Hi John and family. Not sure if you’ll see this as it is over a year since Don’s passing. I too am in shock. I went to university with Don and worked a summer with Don and his future first wife Nora in Nova Scotia. Don and Nora came to our wedding in Parry Sound in the fall semester of 4th yr. I’d kept in contact with Don over the years with cards at Christmas. I worked as a geologist in hard rock mines in remote Manitoba, N Ontario and Sudbury so our paths never crossed. On retirement I was hoping to squeeze a visit into see Don but this goes to show that you can’t put something off. My wife Marcine and I have fond memories of Don. I’ll never forget throwing the football around on lunch break in Nova Scotia and digging the ball out of the bush … from a wasp nest. You’ve never seen 2 geologists run so fast down the road! Lol. Our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Good bye Don and rest in peace.

Todd Madill (Todd.madill@gmail.com)

I had the great pleasure of working with Don. He was most definitely a geologist’s geologist, he loved the rocks and it was hard not to get excited about them when you were around him. I will miss him at the office and his pacing back and forth as he worked out problem. My most heartfelt condolences to the family.

Don, we think of you everyday.

I just heard the sad news about Don. I am so sorry that he has left us. I lived a few doors away from Don on Cranbrooke Ave. in the 1970s and we became good friends. I remember many good times together, such as road hockey and marathon games of Risk. He always included everyone in our activities, even pesky kids like me who were a couple of years younger. I am fortunate to have had him as a friend.

I live next door to Don, he often had backyard chats with my Dad over the fence. After my father passed away Don and I carried on the same over the fence tradition. We spoke about everything from the weather to music and Don gave me advice from time to time when I was struggling with a minor home issue. I have an old metal rake that hurts my back and Don may have heard me using some colorful language while using it one day. He went into his house and came out with a brand new large plastic rake and threw it over the fence at me and said it was a gift. I believe that typifies the type of person Don was; kind, generous, considerate, passive and helpful at the same time. He faced his diagnosis with courage, dignity and strength. I saw Don playing badminton in the backyard with his family during early autumn of 2020 and it brought a tear to my eye. All my best to Annette and John.

It is with great sadness that I learned about Don's death. My deepest sympathies to Don's family and friends.

I had the pleasure of working with Don for a number of years at Pancanadian. Don was a passionate geologist who took pride and care in his professional work. He also was what you could call a true gentlemen. He was respectful towards others, full of integrity and above all genuine. His friendliness and helpfulness were not merely means for a purpose but were expressions of his true character. I enjoyed working with him and getting to know him on a personal level. He will truly be missed.

Gerhard Tjaden

I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Don Bryan I had the good fortune to know Don through having worked with him at PanCanadian for a number of years. Don was very passionate about the science of geology and took great pleasure in being a petroleum geologist, a career in which he excelled. The attributes which made Don such a positive figure to so many of us included his passion for discovery, his integrity and honesty, and his ability to keep up the spirits of those around him, especially when the chips were down. My understanding is that since receiving his difficult diagnosis earlier this year, Don spent as much time as possible with family and close friends. That was the other great thing about Don, his devotion to those closest to him, of whom he spoke about so fondly throughout the time I knew him. Thanks so much for teaching me about many things Don. You will be greatly missed.

I am so very sorry to hear of Don's passing.

I worked with Don at Encana and we stayed in touch after I left. I wanted to stay in touch with Don because he was such a lovely person with an amazing sense of humor, not to mention a great geologist. My most sincere thoughts and prayers go out to John and all of Don's loved ones.

I was very sorry to read the news of Donald's passing in the Toronto Star and I would like to express my sincere condolences to his entire family. He and I were good friends from Grade 8 until Grade 10. When he and his family moved to Scarborough I lost touch with him but I have great memories of throwing a football around in a nearby park, delivering the Toronto Telegram together, and making WWII plastic model airplanes. But, most of all, I will remember playing road hockey in front of his house for many hours at a time. I know that Donald (I knew him as Donald rather than Don) is greatly missed.

Russell Hanley

Sad to hear this news. I had the pleasure of working with Don for a number of years – great person, passionate geologist and mentor. Always had time for a thoughtful conversation and laugh. My condolences to his family and friends.

