Alan Young-Bryant

Young-Bryant, Alan

"To burn always with this hard, gem-like flame…"

--Walter Pater



Alan Andrew Young-Bryant, 32, died December 5, 2012 in Ithaca, NY in an accidental fall along Cascadilla Gorge. After his sudden and tragic death, friends, mentors and family mourn the loss of a brilliant, vital young man whose enthusiasm for life brought joy to those around him. Alan is remembered as a remarkable scholar and athlete; a quick-witted conversationalist and patient listener; and above all as a thoughtful, compassionate friend. Among his many pursuits, he was an avid reader, squash-player, runner, sailor, and cook. He was drawn to places of natural beauty. Born in Greenfield, MA, on February 29, 1980, he grew up in Brattleboro, VT, graduating from Northfield Mount Hermon School in Gill, MA in 1998. He earned a B.A. in English from Tufts University in 2003 and an M.A. from Cornell University in 2007. He completed his Ph.D. at Cornell in 2011 with a dissertation titled "Perverse Form and Victorian Lyric." Throughout his varied academic and professional career, Alan distinguished himself as a thinker of sharp intellect, subtle wit, and extraordinary grace. He held teaching positions in English at Cornell and Ithaca College. In 2011 he moved to Los Angeles, where he worked as an associate at Oaktree Capital Management. Alan is survived by his parents, Peter and Judy Young van Wageningen; sister, Noelle Young Ellis; nephews, Isaac and Perley; and longtime partner, Alexis Briley. A service was held on December 8 on the Cornell campus. A second memorial is scheduled for January 13, at 2 p.m., at the Chapel of Northfield Mount Hermon. Contributions marked "In Memory of Alan Young-Bryant" may be sent to Cornell University for the benefit of the English Department, 130 E. Seneca St., Ithaca, NY, 14850.