Bryan John Carrier

Susan Carrier (951) 551-5363 [email protected]

Bryan Carrier died peacefully in his home on Sunday October 18th. Bryan’s health had declined during the Covid-19 quarantine, steadily draining his strength.

Bryan John Carrier was born in Ithaca, New York on September 6th 1948, the second of four children of Leonard Eber Carrier and Lucy Greci Carrier. The family settled in Encinitas in the early 1950’s, where Leonard established one of the first flower ranches in the area.

Bryan was a mischievous child with a quick wit and stubborn determination. Family and friends will attest these traits are ones he would never lose.

He earned a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential in Political Science from Chico State, but struggled to find a teaching position. He took a job as a Produce Manager, leading to a 30-year career including positions with Mayfair Market, Stump’s Market, MegaFoods, Texans Market, K-Mart Superstores and Pak-N-Sav.

In 1979, Bryan married Julie Davis, fathering three daughters (Cathryn Lucia, Diana Ruth, and Elizabeth Anne), raising them along with two stepchildren (Brian and Amy Orlauski). The marriage ended after nine years and Bryan moved from Temecula to Hemet, California.

In 1993, Bryan met Susan Nikolai at a square dance in San Diego and within a month the couple began making plans to marry. The newlyweds moved to San Antonio, Texas where Bryan took on the challenge of District Produce Manager for a new chain of 17 grocery stores. His career then drew them back to California with a series of positions in Fresno, Aliso Viejo, and Chino.

In 2006, Bryan retired from the grocery business and began a new career in teaching. Utilizing his lifetime teaching credential, he began substitute teaching for Hemet Unified Schools. The following year he accepted a position at the district’s Alessandro Continuation High School. Bryan’s quick wit and stubborn determination proved to be an effective combination in turning around many students struggling to graduate and find their way in the world.

In 2012, Bryan ended his teaching career and a year later embarked on a new adventure, preserving Hemet’s landmark Historic Hemet Theatre. With Susan serving as CEO and Bryan assuming the role of Programming Director, the couple lead a team of over 100 dedicated volunteers to create a successful community arts center. Prior to the Covid-19 shutdown, the venue’s popular Tribute Mania Concert Series had hosted over 100 tribute bands and more than 30,000 patrons. Since the shutdown, Bryan had kept busy planning for the theater's 100th anniversary year in 2021.

Bryan is survived by his wife (Susan Carrier), his three daughters (Cathryn Kouris, Diana Gray, Elizabeth Swanson) and six grandchildren (Hollie and Bryan Stiles; Violet Gray; Amber, Lily and Olivia Swanson) as well as three siblings (Mary Weflan, Daniel Carrier, and Karl Carrier) and eight nieces and nephews.

Bryan’s cremated remains will be placed in a wooden box with beautiful inlaid design created by his father 40 years ago. A Celebration of Life will be held at the theater next year when quarantine restrictions have been lifted.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Historic Hemet Theater Building Fund. Notes of condolence and remembrance can be sent to the Historic Hemet Theater, 216 E Florida Ave, Hemet 92544. A link for donations can be found on the theater's website, www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com.