Forrest James Bryan

Gorham – Forrest J. Bryan, age 96, passed away peacefully at Gorham House on April 30, 2017. Forrest was born in Westbrook on May 20th 1920, the son of Harry and Elizabeth (Welch) Bryan. He attended Westbrook schools and graduated from Westbrook High School in 1938. Westbrook was the focal point for most of his life. His strong work ethic and desire to be self-sufficient appeared early in life by delivering newspapers for many years. The meager money earned helped his family get through the challenging depression era years. During World War II he served in the Army Air Corps. His tour was mostly comprised of an assignment in England repairing aircraft radios. Following his discharge, he returned to Westbrook and soon married Virginia (Noyes) Bryan - deceased. During the early years of their marriage, Forrest attended Worcester Junior College graduating with an associate’s degree in electrical engineering. After graduation, they eventually bought a home on Haskell Street in Westbrook. It was here that they raised 5 children with the youngest – Linda – being a special needs child. Forrest’s life was busy and satisfying during the family’s 12 years on Haskell Street. In addition to working as an engineer for New England Telephone Company (34-year career), he worked doggedly transforming Haskell Street into a great home for his children. Some of his work included constructing a needed bedroom addition, putting a basement in under the entire house and creating a finished rec room with a pool table and ping pong table for his young children to enjoy. Somehow, he found the time to tear down an old barn and used the salvaged wood to construct a remarkably sturdy and attractive 2 car garage (the first building he ever built). He remodeled an old chicken coop into a clubhouse complete with 4 bunk beds. His children and their friends regularly played there and often had sleep-overs. He converted a second barn into a workshop where he built wonderful toys and other items for his kids to play with. These included a train set, a cherished rocking horse (currently being used by his great grandchildren), a unique red sled, along with a miniature garage on which he painted “Pat & Mike’s Garage” for his two oldest children. He installed a swing set, built a remarkably good basketball hoop/backboard, created a pitcher’s mound with backstop, horseshoe pits and a sandbox. His priority was to make the home a playground for his children and neighborhood kids. He valued a yard well-used over a beautifully manicured lawn. Clearly, he went over and above creating wonderful memories for his children and for the always welcomed neighborhood kids. In Forrest’s final years he recalled these times as the best in his life. Fortunately, the day before his passing, he enjoyed a drive through Westbrook with a prolonged stop in front of the Haskell Street home reminiscing about those unforgettably precious times he created for his children. Following Haskell Street, he moved the family to Conant Street where he again worked adapting this new house into an enjoyable family home. For his special needs daughter Linda, he built a swing set and a sizable screen house in which he constructed a two-sided bench seat swing. She spent hours on these swings enjoying herself. He built another remarkably good basketball hoop/backboard but this time put in a night light. Countless hours were spent playing there. More horseshoe pits were installed with night lights as well. As a child, he found pleasure tending his own garden. On Conant Street, he re-discovered that pleasure planting and tending a sizable garden along with numerous fruit trees. He enjoyed this hobby for many years. Forrest retired from New England Telephone Company after 34 productive years. Most of those years were spent with the same coworkers - many of whom were his friends. Throughout this time, he and his friends enjoyed playing golf and bowling in a winter league just to name a couple of activities. Shortly after retirement he married Florence Leo and settled into their home on Little Sebago Lake. Forrest and Flo enjoyed more than 15 wonderful years being snowbirds summering on the lake (site of many family barbeques) and wintering at their condo in Sarasota, Florida. They had many friends in both places and enjoyed varied activities with golf and dancing topping the list. They cherished these golden retirement years together. Upon Flo’s illness, they moved to Gorham House. Sadly, she passed away a couple years later. Forrest’s health remained strong and he continued to live at Gorham House until his recent passing. Up until then, he was their longest-term resident – 15 years! He made many friends there and was known for helping others as much as he could. Over the years, he witnessed many close friends and acquaintances complete their life’s journey yet maintained a positive attitude – always looking forward. Even as age took its toll, he rarely complained and always had a smile for family, friends, the Gorham House staff and others. His long life was well-lived and made a lasting impression upon many people. His family will forever celebrate and cherish the memories he created. It should be noted that Forrest often expressed gratitude for the loving and supportive home Group Mainstream provided for his daughter Linda for many years. Forrest’s family also wishes to express its deep appreciation to the superb Gorham House staff who always treated him with decency, love and respect. A special recognition goes out to all the Gorham House residents who befriended him and supported him as they helped each other through this critical phase of life. He often said there wasn’t a person there he didn’t like. Forrest was predeceased by his wife Florence (Leo), siblings William and Mary Bryan and daughter Linda Bryan. He is survived by son Patrick Bryan and wife Holly of Scarborough, son Michael Bryan and wife Carolyn of Westbrook, daughter Maureen Dewitt and husband Jeff of Durham and son Jeff Bryan and partner Ellen Ridley of Portland. He leaves behind 4 nephews, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. The family will be holding a private service on Tuesday May 9th. Online condolences can be expressed at blaisandhayfuneralhome.com

Forrest James Bryan

May 20, 1920 - April 30, 2017

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