Bryson, William (Bill) Ronald, 83, of Cloverdale, Stewiacke NS, died peacefully April 17 at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro, after a short illness. Born in Truro, he was the son of the late William S. and Ellen J. (Vincent) Bryson.
Bill chose a life early in his career doing what he passionately enjoyed—as Outdoor Tourism Marketing Officer with the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism. A highly skilled and passionate fly fisherman and hunter, he also possessed extraordinarily interpersonal skills. He excelled at his calling to the point of becoming internationally renowned. His name shows up, always respectfully cited, in a number of books and innumerable magazine articles on the subject of outdoor pursuits in North America. At least two well-known salmon flies are named for him and it was widely accepted that he could “talk” to salmon and catch them when no-one else could.
Bill generously shared his bountiful knowledge of the outdoors with everybody he met, from famous outdoor writers and internationally-renowned filmmakers like Lee and Joan Wulff (with whom he shared a long friendship), and some of the most iconic names among American outdoor writers, to Prince Charles (whom he charmed and befriended when the prince visited and fished for salmon in Nova Scotia in 1975) to family and friends - who were most important to him.
Bill’s unassuming air, combined with his encyclopedic knowledge of the outdoors and all things natural, impressed all manner of outdoorsmen who enjoyed his always cheerful company immensely and were amazed by the level of his knowledge and skills. His natural gregariousness and grounded personality endeared him to all who met him.
When provincial fish biologists wished to study anadromous brook trout running to rivers on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, they first sought advice from Bill Bryson, who was well known for his innate understanding of those fish and their complex life cycle.
Bill was also a committed wildlife conservationist. He was a long time active board member of the Cobequid Salmon Association and a founding member of the Colchester Woodcock Association.
It is a sad reality that in a changing world we will never see his like again.
Bill is survived by son Craig, Truro; daughter Deborah, (Blair) Fraser, North Carleton PEI; daughter-in-law Mary Wadden, Cloverdale NS; grandchildren, Nichole, Brandon and Skylar Bryson; sisters, Betty LaLour (George) and Shirley. He was predeceased by his wife Anne (Crowe) and son Mark.
The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Henderson and the nursing staff at the palliative Care Unit of Colchester Hospital and to Dr. John Smith, for the exceptional care Bill received throughout his illness.
Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the very capable Colchester East Hants Health Centre Palliative Care Unit or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia.
An interment ceremony will be restricted to family. In light of Bill’s extensive circle of friends and colleagues, a formal celebration of his life and his accomplishments will take place at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.