Bryan C. Troutman

Bryan C. Troutman, age 89, of Gaithersburg, MD died on Saturday March 5, 2022 at his home. Beloved friend of Alice Johnson. Beloved husband of his late wife Vivian Moyer Troutman and of his late wife Margaret Fischer. Loving father of Bob (Liz), Tom (Deanna) and Lisa (Kent). He is also survived by his grandchildren Matthew (Ashley), Adrienne (Mark), Anna (Nick), Kelly, Tybar and Max and greatgrandchildren Layla, Kayla and Victor. Bryan graduated from Penn State University in Electrical Engineering in 1954 and received a master’s degree from Syracuse University. He was very active in his community, church, and through volunteering. He will be missed dearly.

Bryan (with a Y) the oldest of 4 brothers (Byrd, Glenn, and Stuart). Born in Stouchburg, PA and lived on a working farm in Mt Zion, PA. He helped run the farm and took care of the chickens, cows and crops. He was personally responsible for their strawberry crop. He would drive their tractor into town to sell produce grown on the farm. He definitely developed his work ethic on the farm!

He attended Penn State University and graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and a masters from Syracuse University. He was a huge supporter of the Nittany Lions football team. Bryan was also in ROTC which led to:

Air Force – Bryan was in the Air Force for 3 years after graduating from Penn State and gaining employment at IBM. He was stationed in Thule, Greenland. He learned to pilot small airplanes in the Air Force which then became a passion throughout his life.

IBM – Bryan worked as an electrical engineer at IBM for his entire career. Some key projects he worked on were optical character reading system for the Post Office, early research and applications of superconducting semiconductors and guidance systems for missiles (early in his career, while in Endicott NY).. Because he worked for IBM, his family was able to purchase an original IBM PC for home use. It was a great way to introduce personal computers to his family in the 1970’s. He retired from IBM after 25 years of service when he was 57 to care for Vivian who passed away from breast cancer shortly afterward.

Inn Flying Club – Because Bryan had learned to fly small airplanes in the Air Force, he was instrumental in the Inn Flying Club, a club formed by IBMers who shared a passion for flying single engine airplanes. Through the years they purchased 3 small airplanes which were kept at Montgomery County Airpark. Bryan served as the treasurer for many years. Bryan and a friend eventually purchased a Cherokee 6 single engine plane. The Troutman’s went on many vacations traveling in one of the a small airplanes including Disney World, New Hampshire, Ocean City, New Jersey, and trips to see their parents in Pennsylvania where there was a small airport with a dirt runway just behind Vivian’s parent’s house. All the kids had a chance to fly the plane once in the air. What a great experience!

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – The Troutman family became members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in 1966. Bryan was very active in the Church and served as the Treasurer, was on the Church Council, and actively participated in many activities including the purchase of the church bus. He obtained his CDL driver’s license so he could drive the bus for Church outings.

Bryan was an active member of the Masonic Lodge (Pentalpha #194) in Germantown for over 40 years and in 1986 was the Worshipful Master of the Lodge.

He was very supportive of his childrens’ interests and activities. He helped Bob with his band, hauling them to various gigs including some in Delaware. He also set up the basement with sound proofing so the band could practice there. Bryan built a dark room in the basement for Tom to pursue his interest in photography and help support Tom’s love of backpacking and hiking. Bryan supported Lisa’s interest in horses and when the family moved to Darnestown with enough land to keep a horse, Bryan built a barn and helped take Lisa to various horse shows. He even took riding lessons! After they became empty nesters, Bryan and Vivian moved to North Potomac, MD.

Bryan moved from North Potomac, Maryland to Vienna, Virginia in 1994 when he married Margaret Fischer whom he fell in love with at first site and wooed her until she agreed to go out on a date. He quickly became a member of the Fischer family and was the “grandfather” to Margaret’s grandchildren Gardiner, Griffin, and Gavin (David and Dawn) and Roan and Gabrielle (Amy). They frequently traveled to visit them across the country and attended many sports activities.

Vienna Presbyterian Church – Margaret and Bryan joined VPC and immediately became active members. Again Bryan was instrumental in purchasing the church bus and frequently drove it on Church outings. Bryan helped organize many blood drives and regularly donated blood. Bryan loved music and signing. He joined the choir which was truly charitable of VPC if anyone has been next to Bryan while singing.

Bryan was an active member of Community for Helping Others (CHO) which helps families in need and provides emergency financial assistance, food, clothing and other items for free. Every year Bryan was in charge of collecting donated coats from several local retail stores which were then provided to the families.

Bryan volunteered once a week at Innova Fairfax Heart Center earning over 2100 volunteer hours.

After Margaret passed away with a short battle with lung cancer, Bryan moved back to Maryland and became a resident of Asbury Methodist Village. He re-joined Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and also met a long time friend Alice Johnson who quickly became his dear friend and partner. They participated in many activities at Asbury, never letting grass grow under their feet!

Bryan was an avid traveler. He has gone on over 20 cruises including most recently to Alaska with the family to celebrate his 85th birthday, and cruised with Alice Johnson to Australia and New Zealand, and the British Isles.

We all wish you safe travels on your new journey. We all love you and will miss you greatly.

Memorial services will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 6420 S Westland Dr., Gaithersburg, MD on Saturday March 26, 2022 at 11:00AM. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to Good Shepherd Endowment Fund.

A reception will be held after the service at another location.

Boards:

Inn Flying Club - Treasurer

Board Walk One Treasurer

Colonies of Madrillon Homeowners Association – Treasury

Volunteer

Innova Fairfax Hospital Heart Center – over 2100 hours of service

Virginia Election Official – over 20 years service

CHO – treasurer

Meals on Wheels

Road Runners Club of America - over 500 miles