Rickie Gene Bryan, 79, of Payson, Utah joined his sweetheart in heaven on May 15, 2022. He was born in Long Beach, California on July 20, 1942, to Mark Lamar Bryan and Lavern Paxman.
After moving to Payson, Utah; Rickie enjoyed his childhood in a quaint home with his four siblings. Following his graduation from Payson High School in 1961, Rickie married his high school sweetheart, Linda Jean Taylor, on October 6, 1961. They were later sealed for time and all eternity May 14, 1963, in the St. George Temple. Together they raised five beautiful daughters.
Throughout his life, Rickie loved to hunt, fish, and camp; anything that involved the outdoors. He felt most at home when he was in the mountains. Rickie worked for the Operating Engineers, retiring at the age of 55. He also loved to travel and visit every place that he could. Rickie also enjoyed the small and simple things, if there was a unique rock on the ground, he would pick it up. He was a collector of treasures his entire life. Rickie had a caring heart and loved to share his good nature with everyone he met. He was the most caring man. Whether you needed it or not he was there to help. He would give you the shirt off his back.
He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Throughout his life, Rickie served in numerous church callings. He served in three bishoprics and gave many years of his life to the Boy Scouts. Although he never had his own boys, he mentored hundreds of boy scouts throughout his life.
After the passing of his wife, Linda, Rickie married Judy Watkins. Throughout their time together, they shared many adventures. Rickie loved to show Judy all his favorite places.
Rickie is survived by his wife, Judy; his daughters: Brenda (Bill) Green, Christine (Craig) Pullman, Stacy Emerine, Jennifer (Troy) Crouch, Heidi (Nathan) Lindsey;. and his stepchildren: Trev (Donna) Watkins, Heather (Jeremy) Alvey, Tara (Bryan) Jones, Cory (Emily) Watkins. Also survived by his siblings: Linda Bryan, Jonnie (Joann) Bryan, Brent (Diane) Bryan, and Sherry (James) Eaton. He is additionally survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Rickie is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Linda; and his brother, Rex Bryan
We would also like to thank the caregivers of Rickie throughout his final years. We are grateful for the comfort and kindness that was provided
We love you!
A viewing will be held Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah 84651, from 6pm-8pm. Another viewing will be Friday, May 20, 2022, in the Payson Mountain View Stake Center, 75 South 600 East, Payson, Utah, from 9:45 am – 10:45 am. Following the Friday morning viewing, a funeral service will begin at 11:00 am. Rickie will be laid to rest in the Santaquin City Cemetery.
For a broadcast of the funeral service, please click on the following link shortly before the funeral service on Friday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY9EdF0st7s
5 Condolences for Rickie Gene Bryan
Condolences(5)
Stefan Chatwin says
May 17, 2022 at 9:53 pmA great man and a huge influence during my youth. I’m one of his “sons” in the scouting program. I’m overwhelmed with memories of camping trips and scout projects and fundraisers. Of Aaronic Priesthood lessons and individual teaching moments when he quietly and without fanfare guided me and so many others. His example of service and love I carried throughout my mission and beyond. God bless Rickie’s family and may they be filled with peace knowing that he returns to our Heavenly Father’s presence having faithfully fulfilled his mission on earth.
Alison Spencer says
May 18, 2022 at 8:17 pmMy husband was one of those lucky scouts to be led by Rickie. He was a positive and supprtive influence in his life at a very difficult time. He remembers him with the greatest fondness and admiration. It was fun for us when Aunt Judy and Rickie got together. We are sending our deep condolences to both the Watkins and Bryan families at this difficult time. Love you all, and hope you are feeling some peace and comfort.
Jake Jasperson says
May 18, 2022 at 10:15 pmRickie Bryan was the greatest man I’ve ever met. He was my first real hero. I was lucky enough to grow up with him as my neighbor and my scout master. I spent many hours on his side lot playing baseball, building monkey bridges, making ropes, bows and arrows, throwing tomahawks, learning how to cross country ski, learning different ways to build fires, shooting BB guns in his garage. And the list could go on. Rickie was there for the biggest trout I ever caught. As I get older the things that amaze me the most about him were his patients with youth, his willingness to teach, the resources he had. And probably most important, his time away from family he was willing to spend with us. I have not seen or spoke to him in many years, but I think of him often. I would like to thank his family for sharing him with us. It meant the world to me growing up.
Stacy says
May 19, 2022 at 4:39 amThank you for all for the kind words. Seeing the posts and messages from all he has influenced makes my heart happy. Proud to say that is my dad. Love you all
julie wilson says
May 20, 2022 at 11:56 amMy 2 favorite Rickie Bryan stories. 1- Years ago, I remember Rickie teaching a combined YM/YW group about not cussing. He said when he was a boy he ran with a rough crowd who loved to swear and they all thought they were pretty good at it. As they got older they started to notice and take interest in girls. These girls would not have anything to do with foul mouthed boys so Rickie’s group decided to change their ways. Rickie told us they each found a 2×4 and committed to wack each other as hard as they could each time one of them gave in to cursing. This system worked well and super fast. 2- Rick and my husband Steve served together in the Payson Eleventh Ward Bishopric. One weekday evening as is customary, they went visiting families in the ward. Apparently the brother whose home they were at took offense with Steve and came after him with fists. Rickie stepped in the middle and diffused the situation. Sounds just like him. Solid. Level headed. Patient. The world could use more men with the character of Rickie Bryan. I miss Linda too!
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