Stanley Bryan Traynor

Bryan Traynor, son of Joe and Reverta Traynor, was born in Meaford, Ontario on June 29, 1943. The eldest child of a farming family, he grew up on the Irish Block in Grey County, riding horses to a one-room schoolhouse alongside cousins who became his first friends. He spent much of his early life with his grandparents, Tom and Della Smith, whom he loved dearly and who played a central role in raising him.

He was an altar boy as a child and attended Catholic school, though he often stated that the nuns were hard on him. Even then, he had a strong will and a sense of independence.

From an early age, his imagination was captured by stories of explorers and adventurers. He often said he was born a couple of hundred years too late, that by the time he arrived the world had already been discovered. That spirit of curiosity and possibility shaped the course of his life.

In the 1960s, Bryan worked as a travelling salesman, driving throughout North America from Ontario to the Rio Grande. He welcomed his daughter Marilyn into the world. In the early 1970s, after moving to Oshawa, he met the love of his life, Donna, at the Whitby Yacht Club. At the time, Donna was a widow with three children (Diana, Jeff and Melody). The blending of their families formed the foundation of the life they built together. They raised their four children under one roof before welcoming their son Mike.

Bryan and Donna purchased and operated a Home Hardware store in Oshawa, building both a business and a life rooted in hard work and resilience. An entrepreneur at heart, Bryan continually sought new opportunities. He served as President of Mantis Excavator, worked in hardware management, and ultimately founded Brycon Builders.

Brycon became a respected local contractor, completing projects throughout Peterborough, including work at City Hall, the Peterborough Police Station, the zoo, the Art Gallery of Peterborough, and Beavermead Park. Bryan took pride in his reputation for quality workmanship. As he often said, customers chose his company because they knew the job would be done right. Many friends and family members got their start working alongside him.

Bryan was a dreamer and a builder. He loved catalogues of boats, planes, houses, and possibilities. Sunday drives often became scouting missions for the next adventure. He loved camping, boating, and travel, and he rarely passed a historical plaque without stopping to read it. Later in life, he and Donna devoted their retirement years to supporting their son’s vineyard, where Bryan could often be found mowing the grass or pruning vines. The winery stands as a testament to their dedication and support.

Above all, Bryan loved his family. He adored Donna and said she was the best thing that ever happened to him. He believed in both freedom and responsibility, teaching practical skills and life lessons to his children and grandchildren. He found immense joy in being “Grandpa,”.  Nothing brought him more happiness than time with his babies.

When told near the end of his life that time was short, Bryan reflected simply, “I’ve had a great life.” He added that he wished he had another month for one more trip.

Bryan is survived by his loving wife Donna; his five children, Diana (Larry), Jeff (Vida), Melody (Brian), Marilyn (Kevin)  and Mike (Rebecca) ; eleven grandchildren, Julie (predeceased), Will (Tanya), Sarah (Chris), Ashlynn (Bill), Jennifer (Ned), Natasha, Adam, Elizabeth, Quintin, Audrey and Ezra; twelve great-grandchildren, Cody, Ayden, Camden, Ryder, Tyren, Connor, Declan,  Rhaelynn, Ciara, Halle, Jack and Max ; one great-great-grandson, Lucius; his sisters Dianne, Margaret, Cathy and brother Tommy (predeceased). He leaves behind a legacy of hope, curiosity, determination, and pride in work well done.  He taught us to dream, to try new things, and to find light even in difficult times.

Donations can be made on his behalf to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the charity of your choice.

A private service will take place at Highland Park Funeral Home where he will be surrounded by his close and loving family.