Henry Bryant

Henry Lee Bryant

Resident of San Mateo

Passed away of natural causes on October 1st, 2010 in San Mateo, California. "Hank" was born in Carthage, Tennessee on July 17, 1925. He lost his father in infancy and was raised by his mother, with assistance from his older brother and sister. Hank spent his boyhood years in Carthage until World War II, when he joined the U.S. Navy and served his country as a signalman on the U.S.S. Stanton in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. During the 1960s and '70s, Hank also served part-time as an officer in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. While on leave in Boston, he met his future wife, Anne. After the war, they married and moved (with Anne's parents) to California, living first in Redwood City, then finally settling in San Mateo in 1953.

Hank worked under his father-in-law as a painter before becoming a contractor and starting his own successful painting company - Bryant Painting - which is still in operation nearly 60 years later.

After moving to California, Hank and Anne raised six children, with Anne serving as homemaker. Both were Catholics and raised their children in that faith, sending them to St. Matthew Catholic School in San Mateo for their primary education. Much later, Hank and Anne attended the Mid-Peninsula Vineyard Christian Church in San Carlos, CA for a number of years.

During his adult life, Hank spent as much time as possible engaged in two favorite pastimes - fishing and gardening. He especially loved salt water fishing at the Half Moon Bay breakwater and was renowned for his almost mystical ability to always find the best fishing spots. As a gardener, Hank knew no equal. He was expert in growing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and other plants, and was especially proud of his roses.

Hank was beloved and respected by everyone who knew him. He was always a wonderful example to his children - a strong, loving father, a devoted husband of nearly 65 years, a caring friend, a model citizen and a man of unquestionable character. Most importantly, he was a Christian who trusted his Lord and took his faith with him into eternity.

Hank is survived by his loving wife Anne, his children Carol, Steven, Susie, Jon, Marc and Mary and their spouses: in addition to grandchildren Ben, Beth, Tim, , Seth, Casey and Zachary, and great-grandchildren Sarah, Bryant, Anna,Chuck and Sierra. Hank is also loved and fondly remembered by relatives and friends in his native state of Tennessee.

A memorial service and reception will be held at the Mid-Peninsula Vineyard Christian Church at 1566 Arroyo Avenue in San Carlos on Saturday, October 16th at 1 PM. Formal attire is not required. In lieu of flowers, we request that contributions be made to any favorite charity.