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With his wife, Lillian, forever at his side, Farris Bryson passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 10, 2014, after a valiant battle with cancer. Farris was born to Lee and Mary Bryson on October 3, 1926 in Sylva, North Carolina. He was a regular Huck Finn, running barefoot through the woods, fishing in the creek and finding whatever trouble a young boy could find. Upon graduating from Sylva High School and in the middle of World War II, he served on a destroyer in the United States Navy, at the young age of seventeen. He was honorably discharged at the age of nineteen and accepted an opportunity provided by the Armed Services to return to high school where he met his lifelong partner and soul mate, Lillian Moore. With two young children in tow, Farris and Lillian moved to the Pacific Northwest where they raised their young family. Farris was a natural athlete and excelled in any and every sport he chose. He was always larger than life itself; working tirelessly to improve the lives of everyone he met. With these innate abilities it was no surprise that he chose to run for the Presidency of the AWPPW, turning this union into one of the most powerful labor unions in the country. Farris remained President of AWPPS until his retirement in 1994. Retirement was the best for Farris and Lil. They traveled everywhere and at any time. The quiet times were spent at their lovely home in Mukilteo, anchored between the Lighthouse and the Mukilteo Ferry. Farris was predeceased by his parents, Lee and Mary Bryson; his brother, Burger Bryson; and his sister, Harriett Dillard. He is survived by his wife, Lillian Bryson; his daughters, Brenda Keefe (Paul) and Rhonda Holle (Rolf); his grandchildren, Jennifer Hazeltine (Derek), Stephanie Andrews (Martin), Justin Keefe (Elena), Danielle O'Keefe, and Ryan Holle; and his great grandchildren, Taylor Hazeltine, Jackson Hazeltine, Elliott Andrews, Wren Andrews, Tula Andrews; and baby Andrews due early Fall. We all miss him dearly and continually rejoice in his incredible caring and guidance. Please join us in a celebration of his life, at 1:00, Saturday, June 14, 2014, The Hazeltines, 7010 114th Avenue N.E., Lake Stevens, Wash. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.
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Just as I've always done, I'll remember and cherish your earnest words of advice and love. From the very simple lesson of how to brush my teeth, to the fun lessons of shooting pool and swimming, and the important lesson of how to be a successful adult, the lesson you taught me that I'll treasure most is that if you see something in the world that needs to change, do something about it. The world was a better place because of the changes you made in the world, and your legacy lives on in passing that lesson to your children and grandchildren.
Danielle O'Keefe
June 26, 2014
It was a great priveledge to know and work with him as a shop steward in local 644. He was one the original rebels who helped form the
AWPPW into the great union it became. A truly visionary and compassionate leader who left an indelible mark on the pulp and paper industries' unions struggle against corporate giants and their less than admirable bargaining tactics. Always put the interest of the rank and file first. He was truly a giant of a man and will be sorely missed but never, ever forgotten.
Vince Turner
June 19, 2014
Dear Lil and family,
So sorry to hear of Farris passing. Even though we had brief acquaintances he was always caring and thoughtful. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and hope all the memories you have will get you through this most difficult time.
Ray and Carolyn(Miller)VanderVate
June 18, 2014
I really am missing you already! You were certainly a very good person to work with and you were always there to give encouragement to me. You, Bob, and Norm. You were the heart and soul of the Union Movement in the Fall of
1964. You saved us from going down the tube with the old union we hade.
God Bless You Farris.
May God be with you Lil. My prayers are with you to give you strength.
Dave Lee and old buddy
June 15, 2014
Farris you have joined the ranks of the many Bryson men who have gone before you; Burger, Hubert, Ern, Ray, your Dad Lee; Cora's sons; Lance and Junior.
Rest in Peace Old Soldier. We will remember you.
Hubert and Nell Bryson Family
June 14, 2014
Farris was a strong leader of the labor movement and the AWPPW. He was respected by the thousands of men and women he served. He will never be forgotten by those of us that knew and worked for and with him.
Darrell Moffatt
June 13, 2014
Farris was a mentor & friend to many. We looked to him for guidance in some of our darkest hours. Thank you Lil, for sharing so much of his time and yours as well.
Danny Handley, Local #633
June 13, 2014
Some men ask to be followed others just move in the right direction and others follow naturally. You will be missed Farris.
Jayne DeWitt
June 13, 2014
My husband Les and I had the privilege of meeting Farris through his granddaughter Jennie and had great conversations with him about work and family. My heart felt thoughts and prayers to his wife Lillian and his loved ones! R.I.P. Farris Bryson
Vicki Barnett
June 13, 2014
I am very proud and pleased to have known Farris, and I want to thank him for his undying loyalty and service that he gave as president of AWPPW. Farris, you will be missed, but never forgotten.
Ronni Holguin Sheflo
June 13, 2014
I had the honor to work beside Farris in the 1986 Camas Mill negotiation, he was a great mentor to me then and always.. Farewell my Union Brother.. You will be dearly missed.. Ted David..Longbeach, WA
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June 13, 2014
A great leader and more important a great friend, you will be missed by all of us that have a better life because of your efforts
June 12, 2014
I spent may years with Old Hooks both in athletic compettion and at work - Awppw and Scott Paper. I'm very sorry he has depated - all the best to Lil and the family.
Jim Thompson
June 12, 2014
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