Glen Bryson

Glen W Bryson, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, returned home to his Heavenly Father on September 19, 2018 after 92 years spent serving everyone he knew. He passed away peacefully, with family at his side, knowing he would be greeted with love by those who preceded him in death.

Glen was born July 4, 1926 in Woodruff, Utah to Merlon Vincen Bryson and Celia Mae Dickson. He grew up in Payson, Utah, where he learned the value of hard work as he helped his family through the lean years of the Great Depression. From his father, he learned that diligent work and creative thinking can solve any problem, and he treasured opportunities to work alongside his father and grandparents to help provide for the family.

In 1944, Glen graduated from Payson High School. Immediately after graduation, he joined the Navy, where he served as a Seabee on the island of Okinawa during World War II. His time in the Navy left him with a deep sense of God’s love and protection that remained with him throughout his life.

After returning from his military service, he married his high school sweetheart, Afton Vaughn Jolley, on October 10, 1946, in the Salt Lake Temple. He loved and admired Afton for her warmth, kindness, and patience. They raised six children together in Roy, Utah, and he felt a keen sense of pride in his family. Glen worked for 40 years at Defense Depot Ogden before retiring in 1983, just a year after the death of his beloved Afton on January 15, 1982.

On February 23, 1984, Glen was blessed to be sealed to Janice Bybee Foster-Potter in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they served an LDS mission to San Diego, California, where they worked closely with a local congregation of refugees from Asia. Janice’s companionship was a gift in Glen’s life.

Glen delighted in serving others, and his particular passion for cars allowed him to help many people in need. Repairing and rebuilding cars was one of his greatest joys, and neighbors and friends would regularly stop by his house for help or advice when they were having car trouble. He had a deep commitment to personal excellence and always gave his best to every person, project, and opportunity. His creative solutions to problems blessed everyone he knew, and his willing service to others is a powerful legacy for his family.

Glen loved his family and his Heavenly Father, and his deep faith guided him through some of the most desperate times of his life. In a tender expression of his testimony recorded toward the end of his life, Glen said, “I can honestly and fully understand, through the many experiences that I have had in life, that the mercy of my Savior has often stepped in to guide, direct, watch over, and protect me. I’m grateful for my Savior and Redeemer.” Glen leaves his mark on the world through a life humbly and graciously lived.

Glen’s memory will stay alive in the hearts of those he left behind. He is survived by his wife, Janice; his sister, Naomi Johnson, Nephi, Utah; his six children: Karen Tolman, St. George, Utah; Brent (Carol) Bryson, Central, Arizona; Kristine (Michael) Child, Spokane, Washington; Kaylynn (Doug) Nelson, South Weber, Utah; Bruce (Lynda) Bryson, San Antonio, Texas; Julie (William) Martindale, North Ogden, Utah; stepson David Foster, Roy, Utah; foster daughter Kim (David) Buhler-Thomas, Provo, Utah. He also leaves behind 19 grandchildren,1 step grandson, 5 foster grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. Glen is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Afton, his son-in-law Max Tolman, and two great grandchildren.

Glen’s family offers their warmest thanks to the staff of Brighton Hospice, especially Alice and Kelsey. Their loving care of Glen in his final days brought comfort to him and his family. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, September 29 at the LDS chapel at 5900 S 3100 W in Roy, Utah. A public viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by the funeral at 11:00. Interment will take place at the Roy City Cemetery, 5250 S 2300 W, Roy, UT, entrusted to Lindquist's Roy Mortuary.