Ronald William Bryan

Ron was born in Seattle on April 27, 1948 to Bera Mae (Daisy) Bryan and Robert William Bryan. He died in Seattle on April 20, 2021 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. In spite of a childhood spent in poverty and chaos, he developed his trademark sunny, entertaining personality, which he maintained for 72 years.

With frequent family moves, Ron attended many Seattle schools, graduating from Garfield High School in 1966. A popular, fun, and good-looking night owl, he spent countless youthful hours

shooting pool at the Broadway Bowl, joining the railbirds at Longacres, night-driving for Yellow Cab, ending his shift either at a poker table, or regaling friends at a 24 hour restaurant.

Ron met Barbara when she was his cab fare one evening when she was working late at her job. It was fun at first sight, and they married two years later.

Eventually Ron settled on a career in real estate. He loved taking people on home searches, and made the effort a pleasure tour of the beautiful city he knew and loved so well. Generous to a fault, he enjoyed sharing his new-found success with any and all. He always had an open door policy for anyone needing a place to stay. In fact, when he bought the house on Palatine Ave, one of the occupants didn’t want to move out, so Ron agreed that he could stay and live with the Bryan family for a year! He treated a complete stranger like family, and indeed that man became a friend for life.

Wherever Ron lived was always a lively gathering spot, full of laughter. He is perhaps best known for his quick wit, big smile, and snappy comebacks. His good energy is still here in the universe and in those he leaves behind. As one dear friend put it “Mr. Sunshine will shine even more!!”

Ron is survived by Barbara Ahern, his wife of 43 years, his 4 children: Sean Bryan, Kellee Bryan, Alisha Bryan (spouse Mohammed) and Samie Bryan (spouse Deanne), his 7 grandchildren: Anthony, Jaedyn, Kannon, Landis, Julian, Etta and Siena, 6 siblings: Robert, James, Richard, Phil, John, and Pamela, and numerous treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws, and dozens of friends near and far.

Covid restrictions require an additional sadness. We are unable to host a memorial with the capacity for Ron’s many loved ones and admirers, and the comfort you all could provide. We know your hearts are with us at this time, and we look forward to a day when we can truly celebrate this extraordinary man’s life. Meanwhile, at Butterworth Funeral Home, there will be an intimate service restricted mainly to family, prior to Ron’s burial at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Seattle on May 3, 2021.

In lieu of gifts, the family is grateful for donations to Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation (nwpf.org).

All are welcome to sign the online guestbook below and add any messages or stories for the Bryan family.