Obituary of Vivian M. Bryant, Jr.

Vivian Milton Bryant, Jr., 86, of Penfield, NY, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2016. Predeceased by many beloved family members, including parents Ruth and Vivian Sr.; brother Lewis Eugene, sister-in-law Thelma, sister June Lade, brother-in-law Donald Brady, sister-in-law Esther T. Moore and daughter-in-law Tabatha Bryant. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 62 years, Joyce W. Bryant, brothers Maurice (Mary) and George (Betty), sisters Lydia Brady and LaFern (Martin) Barsch, brother-in-law Richard (Mary) Lade, brother-in-law Earl (Mary) Moore, brother-in-law Ray (Rita) Wallace, sons Kevin, Matthew (Jennifer), daughters Judith (Thomas) Salati and Lisa (John) Lacey; grandchildren Christina, Kevin, Madeline, Steven and Benjamin; and many nieces and nephews. Vivian was born in the small town of North Jay in southern Maine. He attended Wilton Academy, where he met a dynamic new chemistry professor, who encouraged him to pursue his collegiate training in chemistry at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. In 1948, while serving breakfast in the women's dining hall, he met a fellow science student, Joyce, his future spouse, from Bourne, Massachusetts. After graduation from Colby in 1951, he moved to Rochester, NY to work for the Eastman Kodak Company. On many weekends, he drove the distance between Rochester and Cape Cod to continue their romance. Vivian and Joyce were married in 1954 in the Colby College Chapel. They honeymooned in Quebec and Montreal, Canada and settled in Rochester, NY. Vivian's career at Kodak spanned over 35 years and covered a multitude of projects supporting the company's presence in the photographic and related fields. This work included participation in the 1960's Corona Project (an ultra-secret spy satellite program) which was only recently de-classified. He worked hard, travelled often, and was liked and respected. Vivian was quick with a dimpled smiled and maintained much of his Maine accent and sense of humor. He will be remembered for time he spent at one of his favorite places, sitting on the porch of a waterfront camp in Maine, reading a good book, listening to classical or church music, and watching the kids or wildlife on the water with binoculars and listening to the sounds of the loons. He loved to take trips down the coast to New Harbor for lobsters and clams (steamers) with extra drawn butter, and enjoying the views of the rocky coastline of southern Maine at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. He was raised in a loving and supportive family, so he carried on this tradition, especially devoting himself to his family, with faithful support and unconditional love. These skills were to play an important part in his church life with Community of Christ (then called the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) and later ordination to the priesthood as an Elder, High Priest and Evangelist-Patriarch. He also served as local Pastor, regional District President and non-resident Pastor so that he could help support the spiritual needs of the members. He especially enjoyed participation in the camping program of the church (Family Reunions) and reaching out to potential seekers with a discussion and slide show on church history and theology and administering the sacraments of the church, including 'Evangelist blessings'. He was faithful and steadfast in this work, giving what he often called his 'time, talents and treasure'. He was a lifelong student of many good books, including religious works of other faiths and supported the inclusion of all in the building of God's kingdom. After age and the effects of Parkinson's disease limited his mobility, Vivian spent the past few years at Crest Manor Living and Rehabilitation Center in Fairport, NY and was well-cared for by many nurses, therapists, administrators and activities staff. Their support is greatly appreciated, as it kept Vivian in good spirits and enabled Joyce to visit him each and every day. A celebration of Vivian's life will be held Saturday, May 14, 2016 at White Haven Memorial Park (210 Marsh Rd., Pittsford, NY 14534). Family will receive friends before the service in the Gathering Room beginning at 9am and the memorial service will begin in the adjacent "All Season's Chapel" at 10am. A private committal service will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by Jennings, Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home, 1704 Penfield Road, Penfield NY 14526, 585-381-3900. Online memorial or condolence messages can be entered at http://jenningsnultonmattlefh.com/ In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the ministries of the Community of Christ and will be accepted at the memorial service, mailed to Community of Christ, EGL Mission Center, 9017 Chillicothe Rd. Kirtland, OH 44094-9261 or can be made at the following website address: http://www.cofchrist.org/one-time-contribution