John Jamieson Bryden

John was born in Glasgow, Scotland on September 3, 1931 to John Bryden II and Margaret Bryden. He was the youngest child to his sisters Barbara (Babs) and Mae. He spent his youth playing school rugby and his summers working on his Uncle’s fishing boat in Campbeltown, Scotland. As a teenager, he would spend his weekends ice skating at the local rink and, afterward, stay at the arena to watch professional hockey games. Not only did he master the most beautiful skating stride, but it was also during these outings at the arena that John met the love of his life, his dear Alison Johnston Chambers MacDonald.

John served in the British Royal Air Force from May 1950 to January 1952 where he applied his newly acquired apprenticeship as an Electrician. On July 9, 1954, John and Alison were married and, just two years later, they would leave Scotland for Canada; a courageous week-long journey at sea with little money and no secured employment upon arrival. The only person John knew when he arrived in Canada was his sister, Mae. John and Alison settled into their first home in Don Mills, Ontario and their daughter, Lynn, was born in October 1956 and, later, Johnny in 1963. As a trained Electrician, it didn’t take long for John to secure a job at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) as a Lighting Technician. Through his 37 years with the Corporation, he worked his way up to the position of Senior Lighting Director and Technical Producer. John worked on many of the CBC’s biggest productions including Hockey Night in Canada and musical specials with icons such as Harry Belafonte, Anne Murray, and Toller Cranston. In 1976, John played a significant role in televising the Olympic Games from Montreal, Quebec. A fond family memory was listening to John recall these professional milestones during his illustrious career in television. He retired from the CBC in 1992 which allowed him to spend more time tinkering with his backyard pool in Markham and wintering in Florida with Alison.

Anyone who knew John was aware of his love for new cars and huge TVs! Every two to three years, like clockwork, John would be at the Markham dealership looking at and negotiating for the newest model of his favourite cars. He loved to visit family and friends with his new wheels and showed off his luxury vehicles with great pride – always leaving the driveway with a heavy right foot as he drove away which always made everyone smile. During retirement, John was the personal driver for the Mayor of the Town of Markham where he drove the Mayor to daily events in a luxurious Lincoln Town Car. In the TV department, well, the bigger the screen the better. Like cars, John always had the latest and largest television screen available in stores. Family and friends were always fascinated (and happy) to watch a movie or show at the Bryden House because it was very much like being at the movie theatre!

John will always be remembered for his quick wit and big heart. From leaving family and friends in side-splitting laughter at a party to so graciously handing down those nice cars and beautiful TVs to his family, he was truly a remarkable gentleman who would do anything for you. Although he typically stayed clear of being ‘warm and fuzzy’, his generosity knew no bounds. A pocketful of loose change that he would jingle around would be discreetly slipped into the hand of one of his three young grandchildren; only, as they got older, to be replaced with $20 bills. Finally, and most notable, was his devotion until his final days, to his one true love, Alison.

John is survived by his wife, Alison, and son, John (Kathy Kawaja Bryden), and three grandchildren Kyle, Carly, and Ryan whom he adored. He is predeceased by his daughter, Lynn, and sisters, Babs and Mae.

In loving memory, a Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 3, 2023, from 5 pm to 7 pm at The Arbors Condominium Lounge, 555 William Graham Drive, Aurora, L4G 3H9.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Newmarket Health Centre Long Term Care Home at https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/yorkregion/donation/detail/4?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&online=true.

Rest in eternal peace now, John (a.k.a. Grampie and Mr. B). We have your lifetime of great memories and stories to cherish now and for generations to come. You will be profoundly missed but never, ever, forgotten. We love you always and forever.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ThompsonFH-Aurora.com for the Bryden family.