Family, friends bid Bryan adieu
About 100 people attend an emotional memorial.
By AARON SHAROCKMAN and CRISTINA SILVA, Times Staff Writers
Published September 13, 2007
ST. PETERSBURG - They gathered to say goodbye to John Bryan.
But how do you remember a man whose life had been rewritten in the last six days?
There is the story everyone knew: John Bryan the city leader, the mayor's confidant, the husband and proud father.
Then there is what emerged last week: allegations that Bryan molested his adopted daughters, followed by Bryan's suicide.
The discord between those histories hung over more than 100 people who came to pay their respects to Bryan's family Wednesday evening.
Which version would they choose?
The private ceremony began with a prayer.
A minister who never met Bryan read a Psalm he had never used at a funeral before. The Rev. Chris Schuller of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in St. Petersburg heard Psalm 131 once in a service after a tragic death.
It speaks of humility, innocence and comfort. It finishes:
O Israel, put your hope in the Lord
both now and forevermore.
* * *
The entire City Council attended the 45-minute memorial at a funeral home north of downtown St. Petersburg.
So did Pinellas County Commissioners John Morroni and Karen Seel and at least 10 city employees.
City Council member Rene Flowers sang the hymn His Eye Is On the Sparrow.
Bryan's widow, Alicia, was handed a city proclamation expressing support.
A teary Mayor Rick Baker stood against a wall until it was his time to speak.
"I cannot pretend to know how we have gotten to this day," said the mayor, who referred to Bryan as a friend. "And one day I hope to ask God for the answers."
But the questions, Baker said, were for tomorrow. Today was to focus on Bryan's wife, Alicia, and their two daughters.
* * *
Alicia sat in the front row with the girls - the 15-year-old, who told police Bryan twice touched her inappropriately about two years ago, and the 12-year-old, who reported no abuse.
Friends said Alicia is as unsure as everyone else about how to feel now.
There was just so much to consider.
This man had been her husband for nearly 14 years.
This man had been the target of an investigation into allegations that he molested his adopted daughters.
Alicia remained composed. She did not speak.
There was a large photograph of Bryan on an easel, and another photo of him on a John Deere tractor.
There was no body or casket. There was no burial Wednesday.
John McQueen, whose family owns the funeral home, talked about his time with Bryan in the Northeast Exchange Club, a large local civic group.
Bryan was a big eater and big competitor who took the club up to his lake home in Floral City each year, McQueen said.
It was the home where Bryan died last Friday.
* * *
Bryan's older brother, Hardy, feared he would not be able to speak about his brother's death.
He stood looking at people who reflected Bryan's public success - the mayor, the council, the businessmen.
Which version of the story would he choose?
"There are a million places I'd rather be today," he started. "I expect you all feel the same way."
Hardy Bryan talked about the wall his brother had built around himself. Hardy heard of his brother's split from his first wife the day John Bryan told him: "Marion and I have divorced."
It was a trait that most who knew Bryan understood. The man rarely let people inside.
Hardy Bryan then tried to interpret his brother's death.
"Some people may think he took the coward's way out," his brother said. "They're entitled to their opinion. I believe it was an act of love."
The news that surfaced last Friday would have dragged on for months, whatever the outcome of the investigation, Hardy Bryan said.
There would be the time in court. And the glare of the media.
Bryan worried for his family in perhaps his final conversation, with City Attorney John Wolfe.
"He did not do it to relieve himself, but to relieve others," Hardy Bryan said.
* * *
Bryan's 12-year-old daughter was the last to speak.
She came to the lectern with her uncle by her side.
Her microphone squeaked and she giggled. Then she read:
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need.
Then God combined these qualities.
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... "Dad!"
The daughter returned to a seat at her mother's side.
Times staff writer Lane DeGregory contributed to this report. Aaron Sharockman can be reached at asharockman@sptimes.com or 727 892-2273.