John Walter Bryant

JOHN WALTER BRYANT A memorial Mass will be held for longtime Cortez resident John Walter Bryant at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 7 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at Cortez Cemetery with military honors being presented by Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75. John was born May 21, 1943 in Heavener, Okla. the son of Walter Henry and Clara Frances Bryant. He passed away at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colo. on Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 69 years of age. John and Anita were married on July 15, 1967 in Belen, N.M. beginning a life of love and dedication that would span 45 years. The couple moved to the Cortez area in the early 1970s where they became integral members of the education community. John was preparing to begin his 42nd year in education administration, currently working in the McKinley County School District. In addition to John's present employment, he had previously worked a number of years in administration for Montezuma-Cortez School District. John had proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of Cortez Elks Lodge #1789. A true lover of the game of golf, John donated his labor along with several others to clear the way for the second nine holes at the then Cortez Golf Course. Those that knew John recognized his deep love for his family and his commitment to be present and involved in their lives and activities. His love for his wife and his two daughters stood at the core of his being. Surviving John are his loving wife, Anita Bryant of Cortez; his two daughters, Francyne Clara Bryant and husband, Troy Schultz and Shannon Michelle Bryant both of Denver, Colo.; by his only brother, Tom Bryant and wife, Betty of Cortez; his niece and nephews Tommi Sue (Tommi Too) Cox, Walter Bryant and Cody John Bryant; and many friends.