Michael Richard Bryant Sr.

REDMOND, Ore. – Michael Richard Bryant Sr., 71, passed away unexpectedly on March 7, 2023, in Redmond, Ore., with his wife, Cherie and son, Matthew by his side. He was born in Columbia, S.C., on July 13, 1951, moving to South Portland as a young child where he spent the majority of his life.

Michael, also known as: Mike, Big B. and Mr. Bryant, was a graduate of South Portland High School (1969), attended the University of Southern Maine and Southern Maine Community College. He worked for South Portland Public Works, Cook Concrete, Sappi Fine Paper (25 years) and during retirement: South Portland Bus Service and Uber.

He met the love of his life, Cherie and they were married on March 14, 1970. Their incredible love story, spanning six decades, began when they were just 10 and 11-years old. Though Mike passed away a week before their 53rd wedding anniversary, he had preordered a stunning bouquet of roses to express his undying and eternal love for his wife.

Dedicated to his family, Mike was a hardworking, one-of-a-kind man who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He had a passion for coaching and sharing his endless amount of stories. He was the number one fan of his children and grandchildren attending as many games and practices as he could. He coached teams for each of his children and impacted not only their lives but also the lives of many of their friends and teammates with his positive and “everyone gets a chance” coaching style.

Mike was known for his infectious smile, ability to make people laugh, was often the life of the party and always the designated driver. Living life to the fullest, Mike’s unwavering love and the memories he created with his family will be cherished forever.

Mike is survived by his wife, Cherie Bryant; and their children, Michelle McMahan and husband Walter Cantin, Michael Bryant Jr. and wife Clara, Melissa Bryant and partner Ben Engstrom, Matthew E. Bryant and partner Stacey Sebastian; and grandchildren, Darien Michael McMahan, Madelyn “Maddy” Bryant, Michael “Trey” Bryant III, Sunny Aloha Sebastian Bryant, Sophia Engstrom and Victoria Robinson and husband Levi; Mike’s mother, Constance Schofield, mother-in-law, Marie Howell; his sister, Pamela Flanders and husband Eben, his brother, Matthew T. Bryant and girlfriend Stacie Plummer, and brother-in-law, Burton Howell; as well as his niece, Selena Leeman and husband, Jeff and children; and nephew, Ian Levesque and children.

Mike was predeceased by his father, Shirley Bryant and stepmother, Grace Bryant.

Though he will be deeply missed, Mike’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he loved.

In his memory, a celebration of life will take place on Sunday, June 18 at the McKernan Hospitality Center, 122 McKernan Dr. in South Portland from 4-7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. We hope you can join us in sharing the joy and laughter Mike brought to so many lives.