Obituary of George Bryson

George MacDonald Bryson With sadness we announce the unexpected and sudden death of George MacDonald Bryson on Thursday, November 11, 2010 at his home in Toronto. George was born in Halifax, NS on December 9, 1936 and grew up in Wolfville, NS from the age of three with parents Andrew Strachan Bryson and Violet Bryson (nee Holden). George's love of music started at the age of five when he had his first piano lesson, and the trumpet followed soon afterwards. He graduated from the University of New Brunswick in the early 60's and attended Dalhousie's Schulich School of Law soon afterwards. While at Dalhousie, George joined the fraternity Phi Kappa Pi where he made some of his closest lifelong friends. George spent several years as a geologist, a role that sparked his ongoing interest in mining. In 1964, George switched career paths and founded the educational publishing company Addison Wesley Canada and led it to acquisition by Pearson U.K. in 1989. George's love for life was obvious and he was always busy with music, skiing, or sailing, not to mention politics! In his retirement, he involved himself in his communities, which included Ontario and his native land of Nova Scotia where he spent the last 12 summers with his beloved wife Vicki and dog Star (aka Mr. Stinky). George was a very proud member of the Chester Brass Band in Chester, NS and kept us all entertained with his piano playing. George was an amazing friend, husband and father and his sense of humour, vibrancy and ability to bring a smile to those around him will never be forgotten. Family members who will miss him greatly and remember him forever include: wife Vicki, daughters Carolyn (Vancouver, BC) and Sheila (San Francisco, CA), son Andrew (Vancouver, BC), son-in-law Jean-Luc Barone (Vancouver, BC) and granddaughters, Alexandra and Claire Barone (Vancouver, BC). As were his wishes, a celebration of George's life will be held in Toronto and Chester, NS at later dates. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the SPCA, 16586 Woodbine Avenue, RR 3, Newmarket L3Y 4W1 or your favourite charity. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.