Shirley, preceded him in death.

Bill’s family will receive friends on Saturday, from 2:00PM to 4:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites will follow visiting hours, followed by funeral services with Pastor Diane Srutowski of Trinity Lutheran Church in Stonington officiating. A celebration of Bill’s life will follow at the Gladstone Yacht Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Envelopes will be available throughout visiting hours. Bill will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in the spring.

36 Tributes for “William Jennings Bryan Jr.

    Barbara, Candice, Amanda, and family… my most sincere condolences. You all know how I felt about this amazing man. I thank you for sharing him with me all these years. Bill… I’ll see ya later.

    Bill: Love you like a brother. We had so many good times together. You are already, and always will be missed. See you on the high ground. Rich

    Barb, Shocked & stunned at this sad news. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Al & Dolly

    You were one in a million, my friend, and your loving smile will be missed.
    My deepest condolences to his family, especially Amanda and Candy. His love for you was evident every time we spoke.

    We were honored to know Bill. His enthusiasm made all our lives better.
    We pray for Bill and that Barb and his family have the faith and strength to cope with this difficult time.
    With our love, John and Ann Hager

    Candice and Amanda, you don’t know me, but your mom will remember. I was there for your mom and dad’s wedding. My family spent many happy days with the Weycker family. I’m sorry for your loss. The sudden and unexpected reality of it makes it all the more difficult to fathom. While I cannot be with you for the service, please know that my thoughts are with you all. I know that your dad was very proud of you!

    So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, sad to see such a kind and sincere person be taken too soon. Bill accomplished much in his life, he was smart, and a pleasure to converse with, and he certainly was a legend at the “Rec”. He was unbeatable at the table and excelled at the other racquet sports among others as well, but most of all Bill was a good person. He will be missed. God Bless. Andy Wiltzius

    I met Bill in 2014 when I became associated with the agency where he was a Senior Engineer. He was immediately gracious to this unknown “new guy” and his good humor, intelligence, and amazing knowledge impressed me from the start. It was a privilege to work with him, and to call him a friend.
    God Bless him, all of his friends and family in this very difficult time.

    Bill,
    You’re one of the reasons I’m alive today and I will never forget that. Your unconditional love and friendship will remain in my heart until we meet again someday.

    Bill was one of the nicest men I have had the honor of knowing. He will be greatly missed. May God give you comfort and know you will one day be reunited in heaven.

    To my work buddy Bill
    When someone you know becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
    You are a treasure.
    My prayers to your family.

    Bill;
    One of the most wonderful, generous people I ever met, got me to grinning even on a tough day. The stories at the bagel shop had my jaw dropping! I’ve adopted one of his sayings “Well, all right then!” An angle amongst us, gone home.
    Condolences to his family and friends.
    Love to all!

    Bill, you were a true “gentleman” with a big heart. Your smile, kindness and generosity will be missed by many. I am honored to have known you.

    Barb and family,
    So surprised to hear about Bill. Shocked more like it. He was so full of life and laughs. I so enjoyed working with you and Bill at the Dairy Flo. Have so many great memories of Bill. Too many to mention here. Just sending many hugs and love your way. I have ro work Saturday, but I’m there with you all in spirit.

    Barbara, Candice, Amanda and Family, I am beyond words… I am so very sorry for your loss. Bill meant so much to Mick and I, and we will never forget him. I don’t know how Mick will do without him, both personally and professionally. He will be so missed by many. God bless you all through this difficult time. CJ Daly

    Dear Barb,Candice and Amanda, my heart breaks for you all. So sorry that a good man had to leave this place way to soon. Thinking of you all. Love you all. Janine ,Tanya, Bruce,Christina.

    I had the privilege of sharing Billy’s 6 years in the Navy with him. While we were being trained at Great Lakes Naval Training Center we went home to the UP most weekends. Billy took me to a Rod and Gun club there in Gladstone and taught me to shoot trap and skeet. He was a good teacher as I actually beat him ONCE shooting skeet a few years later. LOL! We travelled the planet together and saw some wondrous places as we went. We golfed a golf course in the Philippines that had a hill so steep they provided a rope tow to assist the golfers in climbing it. We bowled on a bowling alley in Abidjan in the Ivory Coast that claimed to be the only “automatic” bowling alley on the continent of Africa. We became Royal Shellbacks together when we crossed the equator at 0 degrees longitude and 0 degrees latitude. We went to places that a couple of yoopers like us never heard of growing up. We leaned heavily on each other for support in missing home, missing our families, working on our love lives and actual physical security a few times. Up until last Monday, I knew I could ALWAYS call Billy any time for any reason and he’d be there for me. Billy taught me how to be a good friend. Although I know he is in a better place now and relieved of the burdens we bear navigating this human experience, I can’t help but feel sad. Not for Billy, but for the rest of us that will be sailing on without his physical presence. I DO have every confidence that his Spirit will always be there with me, providing love and friendship as it always has. My deepest heartfelt condolences to Bill’s family and other friends. We need to remember to be thankful for the time that we were blessed to have Billy in our lives, and try to be as good to others, as he was to us. There is so much more I could say, but I think I’ve said enough for now. Much love to all that read this.

    Barb, Amanda & Candice so sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. We met them when he & Barb moved to Ca. He was always smiling & so polite. He was a very special man! It’s always so hard to lose a husband & father so suddenly. But remember he will always be near. Our thoughts and prayers for your family! God bless you all!

