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FUNERAL HOME
1803 Quadra Street
Victoria, British Columbia
Joseph Bryant Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather.
Joe was born on Rock Bay Ave in Victoria on April 1, 1921 and passed away at Selkirk Seniors Village on Friday, August 2, 2024 at the age of 103.
He was predeceased by Doreen, his loving wife of 61 years; parents Jane and Tom; sisters Bessie and Violet; brother Corky; and son-in-law Mal Roberts. He is survived by his son Muzz (Michelle); daughter Terry Roberts; grandsons Jason and Kevin Roberts; sister-in-law Jeanette Bryant; and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.
To assist his family during the Depression, Joe left school (Tillicum) at age 14 to work. He sold the Victoria Times newspaper at the corner of View and Broad street, then delivered The Times in the Burnside area. At age 16 he became a CNR telegraph boy. Subsequently, he worked at VMD for 18 years and at Island Farm Dairy for 20 years, where he was well known as the singing milkman.
Joe played a variety of sports in his youth including softball, basketball, lacrosse and hockey, He took up badminton in his 50's and regretted not playing it earlier. He coached lacrosse, softball and basketball for over 55 years, including 16 BC Championship teams. In the 1940s, he was Assistant Manager of the Victoria Dominoes basketball team which he travelled east with the team where they captured their fifth title without losing a single game. In the 1950s, Joe led the Gorge Hotel men's softball team to a then record six straight BC Championships. For his outstanding playing and coaching achievements, Joe was inducted into the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame three times and the BC sports Hall of Fame twice.
When he retired from coaching, Joe took up fishing at Becher Bay where, as guest of the Becher Bay First Nations band, he spent many enjoyable days over a period of 63 years, camping and fishing with his good friend Les Wilson.
As proud as he was of his achievements in the sports field, Joe felt his two greatest achievements in life were his family and saving the lives of his good friend Art Brookman and Art's young daughter who went overboard in rough water during a fishing trip.
Joe will be greatly missed. He loved singing and Christmases will not be the same without hearing him sing Edelweiss.
Joe wanted to extend a special thanks and "Huddy Huddy" to his friends and wonderful neighbours and, as well, to the staff at Trillium Westshore Lodge and Selkirk Seniors Village who cared for him in his last months.
There will be no service at Joe's request.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Bryant
31 Entries
Shari Braun
November 27, 2024
We always knew him as "uncle Joe" and spent many Christmas days with Aunt Doreen and uncle Joe and Muzz and Terry!! Such a beautiful soul and my condolences to the family. Will always be remembered for the fabulous Christmas morning memories and of course the collosal Christmas decorating that uncle Joe never gave up on that brought so much joy to so many!! We were blessed to have the Bryant family memories!! Happy holidays and huddy huddy uncle Joe!!!
Lisa Mitchell
November 27, 2024
Was always so special on Christmas day to drive up to uncle Joe and aunt Doreen's house to see the Christmas display on the roof. He was a wonderful man.
Shirley (Corry) Gilbert & Garry Gilbert
August 24, 2024
Our condolences to the Bryant family & friends. I´ve thought to call cousin Joe these past few years & regret not calling. I have many fond memories of Joe in my youth, once on my long walk home from Burnside Elementary, Joe pulled up in his beautiful big car & asked me if I wanted a ride home, I quickly accepted with a big smile! Joe´s car had one of those funny distinctive long sounding horns too! Along with us, my Mom (Janie Corry) enjoyed watching Joe play sports, he was always laughing & enjoying what he was doing along with all his teammates. Joe was a real go-getter & always seemed to get what he was going for. Although we haven´t seen Joe in many years we still think of him fondly, he was an amazing soul & touched many lives!
Tanya Ross
August 22, 2024
My mom used to always tell us about when "cousin Joe Bryant was our milkman." Esquimalt continues to be Bryant-filled with the generations that have followed, and even though we don't necessarily know all of these 2nd and 3rd and even 4th cousins, I know we all appreciate where we've come from. Still living in Esquimalt, we always enjoyed hearing about mom's cousin, Joe Bryant, his sports history, and his legacy archives of sport. Sending condolences to all who knew and loved him from one of the other branches of this great family tree. Tanya Ross (Phillips) and family (including my siblings, Kim and Tyra) - daughter of Dona and Al Phillips and grandaughter of Catherine Bryant (Joe's auntie).
