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Bryon DeVries

Image by Nick Andréka

BRYON EDWARD DEVRIES

​

July 17, 1954 – October 13, 2019

With shock and sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Bryon deVries; a wonderful

husband, father, grandfather and brother on Sunday, October 13, 2019. He was 65 years old.

 

Bryon is lovingly remembered by his wife Diane Lau; children Ashley (Noel) Brown, Bayard (Paula) deVries; grandsons Hudson and twins Oliver and Ellis, as well as another little grandson soon to be born. Bryon also leaves behind his sister Helen Claeys; brothers Herman and Gerald, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and close extended family.

 

Bryon is predeceased by seven brothers and sisters; Tina Brenner, John deVries, Leonard deVries, Etta Hodges, Annie Boerchers, Margaret Brink and Mary McKean.

 

Bryon is greatly missed and will be remembered for the loving and giving family man he was, for hosting and cooking the Sunday evening family dinners for more than 20 years, for his devotion to helping any and all, and the kindness and care that he bestowed on all those lucky enough to have crossed his path. He will be fondly remembered for his devotion to the soccer teams he coached, by all those who bunked in at the house with he and Diane over the years, and by those he worked with in his capacity of Director of Human Resources at the Sunrise School Division.

 

Special thanks to EMT’s and the doctors and staff at the St. Boniface Hospital who tried so hard

to save Bryon.

 

Cremation has taken place and a celebration his life will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road (Unitarian Church)

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Bob Roblesky

April 18, 2021 at 10:02 PM

Diane, I am very sorry to learm of Brian's passing and I hope yo will accept this given the time passed. We  all had very nice friendship  and I often recall some highlights.  And there are many. The best to you and your family, Bob Roblesky
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Bruce

August 26, 2020 at 1:00 PM

To the family I read of your loss in the BU newsletter My name is Bruce I lived down the hallway from Bryon  at Brandon University in residents I  remember hm too be a good man with a very large stereo .
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Fran Hamilton

October 24, 2019 at 1:03 PM

A beautiful tribute........ My condolences Diane and Family
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Wouter & Emma

October 24, 2019 at 6:44 AM

We love..love..love..you❤ Wouter & Emma da Sesimbra. Blessed we got to know you. ❤
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Sandra Utciuoli-Rioux

October 19, 2019 at 11:36 AM

Beautiful tribute video for Bryon. I will be unable to attend his service but will be there in spirit. Cherish your memories and lean on those that love you for support during this difficult time. Deepest condolences Diane and family. ❤
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Dwight MacAulay

October 19, 2019 at 10:15 AM

Very sad news -- to learn about Bryon. I first met Bryon at Brandon University.   He always struck me as someone who was very bright,  positive, kind and , considerate --  all blended with a great sense of humor. Although we never stayed in touch a great deal after university  -- he always had a smile and a warm handshake whenever we would run into each other.  My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Diane and family. Dwight MacAulay
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Christine Fetterly

October 19, 2019 at 6:11 AM

I admired and respected Bryon and his knowledge that he has shared with us in Sunrise School Division since he joined our team. I especially enjoyed his humour and frankness and saw how much he loved his family as we shared pictures of our grandchildren. I will miss you Bryon. Christine Fetterly
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Robyn Lowe

October 19, 2019 at 2:45 AM

In working with Bryon over the past few years, I got to know a talented man who was compassionate, frank, tough but fair and extremely supportive of his colleagues.  He was proud and excited about his family and frequently shared stories and photos of his grandchildren and Diane’s art.  Someone who enjoyed music and food - his leftovers were the envy of the office!  It was such a shock to hear of his death.  He will be missed.  My deepest condolences.    Robyn Lowe
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Cindy

October 18, 2019 at 7:18 PM

Sorry for your loss.
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Bob and Jan Riddick

