Gary Allen Bryan

Gary Allen Bryan, 65, of Missoula, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 12th, at Edgewood Memory Care following a long journey with brain injury.

Born on Flag Day, June 14, 1959, in Bozeman, Montana, Gary was the beloved son of Charles and Cynthia Bryan. At the age of two, Gary moved with his parents and older brother Mike to Arizona, where his father completed his PhD at Arizona State University. A career opportunity at the University of Montana brought the family, including younger sister Julie, back to Montana, settling in their forever home of Missoula.

Gary was a spirited and active child who loved sports, especially baseball, basketball, and tennis. His childhood was filled with joy, adventures, and lasting memories shared with his four best friends, known fondly as “The Bonner Boyz.” A proud graduate of Hellgate High School, Gary had a lifelong love of basketball, playing well into adulthood in church and city league teams. He attended the University of Montana, where he joined Sigma Chi Fraternity (many of his brothers are to this day his best friends) and developed a lasting passion for Grizzly football and basketball, a love he carried throughout his life.

On July 27, 1985, Gary married Janine McCurdy in Polson, Montana. Together they lived in Portland, Beaverton, and Kalispell before returning to Missoula in 1988. Gary began working at Bitterroot Motors, where he formed many cherished friendships and started his deep love for golf.

In 1995, Gary followed in the footsteps of his mother Cynthia and began his fulfilling career in real estate. He hit the ground running, earning "Rookie of the Year" in his first year and two “Salesperson of the Year” awards shortly thereafter. Like his mother he was a natural in the field and found his calling. Over the next 30 years, Gary became a respected figure in the Missoula real estate community, working closely with his mom, sister Julie, and later his daughter Addie, who joined the team in 2011. Together, the four of them shared the special gift of working side-by-side for over a decade. Gary always had time for his clients and co-workers and took great pride in mentoring new agents. He had what he called a circle of trust and if you were in that circle he was loyal to the end.

Gary had a deep love for his community and served on several boards supporting local banks and charities. He was a man of integrity, humor, and heart. He was always ready to lend a hand, offer guidance, or simply share a laugh.

Above all, Gary was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He had a generous heart and a kind soul. He found joy in playing basketball and golf; tailgating and attending Griz games; watching westerns or crime dramas; listening to yacht rock; cheering on his kids, nieces, and nephews at sporting events; cooking a good meal; traveling; sharing adventures at theme parks. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and the people he loved so deeply.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Charles Bryan. He is survived by his loving mother, Cynthia Bryan of Missoula; his children, Adalissa (Gerhardt) Soeffker of Missoula and Connor (Will Fabro) Bryan of Springfield, OR; his former wife of 38 years, Janine McCurdy of Missoula; siblings Julie (Craig) Birgenheier, Mike (Denise) Bryan, and Talbert Bryan; and his two treasured grandsons, Henrik and Kaius Soeffker, who brought him immense pride and joy.

The family is so grateful to all the staff at Edgewood and his Big Sky Hospice nurses. They made a difficult time bearable with their kind and compassionate care to both Gary and the family. A funeral service and celebration of Gary’s life will be held in Missoula, with details to be announced soon.

A funeral service will be held at the UC Church in Missoula, MT on Friday April 25, 2025 at 3pm. Griz attire is strongly encouraged!!