George Charles Bryson

George Charles Bryson, "Memphis" February 20, 1947 - August 9, 2020 Son, brother, uncle, father, husband, son-in-law, brother-in-law, father-in-law, friend, teacher and principal are all words that describe who George was to those who loved him. Throughout his illness family, friends, staff and students reached out to thank him for "caring," "sharing," "loving," "listening," "putting them first," "having their backs" and always "doing more." The man we loved is reflected in his surprised response to this outpouring of affection and respect, "I didn't see myself that way...I was just doing what I thought was right." George spent his formative years in a Catholic orphanage in Newark, New Jersey. As a means of survival he established his own set of rules and principles at a very young age. Graduating from high school during the Vietnam War, he attended Memphis State University when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, and enrolled in the first Black Studies class soon after. Bar tending and working in construction to put himself through school, he graduated with a BA in Business Administration and Marketing. He lived the life of a rogue in his twenties. Realizing the odds in Memphis, TN were no longer favorable, he flipped a coin and moved to Oregon to be with his sister, Marcia and her family. Early in his life there he assisted his best friend, Frank in a run for Governor, owned and operated Memphis Express, "A Sandwich Construction Firm," fell in love and had three beautiful children, Waylon, Nicole and Tyler. He traveled in his job; the west coast, Hawaii and Alaska, working on the pipeline at the time of the Exxon Valdez disaster. At the age of 45 he made the decision to go back to school and work on a degree in education that would allow him to be a greater presence in his growing children's lives. He tended bar at The Grand Cafe on the weekends and worked as a school janitor at night while attending Portland State University, graduating with a Master of Education degree. His career as an educator began as a Special Education teacher at West Powellhurst Elementary School in DDSD. He discovered teaching was rewarding and worthwhile. Falling in love, George and I married and together we built a life, blended two families, became "the parents" to Waylon, Nicole, Jessie, Tyler, Jonathan and Jay Paul. Becoming Papa to Madelyn, Voltaire, Sakura and Monet brought him great joy. His love was unconditional. Creating friendships with our "mountain family," spending down time on the "Bryson Reserve," fishing, golfing, drinking a beer at The Shack, he lived a full life. In 2002 George was elected president of the teacher's union by his colleagues and that position opened the door to his true calling, Principal Bryson of Gilbert Park Elementary School. He gave his all to his staff, students and families, ended each morning's announcements with, "Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours!" He touched lives and left a legacy of successful learning. While caring for his parents and supporting me through the illness and loss of mine, he rediscovered his faith and chose to live for Christ. George retired, we traveled and sold our home to start a new adventure that was sadly short lived. After waging a battle that couldn't be won yet still waking each day smiling and saying, "Another beautiful day Babe...one more day with you," George claimed victory over death. George Charles Bryson, "Memphis" was bigger than life. His absence will forever be felt by our family and all who knew him. The example he set for us demonstrated strength and courage in the face of adversity. He gave us the ability to continue our lives full of "faith, hope and love." George died surrounded by his family. I'll end with the toast our son, Tyler made at the lake that evening, "To Dad, when my time comes I hope I am so lucky!"