October 18, 2019 at 10:32 AM

I cannot express the sadness felt for your loss as a family and a wider spread loss for all those who new Bryon. Bryon valued his family highly and shared his values at family dinners and gatherings. He also shared this with anyone else who happened in. Gatherings were about friendship, fun and often music. The crowd was often eclectic but joined together with Bryon and Diane in the camaraderie felt at these events. The final tribute to Bryon is that all the lives he touched will mourn his loss and share your grief.   Our sympathy.  Bob and Jan
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Darlene Clark

October 17, 2019 at 7:32 PM

Sincere sympathy to Diane and the family, cherish the special memories of a truly good person... I was fortunate to meet Bryon on a professional level when he was searching for a new job opportunity, and he was so open about the joy and pride of his family. He was passionate about people....the business of people in the world of work and in his personal life. A talented and gifted leader who influenced all those who came into contact with him, I know that he will be missed by many.    
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Angella Jorek

October 17, 2019 at 2:37 PM

I am saddened to hear of the loss of a wonderful man Bryon.  I worked with Bryon at WRHA, he was our HR Consultant.  I enjoyed our conversations of how we could do one thing, and how we couldn't do another.  He was always quick to explain why, for which I learned a lot.  I really enjoyed working with him.  My sincere condolences to his family.  
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Curtis Penner

October 17, 2019 at 2:12 PM

Wonderful tribute !...Bryon was my boss back 35 years ago at Canadian Tire Polo Park. Always liked him, always seemed happy and willing to help. So sorry for your loss....way too early.
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Cathy Tymko

October 17, 2019 at 12:01 PM

Bryon was such a large part of making Sunrise School Division a wonderful place to work. He helped so many of us become better at what we do and he did it with integrity and care. Having Bryon on my team and as my friend has made my life even richer. I will miss him dearly. Cathy Tymko
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Connie Krahenbil

October 17, 2019 at 8:29 AM

What a beautiful tribute - thank your for giving me a glimpse of the beautiful life you all created.  My heart and support is with you...
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Caitlin Cranmer

October 17, 2019 at 6:33 AM

To the deVries Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Bryon was such a kind man and I'll always remember our positive discussions about teaching and education at the Sydor Christmas Eve parties.  Caitlin Cranmer
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Louise Hebert-Saindon

October 17, 2019 at 3:42 AM

Diane I am speechless at your sudden loss of such a loving and lovely man. I know you were an amazing team who had open hearts and minds. Your house was a very welcoming shelter of light, love and music. May the music go on and you find consolation in the hearts of all those you welcomed and consoled. Hugs and prayers. Louise H-S❤
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Michelle Ramos

October 17, 2019 at 1:05 AM

I first met Bryon over 20 years ago when he was HR for an agency I worked for.  But he soon became more than just that to me. Him and Diane welcomed me and my young family into their home and lives all those years ago and being a young mom who had just graduated from University and was just starting off my career, he helped guide me and often reminded me of my self worth. I will never forget the kindness he had shown me all those years ago. He always had a knack of making you feel comfortable no matter the situation. I'm SO sorry for your loss Diane, Ashley and Bayard. I believe everyone that knew Bryon was lucky to have cross paths with him. I hope the wonderful memories you had with him will ease the pain all of you are feeling at this moment. ❤  
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The Orchards

October 16, 2019 at 9:32 PM

I loved seeing your Dad at Hudson's birthdays! He always welcomed everyone into his home with a warm smile, and that smile never faded throughout the entire celebrations. His love for his children and grandbabies has always been so obvious as he glows when he just looks at them.  We are sending all of our love to you and the DeVries family 💙. The Orchards 
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George Coupland

October 16, 2019 at 8:59 PM

My condolences Diane to you and your family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all
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Karen Kristjanson

October 16, 2019 at 8:12 PM

Dear Diane, Ashley, Bayard  and families, what a sudden and shocking loss for you all, as well as friends and neighbours. I always appreciated Dutchy’s willingness to wade in and do what needed to be done for those around him. I will be thinking of you as you absorb the loss of this good man and carry his memory forward. As another neighbour said, Thorncliff Bay won’t be the same.  Karen Kristjanson 
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Geoffrey McKinnon

