Bryan Lantis Mercer

Bryan L. Mercer, 59 of Ogden, Utah passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 23, 2011 in Hartford, CT while in his truck. Bryan was the oldest son of Dude and Vera Mercer. Bryan grew up in Noxon, MT running and playing as a child on the farm. As a student he was able to get straight A’s without studying. He had a strong voice for choir and could play any instrument. Many times he was asked to play taps at military services. After graduating in 1970 he joined the U.S. Coast Guard where a fall in the shower revealed damage from spinal bifida which led to his honorable discharge. He then returned to Noxon where a tragic mistake changed his life. While paying his debt to society Bryan found his faith and tried to live by it. Bryan continued to grow and learn. He counseled many inmates after earning his Masters Degree. He worked to start an AA group, used his first aid skills to save 2 lives and worked 1 year on a firefighting crew. Bryan had many interests and talents. He spent many hours working on family genealogy. He wrote several novels and poems, collected butterflies, coins and stamps. He loved to paint and do horse hair braiding. Two years ago he became a partner with his brother in EB and G trucking. He earned the respect and confidence of all the professionals he worked with. The day of his passing he had just seen the last of the lower 48 states, and was smiling as he traveled the beautiful country around the Chesapeake Bay. Bryan is survived by 1 brother: George (Terri) Mercer; 1 sister Ronelle (Tom) Helmbrecht; 2 nephews, 1 niece, many special friends, and the love of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents Dude and Vera Mercer, and 1 brother Allen Mercer. Graveside services for Bryan were held Thursday, August 4, 2011 in the Noxon Cemetery, with Pastor Bill Warren, officiating.