1922 – 2015

JAY — Norman E. Bryant, 92, of Jay, went peacefully to be with his Lord; his wife, Natalie; and daughter, Claudia, on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at his home in Jay. He was cared for by his loving family and passed holding the hand of his great-grandson, Allen.

Norman was the youngest of six children, born to Ernest and Myrtle (Harlow) Bryant in Riley on Oct. 26, 1922. He grew up in Riley and graduated from Jay High School in 1942.

During World War II, he served as a corporal in the U.S. Army as a military police officer and a medic. On May 2, 1946, he married Natalie Louise Meader and together, they raised their four daughters, Claudia, Kathryn, Emily and Betty. He worked for the International Paper Mill in Jay for over 42 years.

Norman was an active member of Jay Baptist Church since 1966, and served as head deacon for many years. He also served as a previous master of the Mystic Valley Grange, and was a lifetime member of the VFW and AMVETS. Norman enjoyed gardening with his wife, Natalie, generously sharing the vegetables with others. He was a storyteller with a quick wit, and always offered positive insight to those around him. Norman enjoyed watching Lawrence Welk, spending time with his beloved family and sitting at the kitchen table, sharing coffee and conversation with friends and neighbors.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathryn Hamlin and her husband, Tom, of East Dixfield, Emily Nutt and her husband, Jim, of North Jay, and Betty Navarro and her husband, Antonio, of Farmington; grandchildren, Randy Hamlin, Becky Dolloff, Cathy Taylor, Solomon Nutt, Sarah Nutt, Melissa Lovely, Nicolasa Navarro, Juliana Navarro, Cristina Navarro and Isabela Navarro; 11 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and his special sister-in-law and companion, Adeline Soucy.

He was predeceased by his wife, Natalie; a daughter, Claudia Byrd; and his siblings, Richard, Linwood, Erlon, Ronald and Ethelyn.

Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting his memorial page at www.wilesrc.com.