Keith Avon Bryans
1938-2020
Passed away peacefully at Grand River Hospital in his 82nd year.
Beloved son of the late Dr. William Russell Bryans and Helena
Elizabeth (Drager) Bryans. Dearly loved brother of Dr. Franklin
Bryans, Phyllis Armitage (Howard), Barbara Burns (Larry) and inspiring
uncle to Victoria Bryans, Charlotte Kingsford-Nendsa (Chris), Angelina
Bryans Krasnay (John), Liam Bryans, Renata Burns, Alanna Armitage
(Jorge), Derek Armitage (Suman), and great uncle to Sasha, Sebastian,
Alexander, Carson, Danika, Alejandra, Maximiliano, Aidan and Anika.
Keith was born in Brussels and lived with his family in Guelph and
then Seaforth until the age of 16 when he moved to Orillia and then to
Cambridge where he lived happily for 38 years in the care of Community
Living Cambridge. Keith touched the hearts of many with his
infectious smile, twinkling blue eyes and love of life. He
participated with enthusiasm and determination in every activity
provided – bowling, bingo, picnics, attending musicals, summer camp
and day trips to Blue Jays games, the aquarium and CN Tower.
Keith loved trains, planes and cars and favourite activities included
trips to Wendy’s with staff and driving in the countryside after
visiting Tim Horton’s for coffee with his sisters. He was
especially fortunate to enjoy the company of one of his devoted CLC
workers, Nancy Newton-Smith, who with seasons passes, took Keith on
countless train trips to the Halton Railway Museum. A major highlight
organized by Nancy, was the thrill of flying in a Cessna 150 out of
Waterloo Wellington airport.
A love of music was a gift for Keith and, like his late Mother, he
played the piano and harmonica by ear. After his move to Parkwood
Mennonite Home in March 2018, Keith enjoyed weekly trips back to
Cambridge for the day program and participated in the new Music
Therapy program.
It is not possible to name every individual who knew and cared for
Keith or the ‘family’ group who shared his life on Lauris
Avenue. However, in addition to Nancy mentioned above, we do want to
say an extra special thank you to Kelly Frontera who has known and
loved Keith for 30 years and without whose devotion his move to
Parkwood would have been extremely difficult. And to Kelly Wylie who
was another equally loving and devoted caregiver with Keith for more
than 20 years in the day programs of CLC.
Sadly, pandemic restrictions did not allow family or loving friends to
visit Keith the past three months although Phyllis was grateful for a
final visit before he died. Keith’s indomitable spirit will
live on with all of us.
Our sincere appreciation and special thanks to Elizabeth Piccinin,
Director of Parkwood Mennonite Home, who facilitated Keith’s
weekly trips back to CLC and to all the kind and helpful caregivers
and staff at Parkwood. Our sincere thanks to the caring and empathetic
medical team at Grand River Hospital.
A private ceremony will be held at Maitland Bank Cemetery in Seaforth,
ON. As an expression of sympathy, a donation to Community Living
Cambridge would be appreciated.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Keith Avon Bryans 19382020..
Death notice for the town of: Cambridge, Province: Ontario