By the Family

Dec. 9, 2015:  Michael Farr Bryson, MD and USAF (Ret.), died peacefully on November 22, 2015, after a brief illness. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. 

Mike, more affectionately known as "Pops" by his family, was born in Brooklyn on February 28, 1931, son of Harold and Emily Bryson and brother to Emily Kent.

Mike graduated from Tenafly High School (New Jersey) and earned a degree in chemistry from Cornell University. He attended Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he received his medical degree in 1957. 

At Columbia, Mike met and married Barbara Trimm (deceased 10/15/92), a nursing student from Larchmont, in 1955. Mike served on active duty in the United States Air Force, continued in the Reserves, and retired with rank of colonel in 1984.

Mike spent most of his medical career in Rochester, New York, as a member of the faculty and attending physician in the pediatric department at the University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital. He finished his career in occupational medicine as a physician at the Eastman Kodak Company.

In 1998, Mike moved to Bronxville, where he married the second love of his life, Laura Stichter. Together they joined their two families and dogs, including children Scott (Denise), David (Laura), John, and Daniel (Michelle) Bryson, Laurie Patterson, John (Mary), and David (Charlotte) Stichter; and grandchildren Stuart, Jeffrey, Elizabeth, Erica, Annie, and Addison Bryson, Laura, Robert, and Max Patterson, and Sarah, Molly, Eliza, Madigan, Maye, and Malin Stichter.

Mike was a longtime member of the choir of The Reformed Church of Bronxville and a member of the volunteer teaching staff at the Westchester Medical Center. While in Rochester, Mike was a founding member of the Perinton Presbyterian Church and faithful member of the choir. Mike also volunteered his time throughout the community and was a former chairman of the board of directors of the ARC of Monroe County.

Mike loved traveling with Laura, golfing with friends and family, birdwatching, scuba diving, and engaging in spirited political discussions, preferably with a Canadian Club in hand. More than anything else, he enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren, and following their pursuits and interests as they made their way in the world. He cherished their annual family reunion at The Hedges in Blue Mountain Lake in the Adirondacks.

Pops was respected and adored by all who knew him. His family is especially grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff of NewYork-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital for their extraordinary care and compassion during Mike's illness.

A memorial service will be held at The Reformed Church of Bronxville on January 2, 2016, at 11:00 am.