Douglas Mathew Bryan

Douglas Mathew Bryan, an admirable and outspoken original, passed away on May 15, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Doug was born on December 29, 1931, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, to parents Bert and Ruby Bryan. He grew up on a family homestead near Bridgeford, Saskatchewan, with his brother Alfred and sister Helen. Doug was a first-generation Canadian born to English and Scottish immigrants who fled poverty in the Old World to pursue a better life for their family.

As a child, Doug always dreamed of being a farmer. And he was fortunate enough to do so even as a youngster, chasing cattle and running equipment. He found success in farming due to his strong work ethic, along with his steadfast and ambitious nature. In 1960, he married Marilyn, an equally driven, kind, intelligent and capable woman whose optimistic outlook encouraged Doug to expand his farming operations. Together they raised seven children on their farm near Central Butte, where they kept busy growing crops and carting kids to hockey, figure skating and piano lessons.

Growing up, Doug read classic literature by a coal oil lantern during the long Saskatchewan winters. He enthusiastically consumed the works of Shakespeare, Omar Khayyam, Rudyard Kipling, and other greats; memorizing his favourite lines, which he often recited throughout his life. Doug also had a deep appreciation for High Renaissance art and classical music, especially opera. He frequently spoke about the works of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, Beethoven and Chopin. After retiring from farming, Doug spent time watching hockey, a sport he played from the time he was a boy until he was well into his 50s. He also loved spending time with Marilyn in Edmonton, accompanying her while she ran errands and operated her real estate venture. In his later years, Doug pursued writing and completed two books.

Doug was predeceased by his wife Marilyn Bryan (2013), son David Bryan (2015), grandson Nicholas Bryan (2018), son-in-law Mark Leupold (2019), son-in-law Lyle Stewart (2024), brother Alfred Bryan (2012), sister Helen McJannet (1991), mother Ruby Bryan (1973) and father Bert Bryan (1964).

He is survived by his children: Rebecca Bryan, Juanita Stewart, Marianne (Robert) Gilliland, Troilus (Sara) Bryan, April (Sean) Knudsen, and Laurel Bryan (Daniel Friars); grandchildren: Dallas (Julia), Chase (Michelle), Vicki (David), Laine (Andrea), Carissa, Reegan, Mitchell (Kristin), Kaitlyn, Devone (Kaylie), Bryanne (Grant), Matthew, Christopher, Adina (Frank), Tyrus (Tonja), Sharla (Kyle), Nicole, Kira (Steven), Neo, Chase, Beth, Emma, Kai, Miley, Hugh, Ian and Sophie; and great-grandchildren: Lisa (Blair), Derek, William, James, Jonathan, Andrew, Daniel, Maddox, Sydney, Isabelle, Lachlan, Kale, Jaelyn, Byron, Zada, Brody, Soren, Orianna, Rhonin, Theodore, Benjamin, Elijah, Audrey, Tristan, Quinn, Ari, Townes, Arlen, Callum, Sawyer, Paxton, Luca, and Octavia.

Doug’s presence in this world will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. On Thursday, May 22, at 1:00 p.m., a funeral service will be held at Moose Jaw Funeral Home. If mourners wish, the family asks that donations be made in Doug’s name to the charity of their choice.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550