Gary Joseph Bryan

September 4, 1955 - August 4, 2020

September 4, 1955 – August 4, 2020

Gary was born in Berkeley, CA and raised in El Cerrito by his loving parents Joseph and Martha Bryan. He attended St. John’s Elementary School and St. Mary’s High School where he graduated in 1973. During his youth he was active in Boy Scouts, the El Cerrito Swim Team and the St. Mary’ band. Gary moved from El Cerrito and then on to El Sobrante, Oakland and finally settled in San Francisco.

He worked for 27 years for Boudin Bakery, San Francisco, most recently as a bakery administrator.

In the 90’s Gary played french horn with SFLGFB where he was affectionatly known as “Blanche” because of his bubbly personality. He also served as librarian for the band and was loved by all the members and anyone he came in contact with.

Gary had a passion for music, road trips, movies, good food, his vehicles and the San Francisco Giants. He had a wicked sense of humor and a laugh to match!

He is survived by sisters Marie E. Bryan, Laurie A. Megonnigil and husband John, Ginny Walz and her husband Steve. He adored his two nephews Joseph G. Smethurst, his wife Alejandra and Stephen J. Smethurst, his wife Erin and their daughters Kenya and Lily.

He is also survived by close friends Steve, Eric, Dan, Margie and her son Will.

He was predeceased by his partner AJ and great friends David Scott Darling and David Kelsey.

Gary passed much too soon and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. The void he has left is vast and can never be filled. Our hearts are broken.

No services are planned at this time.

September 4, 1955 – August 4, 2020 Gary was born in Berkeley, CA and raised in El Cerrito by his loving parents Joseph and Martha Bryan. He attended St. John’s Elementary School and St. Mary’s High School where he graduated in 1973. During his youth he was active in Boy Scouts, the El Cerrito SwimContinue Reading

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To me you will always be "Garbear" a special friend that I have know for 28 years. I will miss our long talks about who had the cutest players the Giants or the Padres. Your love for your Bay Area sports teams were just as strong as your love for your family, especially your pride and joy Lily. Wonderful memories will remain in the hearts of your Boudin Family. You will be greatly missed by all of us that loved you. "The song is ended but the melody lingers on". RIP until we meet again.

I met Gary in 1986 playing in the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Freedom Band. We became instant friends for the past 34 years. He always visited me wherever I moved to, Palm Springs, Modesto, San Leandro at least once or twice a year. He loved to drive and didn't mind the long road trips here. We had so many good times it's hard to put them all down. Good times playing gigs with the band to trips to Disneyland or hanging out for hours playing Mario Bros. video games! He made a mean Lasagna and glad he gave me the recipe years ago. We had such long talks on the phone that seems to last only 10 minutes put was actually 1 1/2 hours. He was my best and longest friend who was always there when I needed help with something. His sudden passing was a shock to me since he had texted me the morning he passed. I will miss the talks and the visits and his sincere and loyal friendship. We had good times buddy. Steve, Eric & Buster

My heartfelt condolences to Gary’s family; as he was a wonderfully big personality and heart to lose too soon. He filled my first year here with great stories and guidance. He was a wealth of knowledge both with regard to work and life lessons. He wore his heart on his sleeve and made you know he was always honest and forthright. Gary will be missed as he has made an indelible mark on my life in the short time we worked together. May he Rest In Peace.

Condolences to John and the family of Gary. What a big sourdough teddy bear! I was fortunate enough to share an office with him years ago at Boudin Bakery and we had the most unique relationship that always ended with a great laugh! He passionate about his work and such a kid at heart. When I reached out to hi. A few months ago, he suggested to call anytime for the quickest response and we had a great conversation that probably ended with a warm good bye. He will be missed.

So this may be long in the tooth but I wanted to be most thoughtful in honor of my brother. My earliest memory was when I was but a toddler. We shared a room that had cowboy and Indians wallpaper. He would crawl into my crib. For some reason I would pull at the hairs on the back of his neck. He would giggle with me and we’d fall asleep. He always got the gifts I wanted, Tonka Trucks, racecar and train sets. I got stupid tea sets and Barbie dolls. So we tore the heads off the barbies....sorry. When I took ballet he did lighting and music at the recitals and was so proud of me. One time I came home and he was “partying” with some friends. Well guess what? He was cool and shared. Later we enjoyed many SF Giants games....we always had fun stupid stuff to share. I will never forget going to see David Kelsey at the New Belle Saloon... When I ran my first 1/2 Marathon in Las Vegas he drove out to meet us. A wonderful visit to Hoover Dam. I could go on for hours about what my brother has been to me but it would only scratch the surface. I love you Gary, more than you will ever know....you are at peace with those who have passed before.....I will miss you as the day is long.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My friendship with Gary began in 1992 at Boudin. We hit it off immediately! Gary was organized, efficient, very direct, and a bit loud, but very loyal. Throughout the years, he did not change. That's what I loved about him. Our conversations always began with work situations, but then quickly moved to family or the SF Giants. He loved sharing stories about the people who brought him joy and love. Gary's great big smile and laugh confirmed this. Gary was more than a co-worker - he was my friend. I will miss you "GarBear" - you were one of a kind and will always be in my heart.

