Michael Lee Bryson, born on December 12, 1950, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, was called to his eternal home on May 24, 2025, in Estes Park after feeling short of breath and rushed to the hospital. He was the beloved son of Donald V. and Pauline P. (Storey) Bryson.
Mike, as he was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, humor, and curiosity. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more.
We please ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Mike grew up in north Denver and graduated from Ranum High School in 1969, where he was the starting center on the football team that went to the state semi-finals. He then earned a chemistry degree from Graceland University in Iowa, after which he worked primarily in quality control for various companies specializing in pharmaceuticals, plastics and building materials.
His career culminated in a focus on roofing shingle product quality and development, where he earned numerous patents and became an expert witness for product liability litigations. Mike was always curious about how things worked and blended that trait into a successful career.
Mike married the love of his life, Donna Hamblin, in Odessa, Mo., on August 31, 1974. They raised their children in Missouri, Texas, and Alabama and chose to retire in Estes Park in 2015. They would have celebrated 52 years of marriage this August.
Mike was a generous man and gave his time to various causes, such as post-hurricane property damage inspections. After retirement to Estes Park, he enjoyed volunteering as an Ambassador at the Estes Park Visitor Center, coordinating the Newcomers’ Club Men’s Breakfast activity, as a counselor for the free AARP Tax-Aide service at the Estes Valley Library, and especially as a docent at MacGregor Ranch.
The common theme here is that Mike never met a stranger. He treated every new acquaintance like a friend and was curious to learn everything he could about them. He liked to travel and hike, but mostly enjoyed playing golf with his buddies. He will be missed and remembered for his friendliness, kindness, and infectious laughter.
Mike is survived by his wife Donna, son Benjamin (spouse Teresa Kelley) of Birmingham, Ala., daughter Wendi, grandsons Russell Lee and Nickolaus Ryan Bryson, brother Donald L. Bryson (spouse Kathy), all of Estes Park, nephew Aaron Bryson, niece Amy Bryson, and stepmother Lorraine Bryson, plus numerous cousins. Additionally, he is survived by nieces Mandy (Carlile) Forrest and Hillary (Hamblin) Graham, as well as nephew Harry Robert Hamblin, all of Missouri.
A celebration of Mike’s life is being planned for August to give all who loved him an opportunity to be present, with smaller gatherings in Missouri and Council Bluffs, Iowa. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Mike’s name to either the MacGregor Ranch or Crossroads Estes Park.