    Barb, Candy, Amanda, and all! I’m in shock over this tragic news. I am so sorry, and I will continue to pray for strength for you all while you are going through this loss. I remember the first time we met Bill. Dave was looking at guns at Burger Bros. They hit it off right away and when Dave found out he’d been to engineering school, he hired him right on the spot. It was so cool. Remember when you girls were little and your dad would bring you over to our house while he and Dave worked? Those were fun times. Sarah loved it when you came over, too! He was such an amazing asset to Bennett and Associates. Dave always thought of Bill as his little brother and he, we all, loved him so much. Working, hunting, golfing and fishing…they did it all and they never said a harsh work to each other. What a terrible loss for everyone who had the privledge of knowing William Jefferson Bryan. RIP Bill, and look for Dave up in Heaven. Knowing Dave he’ll probably give you a big bear hug and tell you that he’s happy to see you in Heaven cus he figured you’d go somewhere else! Love you all!

    Barb and family .. my sincerest condolences to you all. Bill used to come to the pram dock in the summer when I worked there. He was always happy and ready with a joke for me. He was my youngest brother’s age and I know Tim and his friends thought the world of him. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you make your way through these next days, weeks and months ahead.

    Oh Billy I remember how you would “bother” me while visiting my brother after school. We lost touch over 40 yrs but recently we spoke often reminiscing about your CRUSH on me…REALLY? I’ll remember you fondly my friend. Always remember…Belly buttons need love too…rest my friend…

    Barb, I am so sorry to hear about Bill. I just had conversation with him not more than a month ago and he was looking to the future of fun times with you and his family. I wish I were in town to attend his services and give you a hug, but will connect with you when I return in May. He was a delightful man, very smart and fun to be around. I am so grateful to have met him and to see the love you and he had together!

    Dear Genie, Vicki and Family,
    There aren’t words to describe the enormity of your loss … and there aren’t words that will ease the heartache that you feel. You’ve lost an extremely special family member … and life won’t be the same (and/or as much fun) without Bill. We hope the memories of wonderful times shared bring you some comfort. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    With Love,
    Nancy (Gillis) & Tim LeGault

    I will always have fond memories of our lengthy discussions about muscle car horsepower vs. handling and the seasonal “apple juice” delivery. One of our last “serious” discussions was about the ZL1 Camaro and the “launch mode” feature. The conversation was at the maturity level of about two 17 year-old boys in a high school hallway, which made it all the more special. Bill’s perpetual positive attitude, smile and true gentleman style influenced us all and made work a lot less like work. I will miss my friend.

    I got to know Bill better at our last class reunion and was shocked to hear of his passing. He was an amazing and generous man and it’s so sad that we have lost another classmate. Barb, my thoughts go out to you and your family. May you find peace and love in your memories.

    Bill,
    You are a legend to me in so many ways. Off the chart intelligence, humor, kindness, generosity, loyalty, genuineness, inclusivity etc. I’m honored to have met you as a coworker and friend, and I know that wherever you may be now, you’ll already have made new lifelong friends and figured out how to sweep the raffle prizes.

    Barb and family. No words can describe the sadness we feel for your loss. Bill was a special person and his passing leaves the world less bright. Our family is keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Jody and Gale

    I had the privilege of working with Bill for the past five years. Something that has helped me and may help others . . . I like to think about the great qualities that Bill expressed. There are so many for Bill. Caring and humor are the two that pop into my head first. He always wanted to know how people felt about things and was always quick with a humorous thought or story. Then I like to see these qualities expressed around me and strive to express more of them my self. In this way I feel I am honoring Bill while continuing to feel his presence. Bill – Thank you for sharing your caring and humor with us.

    I was so sad to hear of Bill’s passing, so young. The world has lost a wonderful fun-loving guy for sure. Many hugs and prayers to the family and friends who are grieving. May his spirit continue to comfort and guide you as your guardian angel.

    Our condolences with sympathy! Human thoughts cannot bend Him, who gives the ways to the stars. Warmest thoughts to You! With Love Anita, Jorma, Juha and Miia, Ilkka and children.

    Thinking of you Barb and family at this difficult time. I am so glad to have known Bill as a classmate, friend and next door neighbor of my grandparents. Bill always had a positive attitude and radiated the best for everyone in his life. I am so sad and sorry for your loss.

    Barb,

    I’m very sorry for your loss and would like to offer my condolences. Even though it was difficult to keep in touch once he left Minnesota, my world will never be the same without him in it.

    To Bill’s family, and especially Barb, Candice, and Amanda,
    I don’t need to tell you what a special person Bill was, but I will try anyway. I admired so many things about him–his kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, mischievousness, non-stop positivity and zest for life. He was the catalyst for so many fun adventures in high school and beyond. In recent years, our paths would often meet in Gladstone and it breaks my heart to think of him not being there. I think that what so many of us will miss the most about Bill is how much he really worked to make everyone around him happier. I am honored to have had him as a friend. I know he is and will remain a part of you, his family. May we all find comfort in our wonderful memories of a beautiful life.

    So sorry I just saw this bill was a big part of my life in high school . Always the first one to help a generous thoughtful man . So much fun a wonderful man . I’m sorry I didn’t get to know him or meet his daughters after We both moved away remember him roundly and Barbara I’m so sorry !too young

Post a Tribute

Your email address will not be published. Tributes are moderated before posted. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.