Linda Griffin
August 21, 2024
Terry and Muzz, Jason and Kevin, our condolences on the passing of your dad (papa). Our prayers are with you all. Love Linda and Jan and family.
Ted & Una Smith
August 21, 2024
Joe was a gentleman, we were blessed to know Joe and spend time with him during our visits to Victoria. Please accept our condolences.
Morley Bryant, Todd, Carys and Drew Abercrombie
August 20, 2024
Joe has been an inspirational neighbour in Rockheights, whether it was riding his bike through the cul-de-sac, joining in a game of badminton, or pulling weeds well in to his second century. We have missed him since he moved last year but cherish the time we knew him. When Drew was in little league at Hampton we took Joe to watch a game and we felt blessed for Joe to enthusiastically say `he´s an athlete´, like he was welcoming another player to his special club. Drew took this picture in the early morning of August 2nd while working at Gorge Vale Golf Club. At that time we had no idea that was Joe´s last day on this earth, but I like to think this beautiful sunrise was a little message from Joe to Drew, as Drew prepares for school in the states to chase his own ball dreams, to `go get them kid´. Such a gentleman and a gift to the community. We will keep our precious memories of Joe close. Joe´s family should be proud to be part of the legacy of such a wonderful man.
Beverly Brookman
August 19, 2024
Thanks for mentioning Dad! Art Brookman! I´d love to connect because I wrote up a piece for our family about the
incident! I´d love to send it to you, Muzz. Beverly Brookman
Patrick Crowe
August 19, 2024
I remember the mid sixties and Joe was our singing milkman.
The kids would try and sit on the back of his milk truck and get a ride up to the next house/stop.
He´d catch us and put the run on us. Then we´d hear him singing and whistling further up the street as he drove away.
The singing milkman and the popsicle lady. What a time to be a kid in the Northridge neighbourhood.
Danny, Leah and Daniel
August 19, 2024
Had the privilege of being Joe´s neighbours for the last 11 years. He welcomed us with open arms and we loved the talks we had over the fence. His stories of the Victoria of old were gems and entertaining. He delivered us tomatoes from his garden and we reciprocated with hearty soups and meals. We loved going up for a visit and listening to him sing Irish ballads. One of the best days is when we brought him down to Lions Park and introduced him to the baseball team and read out some of his accomplishments. Legend! What a life and a beautiful soul. Condolences to the entire family.
Marie Henault
August 18, 2024
Rest in Peace, Joe. You were a much loved Beecher Bay neighbour. The Henault family
Norm Baker
August 18, 2024
My heartfelt condolences to Muzz, Terry and extended family! As you know our fathers go way, way back and I´m sure they´re sitting having a beer and doing lots of reminiscing, maybe even playing a game or two!
Your father was a great guy and I´m sorry I didn´t get over to visit with him and see his sports room and listen to his stories! He will be missed and remembered by all who knew him!
Lynne Politano Bowles
August 18, 2024
Muzz and Terry, So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I remember good times with my parents and Joe and Doreen and getting together to meet you and Terry. Great memories of the softball team and house parties and my mom cooking for days preparing. Joe and Doreen were lovely people.
Ed Hastings
August 18, 2024
Condolences Muzz and family your dad was a legend in Victoria sports
RIP Joe " Huddy Huddy"
Brad Davies
August 17, 2024
My condolences to Muzz and family. I have fond memories of both your mom and dad from growing up in the Forbes/Kings/Belmont neighbourhood.
George Matthews
August 17, 2024
Joe and Doreen lived up the street from us on Belmont Ave before the moved the Rock heights. Doreen was friends with my mom, Lois Matthews.
Both Joe and Doreen were very nice people. As I recall, he worked for the dairy delivering milk. It´s nice to see that Joe had such a long full life.
My condolences to the family.
Keith Rathgaber
August 17, 2024
Condolences to the family. We know he will be missed. What a great life he had!