October 16, 2019 at 7:58 PM

Bryon and I worked together at the WRHA and he was a great mentor early in my career.  I learned a lot from him, and kept in touch with him since our time working together, reconnecting at conferences and lunches.  I met him for lunch a month ago and was so grateful for his guidance and support.  My condolences to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time.  Geoffrey McKinnon
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Larry Manson

October 16, 2019 at 6:56 PM

Diane and family So sorry for your loss, please accept our sincerest condolences. Duchie was an integral  part of your life all the years we did business together, we will miss him.  With fondest memories Larry and Gordon  
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Peter & Melody Duff

October 16, 2019 at 6:33 PM

Our condolences to you Diane, Ashley & Noel, Bayard & Paula and the grandsons arrived and on the way. Our family had the joy of knowing Bryon and you these past 30-years. We are keenly feeling your loss. You are all in our hearts, our thoughts and prayers. ❤Rest In Peace good Bryon...you have touched many lives and we are better for having known you.
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Pat and Pierre Chevrier

October 16, 2019 at 6:17 PM

Dear Diane and family, we are shocked and saddened to hear of Bryon’s unexpected passing.  Please accept our most sincere condolences.  Our street will not be the same without Bryon’s presence.
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Pat and Pierre Chevrier

October 16, 2019 at 6:13 PM

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Darlene Lamoureux

October 16, 2019 at 5:58 PM

Sending my deepest condolences, Bryon and I worked together for the past 5 years. He was a great mentor. He thought the world of his family and shared pictures and stories all the time. He is missed.  Darlene Lamoureux  HR Coordinator  Sunrise School Division 
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Debbie & Les Shumila

October 16, 2019 at 5:46 PM

Dear Diane, Ashley (Noel), Bayard (Paula) and grandsons, Hudson, Oliver, Ellis: We are shocked and saddened by Bryon's passing. We feel that it is not only your loss, but our loss, as well. It has been an honour and privilege to have known Dutchy and to have him in our lives. We will miss our dear neighbour and friend deeply and will cherish our memories of him. May he rest in peace. Our most heartfelt condolences to you. Les and Debbie Shumila. ❤
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violethess

October 16, 2019 at 4:31 PM

Our sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one, he was my cousin... Violet Hess and family...❤
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Ella Boerchers Mallette

October 16, 2019 at 4:18 PM

Sincerest condolences. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Lori kiesman

October 16, 2019 at 4:06 PM

Bryon ( Dutchy to us who met him in our university days) was a loyal caring friend. He always opened his home- his heart - his intellect to all who were lucky enough to cross his path. I am so happy he married my childhood friend Diane. It made for a great many fun years. We will miss him and treasure his memory to the end of our days. 
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Judy Borus

October 16, 2019 at 4:03 PM

My sincerest condolences to Diane and family on the sad loss of Bryon.  I got to know Bryon through various HR events we both attended over the years and I always enjoyed catching up with him.  My good fortune to work with his niece Peggy and a common friend Diane and I had (Ron) brought me full circle with Bryon and Diane. Both terrific people.  Rest in peace Bryon. Gone too soon. 
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Irene Smith

October 16, 2019 at 3:48 PM

Oh my. I am so shocked. He was the friendlies and sweetest cousin.  
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Christina Von Schindler

October 16, 2019 at 3:42 PM

Kurt and I are so very sorry to learn of Bryon’s untimely passing. He was a big presence, a bon vivant, and always such a gracious host. It breaks our hearts that Diane and their family have been robbed of the many good years that they rightfully should have had together. Diane, Ashley, Bayard and family. We are so profoundly sorry for your loss.
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Sina Barkman

October 16, 2019 at 12:58 PM

very sad to hear this news. I worked with Bryon at WRHA and really enjoyed my time along side him. He was my Director for a period and was so good to me. Always a listening ear, he was so supportive, firm but fair, and always took the time to help others and develop those in our department that were just starting in their careers. Bryon brought our team together for many Pho lunches and opening his home to us for work events. I feel lucky to have met him. My condolences to the family.
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