Keith Lavell Bryan, age 90, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of April 6th, 2020.
Born in Springville, UT to Jessie and Harvey Bryan, Sr. on April 19th, 1929, the family relocated to Wolf Point, MT in 1936 and Keith made the small town of Wolf Point his home. He was a graduate of Wolf Point High School and received a business degree from the University of Jamestown, ND. While attending the University of Jamestown, he met the love of his life, Mary Joan (Jo) Whitten. They were married on March 5, 1951. Keith and Jo went on to raise four children together in their beloved small town of Wolf Point.
Keith was a pillar of his community and involved in many activities, including years of refereeing High School football and basketball games for the local school. He was active in his church, served his community as Mayor, and enthusiastically supported numerous local organizations. Keith was a life time member of the Elks Club, frequently served pancakes with the Lion’s Club, worked on various Stampede Committees to promote successful events in Wolf Point, and supported small businesses whenever he could. He lived a life of generosity, service, and selflessness.
Keith was a proud supporter of the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children and shared their incredible mission with others who were in need. He was a member of the Al Bedoo Clown Brigade and served as Potentate of the Al Bedoo Temple in 1980. He loved children and bringing smiles to their faces. His grandchildren have fond memories of sleeping in grandpa’s lap, boating and waterskiing with him at the lake, playing in his clown car in the Stampede Parades, swinging on the tree swing in the backyard of the home he built with Jo, and riding in the back of his El Camino to the Tastee Freez to get a summer ice cream cone.
One of his greatest passions in life was his local business on Main Street, Bryan’s Family Clothing and Shoes. Bryan’s was originally established by Harvey Sr. in 1942. Harvey Jr. and Keith took over operations and were partners for several years before Keith purchased the business to run independently. Keith took pride in providing necessities for his small community and his ability to meet their needs. He could always be found straightening the wranglers on the shelf, sizing individuals for the perfect fit, or lacing up a new pair of shoes for an eager customer. He worked at Bryan’s daily well into his 70’s. He retained ownership until his death with his daughter, Jan, at the helm. The pride he had in each of his businesses throughout the community could be heard in his stories of the many happy customers, new trends that he saw at market, or what products he brought in for the community. After 78 years in business, Bryan’s continues to be a staple in the community of Wolf Point and will forever be a part of Keith’s successful legacy.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Harvey Bryan; his brother, Harvey, Jr. Bryan, Sister-in-Law, Lily Bryan; and beloved son-in-law Jerry Fossen.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 69 years, Jo Bryan of Wolf Point; His four children, Mike (Shelley) of Glasgow, MT; George of Denver, CO; Jan of Wolf Point, MT; and Laura Fossen of Whitewood, SD; along with six adored grandchildren Kenny (Sara) Bryan of Glasgow, MT; Keith (Abby) Higgins of Wolf Point, MT; Jessica Robles of Wolf Point MT.; Todd Fossen of Spearfish, SD; Sandra (Patrick) Cass of Sturgis, SD; and Bryana (Nick) Marsicano of Cañon City, CO; seven great grandchildren Matthew Bryan, Archer Higgins, Mia Thomas, EmmahLeigh and Owen Cass and Avery and Reese Marsicano. Keith is also survived by his brother-in-law Russ Whitten of Tucson AZ; and seven loving nieces. Keith was a strong family man and cherished his family near and far.
A celebration of Keith’s life and legacy will be announced and held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, to honor Keith and his family, please send donations to the Wolf Point Museum at 203 US-2 Wolf Point, MT, 59201 or to the Shriner’s Al Bedoo Temple at PO Box 20673 Billings, MT 59104.
Scott Taylor says
Condolences to the whole Bryan Family……I worked for Jo and Keith slinging hamburgers at the old A-W Drive-in…Keith was always so nice and easy-going….Will always remember him tooling around at Stampede, pulling the Shriner kids….God Bless him…and you all..Scott Taylor
Kris Sampson says
Oh what a wonderful Man he was!! My heart goes out to you Jan my dear friend, as I said today on the phone. Wish I was there with you to give you a big hug. So many great memories of your Dad. What a supporter he was of Wolf Point and all of us at the Presbyterian Church. Laura, my heart breaks for you too especially being so far from your family. How terrible it must be for you. My condolences to your whole family at this most difficult time. Our Love to you, Kris and Bill Sampson
Irene Neumiller-Moe says
I’m so sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. I know how much it hurts when a parent passes. My condolences to the family. If you ever need to talk – I’m here to listen any hour any day anytime Jan no matter on how much time has passed. A friend always. Irene
Betsy says
I have so many fond memories of Keith, the family and trips to Wolf Point. “Working” at the A&W as a child and eating my fill of ice cream and root beer, shopping for school clothes at Bryans, and playing for hours in the basement. Keith was a loving Uncle to me and I cherish our time together. My heart goes out to my Aunt, cousins and families as they grieve the loss of Keith especially at this time of separation. May God bless you with His presence and peace. Love you all!
Melody (Jake's mama) Rasor says
Keith Higgins I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family 👪.
Deanna Swanson Keen says
This is such sad news. I have so many wonderful memories of both Keith and Jo. Not only as family friends but with Rainbow Girls, and the Shriner Clowns. We were doing something at the Masonic Temple and he was helping clean the kitchen. I was letting the water out of the kitchen sink and was trying to rinse the suds down the drain. He told me if I used cold water it would rinse the suds better. He was right. I often think of him as I’m cleaning out my kitchen sink all these years later. He was a wonderful person and I know the family will miss him.
Tim Zimmerman says
Prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Jean Warmbrod Dixon says
My condolences to the entire Bryan family. Keith was a great man and so well known in Wolf Point. He was always present at all the Masonic functions. Hugs and prayers for all of you, especially for Jo and Jan. May God bless all of you as you mourn and keep you safe.
Dick Lund says
Our sympathy Jo & family.
RICK McGARVEY says
I remember the Bryan’s stopping at my parents drug store in Nashua on Sundays for some homemade ice cream. My parents got to know Keith and Jo, and looked forward to their Sunday visits. My parents would often drive to Wolf Point to patronize Bryan’s clothing store. Nice people. My condolence to the family.
Kay Culbertson says
So sad, he was a good man, when my grandfather Jimmy Pond passed away Labor Day weekend, he opened the store for our family to buy funeral clothes. I’ve never forgotten how kind that was. We had travelled from all over the country!
Nancy Bowman says
Sending my condolences to the family of Mr. Bryan. Though I didn’t know him personally I’ve enjoyed shopping at his store in Wolf Point over the years. Thanks for your service to the community. Nancy B
Terry/Robert McAnally says
Our condolences to all the family and friends of Keith Bryan. May the Creator wrap loving arms around you all as you all move through this time of grieving and loss.
John Almas says
Keith was a legend, mentor and a friend.
Pauly Berge McElhenny says
Condolences to the whole Bryan Family. My sister and I worked for Keith and Jo at the A & W. We loved it. They were great people. Giving away my age, one of my fondest memories of Bryan’s was at Christmas time. When I was little it was so exciting to walk into the store and see the yellow footsteps to the magic Toy basement. Jo, Mike, George, Jan and Laura, Hugs and prayers for all of you. May God bless you.
al bets his medicine says
Jan and family. I’m sorry to hear of your dads’ passing. What a prominent man he was in all his endeavors. Prayers for you and your family.