J. Don Bryce

J. Don BRYCE June 2, 1930 ~ September 2, 2007 A beloved husband, father and grandfather, and a friend to everyone who had the privilege of meeting him, Don Bryce passed away in Croatia while on a cruise with Marlene, his wife of nearly 53 years. Don was born in Bremerton, Washington and graduated from Bremerton High School in 1947. He never missed a reunion - for his class or any other! He and his two sisters were raised with love by their mother, Marge, along with their Grandma Ida and Uncle George and Auntie Mayme. Don always spoke with great happiness of those years and the lifelong friends he made. A part of his heart stayed in Bremerton for the rest of his life. Don served in the Army Air Corps (Air Force) from 1947-1948 and again during the Korean Conflict in the reserves. He married Marlene Bayless of Port Orchard on September 19, 1954 and they moved to Seattle where Don attended the University of Washington and worked at J.C. Penney's. Their son, Brian was born in 1960 and daughter, Lori in 1963. Don worked as a sales rep for his entire career. He was with Gibson Greeting Cards and Christmas Northwest before starting his own company, DB Sales. He sold to Pay N Save (Rite Aid), Fred Meyer and Bartell Drugs, as well as dozens of small independent stores, making friends with everyone in the industry, from the chairman of the board to the stockboys. He kept up those friendships and was always planning luncheons with "the guys". He was a charter member and past President of the Pacific Northwest Thunderbird Club and later belonged to the PT Cruiser club. He could remember every car he ever owned and loved to take road trips. In 2004, Don and Marlene did Route 66 and in 2006 they spent a month traveling all over Alaska and the Yukon. Don and Marlene moved to Lynnwood in 1987 and loved their life in the Northend, quickly finding all the best restaurants in the area! They began attending Alderwood Community Church in 2005 and the circle of friends continued to grow. It was here that Don had the opportunity to renew and strengthen his relationship with his Lord, Jesus Christ. Don loved life and looked forward to what each day would bring. He loved his family and his friends. He was always looking for ways to make those around him happy. His positive outlook and generous nature were a blessing to all who knew him and our wonderful memories will sustain us even in the midst of our loss. Don is survived by his wife, Marlene; his son, Brian (Catherine) and his daughter, Lori (John) Vaaga; grandchildren, Nathan and Alyssa Bryce, and Joshua and Jacob Vaaga, sisters, Marge Henry and Norma Bryce, his aunt, Mayme Hill and cousin, David Hill, along with several nieces and nephews and too many friends to count. A Memorial Service will be held at Alderwood Community Church - 3403 Alderwood Mall Blvd. Lynnwood, Washington on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Don's family requests that you call someone you haven't seen for awhile and take them to lunch!