Remembering Jamie

Document contributed by Theresa McBryan Edmonton

JAMES MCBRYAN
James (Jamie) 1982 - 2005

James (Jamie) McBryan of Calgary passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at the age of 22 years. Jamie was born in Calgary on December 14, 1982. He attended Sam Livingston Elementary, Nickel Junior High, and graduated from Lord Beaverbrook High School with the class of 2000. He later earned his diploma in Architectural Technology at SAIT. Jamie loved to travel to new places, participate in outdoor activities and any pursuit that took him off the beaten path and into the wilderness. He was always willing to work hard so that he could later play hard.

Jamie was employed as a Mover and a Bike Courier, allowing him to go on trips to Utah and South America as well as finance his education. A brief experience with an architect's firm convinced him that he was not ready for life in a cubicle. His love of the outdoors led him to place that career on hold in exchange for a season as a Tree Planter.

Physical fitness was very important to Jamie. He was a member of the Capoeira Ache Brazil Academy where he found good friends, good music, a taste of a different culture, and lots of physical challenges. He recently returned from the Batizado in Vancouver where he received the Verde Escuro which he was proud to have earned. Jamie competed in mountain bike racing at Canada Olympic Park, several times placing in the top three. Jamie, his brother, and several friends participated in the "24 Hours of Adrenaline" - an endurance relay race - for two years running. Jamie was quite willing to commute anywhere in Calgary, regardless of the weather conditions and had dreams of a cross-Canada road trip with his brother. Snowboarding, rock climbing, and long boarding were also keen interests of his. During quieter moments, music and art were Jamie's main diversions. He enjoyed playing the drums and the berimbau and appreciated a wide range of music from classical to heavy metal. He loved to draw and could often be found sketching and doodling, sometimes when he was supposed to be working or studying.

Jamie's greatest accomplishment, in a life cut tragically short, was the joy and ache he brought with him and spread to all who knew and loved him. He met life's challenges with a grin and a determination to meet and exceed his own personal best and encouraged others to do the same. He will be sorely missed.

Jamie is survived by his parents, Clyde Gosling and Maureen McBryan; two brothers, Sean and Brent; his sister Sherry; as well as numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and a host of friends. Jamie was predeceased by his grandparents Margaret and Ken McBryan.

In living memory of James McBryan, a tree will be planted by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES

Read comments about Jamie by his peers in The Northern California Downhill Long boarding Association.