Keith and Joanne Rathgaber
Arlene Smith
August 17, 2024
Joe I have known you for over 50 years. You were a very good friend. My condolences to your family.
Trudy Pugsley
August 17, 2024
Dear Joe's family, what a wonderful tribute to your Dad. My Dad (Stretch) and your Dad were friends forever. I grew up with Joe being in my life. So many great memories, you brought tears to my eyes with "Huddy Huddy" Your Dad stopped, hugged and thanked me as I was entering my Dad's Celebration of Life, for putting the same quote at the end of Stretch's obituary. Very sorry for your loss, your Mom was such a lovely lady, they are together now. With sympathy, Trudy
Larry Zilinsky
August 17, 2024
I knew Joe when I was a milkman at Silverwoods and he was at Island Farms, we had the same routes just different companies .....years of friendly rivalry as well as coffees and lunches!"the singing milkman"...waddaguy ! Later we both were milkman at Island Farms and he was just "a good old boy" and a nice guy to work with. He sure had a full, long life and it was a pleasure to have known him . He will be missed for sure. My condolences to all the family .
Al Liska
August 17, 2024
Muzz and Terry. So sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I'm sure he is in a better place playing ball somewhere with his Gorge Hotel buddies. What a dynamic sportsman, who always had a positive attitude. Huddy Huddy.
Sue Isaac
August 17, 2024
Terry, sending sincere condolences to you & your family on the passing of your Dad. He sounds like a man larger than life who left a big imprint on all of your lives & the sports world. May you find comfort knowing that he is now at peace & with your Mom.
Ric Bains
August 17, 2024
Sorry to hear of your loss Muzz. Your Dad was amazing and well respected in the sporting community. My condolences to your and your family.
Diane Medd
August 17, 2024
Mark and I are very sorry to hear of your dad´s passing. He will be greatly missed by many people!! A very big hug to all of you
William Bryant(Bill)
August 17, 2024
I remember Joe as always being a true gentleman in all my contacts with him. Until recently he kept in touch with my sister Sylvia and she always enjoyed his visits. He was our milkman many years ago and If it was raining, would sometimes take them to school in his truck with a chocolate milk to start their day. He brightened the day for more people than we will ever know.
Rest in Peace Joe, you earned it.
Pam Harknett
August 17, 2024
Heartfelt condolences to you Muzz and your family for your loss. Your father was a Victoria sport legend/volunteer and one of my fondest childhood memories. I can still visual and hear his whistling as he bounded up our family home entry stairs and made deliveries, his enthusiasm was an inspiration.
Diane Ball
August 17, 2024
My very fondest memory of my Uncle Joe is when he taught me how to drive when I was sixteen. He was always giving of himself and he had such a caring heart. He always had a great big smile and a "Huddy Huddy" whenever he saw you. He was very special and he'll be dearly missed.
Debbie, Patrick & Kennedy Melvin
August 17, 2024
We were saddened to hear of Joe´s passing. We had the pleasure of living in the same neighbourhood and would often see Joe working in his yard and even on his roof in his 90´s! Of course we told his son and we laughed.
We enjoyed having Joe in our home at our Annual Xmas parties. Joe would have one drink (rum & Pepsi) a few snacks and then wish everyone a good night. His stories and retro attire we all enjoyed!
Joe was one of a kind and will be missed.
Rest in Peace Joe
Wendy (Keeping) ,Peter & Naomi Ellis
August 17, 2024
Condolences to Muzz, Michelle, Terry and family. Joe always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. If you needed a lift, a visit to Joe was all that was required. He made the world a better place!! He will be missed.
Kelly Mann
August 17, 2024
So sorry to hear of Mr Bryant´s passing. My memories of him when I was a kid on Belmont Avenue remind me of his great nature and friendliness. My sympathies to you Muzz and Terry
John McKeachie
August 16, 2024
Condolences Muzz, family and friends. A Victoria legend. I fondly remember his GVSHOF induction night of 2012. Huddy Huddy indeed!
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
Memorial Events
for Joseph Bryant
Funeral services provided by:
Sands Funeral Chapel Cremation and Reception Centre- Victoria1803 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4B8