Michael Miles Bryan

Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on August 7, 2026, at the age of 78. A Funeral Mass Service will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church, 330 East Boone Ave., Spokane, WA 99202. All who would like to celebrate Mike’s life with his family and friends are invited. There will be a reception at O’Malley Hall (below the church) following the Funeral Service. 

Mike was born to Dean and Elva Bryan on April 19, 1948, in Wendall, Idaho. When Mike was young, his family moved to a dairy farm south of Colville, Washington, near Twelve Mile. While growing up on the farm, Mike supported his family by milking cows, haying, and caring for the animals. He also developed the skills of woodworking and building. He learned the value of hard work and passed that down to his kids and later to his grandkids. He graduated from Colville High School in 1967. 

Mike met his future wife, Mary Kay (Wissink) Bryan, during high school while attending dances at the Addy Grange and when Mike was competing in gymkhanas (horse-riding games). They married in June of 1968. Mike gave Mary Kay a bay gelding named Ace that he trained for her as a wedding gift. Shortly after their marriage, Mike completed a construction program at Spokane Community College. 

The young couple soon had three children, Shannon, Lisa, and Cory. Mike had many jobs through the course of his life, including working at a dairy, doing construction in a business with his brother, Ed, working at a lumber mill, guiding hunters into the mountains with horses, doing small jobs as a handyman, and lastly working for the Stevens County Road Department, driving a grader and snowplow.

 He continued to enjoy woodworking, painting, gardening, helping his kids with house projects, fishing, camping, trail rides, playing pinochle and cribbage, and telling stories about his family. Mike and Mary Kay belonged to the Ridge Runners and Stumpranchers, horse riding clubs; there they had had great times and made lifelong friends. Mike and Mary Kay lovingly supported each other through 58 years of marriage. Those who knew Mike will remember him for his work ethic, teasing, love of horses and nature, quiet strength, and his unwavering dedication to his family. 

Mike is missed by his wife, Mary Kay, his children, Shannon Ahrens (Rob), Lisa Johnston (David), and Cory Bryan. As well as his grandchildren, Mason Ahrens, Troy Johnston (Haleigh), Seth Ahrens, Jeremy Johnston, and his great-granddaughter, Tatum Johnston. He is survived by his sister, Roxie Miller, and his brother, Ed Bryan. Mike is also missed by family and friends alike who have fond memories of him. We appreciate all the care that was given to Mike in the years that he was living at Cornerstone Court Memory Care. Thank you for your patient, caring, and supportive love of Mike. To honor Mike, please consider making a donation to help with the Spokane Fire victims, planting a tree, or donating to the charity of your choice. To share your condolences with the family, please visit www. hennesseyfh.com