Donald Bryson

DONALD L. BRYSON
SEPTEMBER 8, 1930 - NOVEMBER 20, 2013
Donald L. Bryson, 83, Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather.
 Don, as everyone knew him, passed away in his sleep on November 20, 2013. 
Don was a cowboy at heart, loved horses, also loved motorcycles, hot-rods and just about everything to do with being ornery as a teenager. Everyone close to Don could always count on him for a prank.
 Don joined the United States Navy on December 21, 1950, as the Korean War escalated. He was stationed in Japan, where as a radio operator he was assigned to eavesdrop upon transmissions involving Russian military aircraft operations. During this time he developed Russian language skills. Don was Honourably Discharged on October 22, 1954, having served with Fidelity, Zeal and Integrity.
While home on leave Don met the sister of his Navy buddy, Wally Richardson. Betty Jane Richardson while visiting in Folsom, California. Don and Betty Jane were married on June 16, 1954.
 Don and Betty Jane first settled in Boyes Hot Springs, California, where Don drove hop trucks in the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County. Soon after Don and "Janie," as he called her, returned to Turlock, California, where Don was the first person hired at the International Paper Company on West Main Street. Don worked his way up to plant manager and was transferred to a Washington State International Paper Plant in 1967. Don spent five years in Washington State with his wife and family of two daughters and a son. Returning to California in 1972, Don started a new career as a truck driver again for The International Paper Co. Don drove trucks for a number of companies over the next 23 years, but fittingly ended his career as a driver for Internation Paper once again. Don loved his trucks and his time on the road, always being the guy that met his deadlines, had a terrific smile and always a great story to tell. After retirement, Don and Betty "Janie" spent many years together creating beautiful homes in both Mi-Wuk Village, California and finally in Don Pedro, California.
 Soon after his wife's passing, Don lived at Bethel Assisted Living in Modesto, California, where he could be near his daughter Pam. A special thanks to all at Bethel who loved and cared for Don. 
 Don is survived by his two daughters, Pamala Dawn Cooperider, Carrie Elizabeth Bally, and his son Brett Donald Bryson. Don also is survived by four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 Services, as per Don's wishes, will be announced to family and friends. He will be laid to rest with his wife at:
 San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery
32053 West McCabe Road
Santa Nella, CA 95322
 Condolences may be sent to: Brett Bryson, 4986 Arcadia Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95402 - 707-486-8185 bbryson@ccmwelding.com
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