I worked with Gary for the past 17 years and one of the first things I learned was his bark was much worse than his bite. I hadn’t been with Boudin long before I had to place a rather large bread order for a photo shoot. Upon submitting the order I immediately received a call from him saying “hey, this is a lot of bread and I know your new so I just want to make sure you know what you’re doing before I place this big order – and one number is wrong.” Over the years we worked on several bread orders together and he would always call or email to let me know he had it handled and not to worry, it would be there on time. He would then give me an update on his nephews and during baseball season, his thoughts about the San Francisco Giants. Rest in peace my friend and may you have the best viewing point to watch your beloved Giants.

I had the pleasure of working with Gary for the last twenty years. When I first met Gary he was riding his motorcycle to the office in downtown San Francisco before he got his beloved truck. He would offer Mary Jo a ride home on the back of the bike but she never took him up on it. Gary made us laugh everyday and had a heart of gold. Gary loved his family and would beam with pride when talking about his nephews. I will miss your calls when I would answer and you would say "Dude, Where's my truck?" or "Dude, Where's the mayo sandwich?" Rest in peace my friend.

I had the pleasure of working with Gary for the last twenty years. When I first met Gary he was riding his motorcycle to work to downtown San Francisco before he got his beloved truck. He would always offer Mary Jo a ride home on the back of the bike but she never took him up on it. Gary would make all of us laugh everyday and had a heart of gold. Gary loved his family and would always beam with pride when talking about his nephews. I will miss your calls when you would first say "Dude, Where's my truck" or say "Dude, Where's the Mayo Sandwich" Rest in peace my friend.

I am so sorry for your loss - Gary passed much too soon. Clearly the last couple of years have been difficult with the pain and recovery of his accident, but he is at peace now. Condolences for his family and friends.

I am so saddened to hear of Gary Joseph Bryan’s passing. I worked with him at Boudin for sixteen years. We will miss him and we will pray for his soul. Condolence to his family, May the Lord give you comfort and consolation. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul Rest In Peace. Amen.

I had the pleasure of working with Gary at Boudin Bakery. Nothing but great memories. I’ll really miss our conversations where we’d discuss a variety of topics as he was so knowledgeable about so many things. He always had a joke or two and we’d crack up at the dumbest ones! Sending my deepest sympathies to the family.

I worked with Gary at Boudin Bakery. He had a big heart and personality. I have many fond memories of Gary with lots of laughs. I used to say to him, "there you go Gary, always making friends wherever you go". He was the proudest Uncle and Brother. Prayers to the family.

I have so many memories of Gary, it’s hard to pick which one. But, one of the best is how helpful he was with whatever problem I might be having with any and all things. He was especially knowledgeable about cars and the mechanics of them. When I bought one of my first cars, a ‘68 Pontiac Tempest, he realized right away from the sound of the engine that it needed a tune up. Since it was almost Christmas, he went out and bought my gift which was a timing light for tuning the engine. As soon as the present was unwrapped, we went out into the December night. He didn’t want to do it for me, but instead make sure I knew how to do it and he carefully showed me how to work the timing light and turn the distributor so that everything lined up correctly. Now, I would be able to do it on my own thanks to his patience and training. That winter we took a great trip up to Reno NV to see the car museum. We took the Tempest. I brought my dog along and I can picture Gary standing in the snow, while we were pulled off the road, holding my dog on his leash while posing for a picture. My dog had a mind of his own, when it came to leashes. There was Gary smiling for the camera and saying “He’s not very well trained is he.” We had a good laugh and a great time in Reno. Boy, what great times we had.

Gary, The kids and I are so thankful to have had you as a memory in our lives. I can speak for all of us when I say, all memories with you were a complete blast! Your spirit is one of a kind, and we are so sad to have you leave here. People like you are what make this world an exciting place. Say hi to my dad and I will see you again one day. Xoxo Love you Peace and prayers are with you Aunt Laurie and family. I’m sorry for the heartbreak that you are suffering with. Love you all

My memories of Gary are of a happy, vivacious fellow. My prayers are with his family and his friends.

Gary, I miss you more than words can explain. You were the best brother a girl could have! Everywhere I turn I am flooded with thoughts and memories of you. In between the tears I have found many notes from you that bring me some joy and laughter. I can only hope that soon the tears will subside. I love you so very much!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.