So sorry to hear this news. I worked with Don at PanCanadian/Encana. He was always so generous with his time and knowledge.

and had such a quiet sense of humour. It was a real privilege to have known and worked with him. Deepest sympathy to his family. Linda Shanks

I was blessed to work with Don on many projects over our years at Pan Canadian and EnCana. Don was was unique in his insight to geological problems and a great person to work with and learn from. A genuine and honorable person, he will be missed.

Wayne Cox

Don was one of those people who really made an impact in your life. He was a wonderful mentor to me as a young geologist and his support helped me immensely in my career. A kind, caring, true to life and down to earth person. I remember two quotes of his that i will always carry with me. “The Slave Point formation will eat your lunch” and “if this doesn’t have gas in it I’ll eat my hat” both usually with that sparkle and grin. We’ll miss him.

Very saddened to hear this terrible news. My condolences to Don’s family and loved ones.

I am a better person for knowing Don. His quiet confidence and encouraging words will impact me as a geoscientist, orator, and person as long as I walk this earth.

Time with him was a gift.

Until we meet again my friend. I'll never be able to listen to a Stan Rogers' tune with out thinking of you.

Adam MacDonald

My condolences to the family. Don was a very good friend and I will miss him.

Chris

Our condolences to John, Annette, Mrs B, Ruth, and families. Don has been a good friend since first meeting in high school music class 50 years ago in Toronto. So many great memories and fun times, coaching and playing hockey, going to horse races, music class shenanigans, practical jokes on each other, driving across Canada, trip to Italy, cheering Leafs & Flames, silly letters and emails. We enjoyed our immaturity. I'll miss him. He will always be with us in our hearts and memories.

I had the privilege of working with Don for several years at PanCanadian and I was also fortunate in that he was involved in hiring me there. It was always a pleasure to interact with him and he rarely had a harsh word for anyone. What a professional - he really affected everyone around him in such a positive way. I wish I had known him better. He also accepted the frequent ribbing about Toronto sports teams with grace.

Sincere condolences to the whole Bryan family. Don was a real class act.

John Weissenberger

My sincerest condolences to Don’s family and many friends. Don was my good friend and valued colleague for many years. We shared many experiences together... horseback riding, canoeing, golf, the race track, travel, many pints and a few good meals. Always smiling, upbeat and kind - a truly nice person and I miss him greatly.

Alf Hartling

My heart goes out to the Bryan family. Don was a gentleman in every way. Polite. Genuine. I am happy to have had the chance to be a fellow co-worker . Don will greatly missed by all.

Cathy Belanger

My very sincere condolences to John, family and all who were close to Don. I've known and worked with Don for many years and he was a humble and passionate professional. Always willing to share his knowledge and expertise. As many have characterized him; a true gentlemen. He will be missed and remembered.

John Parkin

Many of his former colleagues have posted their reflections about Don on this LinkedIn post

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/phil-esslinger-a2a94279_remembering-don-bryan-it-comes-with-great-activity-6741228204679401472-YvPr

My very sincere condolences to to Don's family. It was a pleasure and honor working with Don for many years - I am much better off for it. We will miss you.

Thoughts and prayers to all the Bryan family and friends at this sad time. Outside of the time working with Don I will remember those golf games and the season we coached minor hockey. Always a laugh.

My condolences to all of Don’s Family and friends on the loss of your kind hearted family member.

My fondest memories with Don was seeing his smiling face As we shared the ice playing shiny on the company hockey team. All of us bagged after our shifts and happy to slip out if the office for some lunch hour fun.

Alain Prefontaine

My condolences to Don's family. I had the pleasure of working with Don for several years. On top of being a passionate geologist, Don was a true gentleman, always willing to share his great knowledge with us experienced staff, mixing in some self depreciating humour as he went. Most of all, I will miss our C-train conversations, discussing family and the benefits of lake life in Ontario. A truly great man who will be missed.

My most sincere condolences to the family of Don, Don was a great Geologist, a quiet and thoughtful person, and had a great dry wit, it was a pleasure to work with him at PanCanadian.

Rick Wierzbicki

I worked with Don for a number of years where I came to know him on a more personal level. I will miss and remember him fondly. A true genius in his field, and an extremely kind gentleman. My condolences to you all.

Pam O'Brien