I knew Dan as a physician when he was a representative of a pharmaceutical company. He was never in a bad mood; always cheerful and upbeat. He took me fishing several times and nearly always brought Round rock donuts to the office when we had a short visit about his company's products.

I knew Dan as a long term member of the Discovery Sunday school class, where he was a member; I would estimate for over 30 years. Once again, his ebullient personality was never failing, and he was famous for bringing donuts even when it was no special occasion.

Finally, I knew Dan as a hiking and camping companion. I can still see him, in the early morning darkness as we were leaving for west Texas, with a large Thermos of coffee and a dozen donuts. Needless to say, there was never a quiet lapse in the conversation in that truck for the next 8 hours. He introduced me to Chili Cheese Fritos, which I still take on hiking trips.

-Stephen

My Friend

Sit’n on a tailgate, chew’n Levi Garrett

Sprint’n the hills, jog’n the flats, 10Ks for the spirit

Tennis with a lefty, ‘Far Side’ golf

Studebaker table dances & OU still sucks!

Greater Tuna, Vegas, Gary P Nunn

Tejano food, Dairy Queen,

brisket on a bun

Hot rocks, Blizzards, Danny

get your gun

Nilgai, dove & quail, fish’n

Baffin’s drum.

And twixt and tween, life‘s

blood did gleam

With our Clans’ new, lads & lasses.

Oh, Danny boy you will be missed

Yet be with us when,

we raise our glasses.

-Doctor Bob

Having known Dan since age six, it’s difficult to segregate my thoughts of him focused only on our high school days together. When someone is an oldest, closest, lifelong friend, the task is even greater. And when that person was as much a brother to me as my own siblings, I really could go on and on. Much like a line from one of Dan’s favorite singers - Gary P. Nunn’s song WHAT I LIKE ABOUT TEXAS, ‘I could tell you what I like about Dan (or Texas), but it would take me all night long’. Anyway, I’ll give it a try.

Brotherhood is the word that best describes Dan’s place in my life. That feeling I know is shared by many, many of the people we grew up with. From the first grade until we graduated high school, a very fortunate group of us kids had the privilege to know Dan as a friend and classmate. Whether through sports, or school activities or just hanging out in the neighborhood,

Dan was so easy to like, and I think he genuinely liked most everyone. He was a bit of a class clown, always ready with a joke. And as noted by many of us… he always laughed at his own jokes! (smile). Dan was just a friendly face we never got tired of seeing. But there was that one time when he performed at a pep rally dressed as a cheerleader… with that AWFUL wig on his head and the hairiest legs in Garland showing under that short skirt… I guess that’s maybe one of the indelible images of Dan I’ll never forget… even if I wanted to! (smile). And I surely won’t forget him as a brother Racoon… a somewhat suspect club of high school boys living it up in the late 60s-70s.

Dan was a great kid, a devout man, husband and father, and simply the type of true friend that we all wish for. I have known for all my life that if ever I was in need, Dan would be right there to help. Rest in peace my brother.

-Glenn

I remember the precise moment I met Dan Bryan. It was the first day of classes at the University of Texas, the fall semester on August 16, 1976, almost exactly 50! years ago.

I took the last empty seat in the front row of Dr. Walker’s Small Business Finance class.

Dr. Walker began this first class with a question, “What is THE most important goal of all small businesses?”

From the back of the classroom an eager student said, “profit”, another said “growth”, someone else said “return on equity”.

“Wrong”, said Dr. Walker.

The guy sitting next to me in the front row and I both snickered. We had not met before, but our snickering suddenly put us in the professor’s crosshairs together. Alternating his gaze between the two of us, Dr. Walker says, “So, do you two gentlemen have a better answer?”

And in perfect unison together we answered, “survival!”

“That’s right” said Dr. Walker, “the first goal in any business is survival”.

We both earned “A’s” in Dr. Walker's class. And we went on to take many classes together, became College roommates, and -- before we quite realized it -- lifelong friends.

After college we both moved to Houston to launch our careers. We shared the experience of raising families, and most importantly, the development of our faith in Jesus Christ. Dan and Marci, along with Dave and Nancy, even hosted Debbie and me on our very first date, -- New Year’s Eve 1978. And we spent many New Year’s eves together after that!

What I remember most vividly from that very first day -- 50 years ago -- was Dan’s smile. It was the most infectious smile I’ve ever known -- one of Dan’s true superpowers. His smile initiated friendships instantly. Dan was an incurable optimist. And if Dan was your friend, you were never just an acquaintance.

By his example Dan taught us that deep lasting friendships begin with being a friend. As much as Dan liked to talk, Dan listened carefully. If you faced a problem, Dan was there. When there was any celebration, Dan dropped everything to be by your side. I will miss Dan’s big bear hugs more than I can say.

Survival matters in business, but Dan Bryan knew that it is friendship that truly endures and defines a life.

Dan was my best friend.

-Bobby McGee

Things about Dan that have made me smile for over 40 years: I'd suggest you have 2 inserts. Great idea. Thanks for asking:

Super club in the 80s

Watching as Dan helped the refs with their bad calls at

UT football games

After game phone calls after football games where Dan read the sports page to you

Over 30 years of After tax golf outings

Having Dan replay his best golf shot of the 100+ he took

The gift of telling the same joke you had heard for decades with them same words, voice - and you always laughed again

My belief is that God needed a laugh and brought Dan home earlier than anyone wanted

Nothing helps you heal after you lose your Dad as having Dan at your front door with a Round Rock Donut

-Larry

I have worked with and been close friends with Dan for almost forty years. Like many others he worked with he became one of my most influential mentors. During my calls to our work colleagues it was very clear that I was just one of many who claimed Dan as their Mentor. One of those I contacted told me that Dan was not only his Mentor at work but his Mentor for how to live your life. That captures a big part of who Dan was. Dan was good to everyone. Of course, we will remember Dan's engaging personality and his ability to remember and tell us hundreds of jokes, but what I will also remember is that Dan Bryan was one of the best men I have known. I've got tears in my eyes today but when I think of Dan I will have a smile on my face because he always made me smile.

Love you Dan, 

-Gary

Dan The Man.

Danimal.

From our HEB meet ups to grocery shop together, to Thanksgiving Dinners. Thank you for sharing your stories, your love, and your life with us. Your son-in-law's little brother and his family who was always thrilled to be around you. I never really enjoyed the taste of the almond whiskey….but brother I loved and looked forward to it every time you snuck it out of the house! You loved my wife and kids as if they were yours. Thank you.

-Jaron

Marci,

There would never be enough space to fill in the pages of how I felt about Dan. We shared so many great memories of the love of family, music, and sports. I know he made my life so much better with all the Gruene Hall music experience seeing such icons as Loretta Lynn, Charlie Pride, and so many more. There was never a better man than Dan that I would want to fish with. Never a better fellow dad to raise our children with. Sherri, Nicole, Hunter, our families and I are so much better for him being in our lives.

We love you.

-Tom