Pastor Gary D. Bryden

Gary Douglas Bryden, 64, son of Elizabeth(Betty) Bryden and the late Elmer Bryden, passed away peacefully at his home in West Warren, listening to the sweet singing of his daughter and grandson. His family and friends were privileged to see faith in action through the grace and courage which Gary displayed in his long battle with a very painful cancer. Those waiting to join him in his heavenly mansion include his wife of 34 years, Margaret (Peg), his children, Terri (Tim) BoWell, Eric (Jill) Bryden, Scott (Kim) Bryden, Karen (Jason) Laudermilch, Brian Bryden and Sarah Blair, and Andrew Bryden, along with his grandchildren Bryanne and Cierra BoWell, Porcelina and Darcy Murphy, Brittany Bryden, Kyri, Kemuel, Blessing, Zion, Faith, Nehemiah, Eleazar, Abel, and Ornella Laudermilch and two yet unborn grandchildren. Also, he leaves his Gibson Corners church family, a large extended family and a very special lifelong friend, Bill and his wife, Roseanne Melious. In addition to his wife, his last days were made more comfortable through the care and attention of his mother, Betty Weaghe, and his sisters, Judie Lenkiewicz and Reene Cummings. He also leaves behind his brother Tom Bryden. He was predeceased by his daughter, Julie Kristen Bryden. Gary Douglas Bryden… Jack of all trades and master of many. He was an outdoorsman, pastor, computer consultant, and spent 35 years at his day job, IBM. He also designed and built his own home. He was known as a quiet man and a deep thinker marked by his steadfast nature and discernment and if you paid attention you would see his quick wit shine through. His passions for technology, hunting, and Jesus were passed down to his wife and children and to the many people who grew to love him throughout his life. Known for his rabble rousing as a youngster, he found some reform in the Marine Corps and eventually found the straight and narrow with his wife when they discovered the joy of a life in Christ. An extension of His commitment to Christ exhibited itself in Gary's commitment to short term mission work. It began with several trips to Wisconsin to work at the Midwest Indian Mission, continued with frequent trips to Haiti, and with work in the Dominican Republic. He also participated in a very special project in Ecuador, beginning in 1999, building the Emanuel School which opens this month. Donations can be made in his name to the Emanuel School project c/o Crystal Woodburn, 1834 Middle Road, Owego, NY 13827 or the Gibson Corners United Methodist Church, c/o Amy Vargason, 2837 Moore Hill Road, Nichols, NY 13812. A period of visitation and time of sharing memories will be held on Thursday, March 18th from 6 to 8 pm at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols. Funeral services and a celebration of Gary's life will be held on Friday, March 19th at 11 am at the Nichols United Methodist Church, Main St. Nichols. Interment and prayers of committal will be in the Crossroads of Grace Cemetery. Memories and condolences for Pastor Gary's family may be shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com