John Bryan

John Carver Bryan, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated servant, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the age of 86, following a battle with cancer.
John was born on June 6, 1939, in Tooele, Utah, to Carver W. and Agnes McLaws Bryan. He often described his childhood in Tooele as perfect, filled with spirited adventures like sledding down Cemetery Hill, building model airplanes, and crafting inventive toys from orange crates alongside lifelong friends. He attended Tooele High School, where he became a great swimmer on the swim team and even participated in the remarkable feat of racing from Antelope Island to Saltair.
After high school, John attended BYU before serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central Atlantic States. Upon his return, he met and married his sweetheart, Lynn Stephens, in the Logan Temple on November 2, 1962, officiated by Elder LeGrand Richards. He often remarked that his marriage was perfect and was a source of deep and constant joy throughout his life. He graduated from BYU with degrees in Chemistry and Bacteriology and a master's degree in Public Administration. Professionally, he had a distinguished career working as a medical technologist, laboratory director, and in laboratory quality assurance across various hospitals in the Tooele and Salt Lake areas.
Faith and service were central to John's life. He magnified every calling he received, finding particular joy as a Scout Master, serving in stake and ward Young Men's presidencies, the Tooele Stake High Council, and serving in three bishoprics and as Bishop of the Tooele First Ward. After retirement, he and Lynn dedicated themselves to full-time service, serving in the Salt Lake City Intercity Mission and the Canada, Halifax Mission, followed by 12 years of devoted service in the temple. He was recognized for decades of dedication to Scouting with the prestigious Silver Beaver award. John was also a proud member of the Utah Sons of the Pioneers, serving for a time as a chapter president and volunteering countless hours at the museum.
John was the definition of a family man. He loved being a Grandpa to his 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, sharing his infectious enthusiasm for life through working in the wood shop, leaping off cliffs at Lake Powell, organizing legendary Fourth of July water fights, sledding down the front hill, and helping with elaborate science fair projects. He was famous for his skill at planning a good party, whether it was a ward social, a family reunion, or a mission get-together.
John is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 63 years, Lynn; his six children: Scott (Rhonda), Paul (Traci), Sharon Bunn (Jared), Lisa, Stephen (Jennifer), and Lori Bevan (Ryan); his siblings: Jerry (Celia) and Nancy Kinder (Darrell deceased). He leaves behind a legacy of selfless service, unwavering faith, and joyful devotion to his family.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 15th at the Tooele Stake Center, 253 South 200 East, Tooele, Utah, at 11 a.m., with a viewing prior from 9:30-10:45 a.m. A night viewing will be held Tuesday, October 14th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Tate Mortuary, 110 South Main Street, Tooele, Utah.