Note this announcement from Philip A. Marsteller of Amazon Tours, operator of the Rio Negro Lodge, the Rio Araca Lodge, and the Amazon Queen.

"I regret to inform all of you that Mike Bryant, Manager of the Rio Araca Lodge, passed away from an apparent heart attack on 08/03/2003 about 3am. He was assisting us at the Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans, LA. Mike was known for his charm, hard work, great stories and best of all…his positive outlook on life. He was 52 years old and had the opportunity to see his mother and brother while working at the show. He will be missed and remembered for all of his incredible characteristics."

Sincerely,

Philip A. Marsteller

 

Mike Bryant was a special friend to everyone that fished in the Amazon ... and was very special to me! He loved the Amazon, its people, and especially his job as a fishing host.

Mike and his wife Yury

 

Mike and his brother Gary with the dance troop (Boi Bumba) from the Rio Negro Lodge on Bourbon Street, New Orleans the night of his death.

………………………………………………………………………………….a gentle big man, he was;

Drops the size of dollars fell from his upturned grizzly white beard.
One must wonder if he curried the growth that way, for it stood against the gravitational law, even without the gale.

His 'bear width' shoulders hunched over the small wheel and he feathered the throttle as he peered into the slicing rain through spectacles, that if removed would revel green eyes half the size one imagined.

I knew we were doomed by the 'knows-all wind' in the winding throws of the Big Negro, as old men speak and tell?
Swells had turned to swift Amazon tidal, and we floated only by will and some wonder in marine craft construction, for there was no more room in the boat for the black water.

He smiled, and that told me naught, for he did that often.

Then streaks of white, the color of light, ran from horizon to green horizon, and heaved the dark cloud that had captured us, to the side with one shrug.

I saw the white sands directly ahead, and he coaxed us toward this island of reprieve and one more chance to tell a lie at the club.
In this moment we both were spirits to be recognized by the breezes, for we had ridden the back of the Amazon Bishu, and lived to plug once more.

Only yesterday we lay on that beach as the foamed wash sucked at our pants legs, while I forgave all my debtors.

He rolled onto his back, propped his elbows and extended his leathered neck forward, turtle like, as he spat into the winds face.
I watched and I think I learned, as the gentle big man said, "we gotta get some oil on those reels."

You should have seen the angle of his jaw, and the glint of the practiced eye,
and he stank of fishy water, the equatorial sweat, stale suds, and of pretzeled breads,………………….
Though I did like the man many in the Amazonas knew simply as Mike.

…………………………………………in tribute to a peacock bass angler we knew, Mr. Michael Bryant.

Written by one of his many, many friends.

 

A memorial fund has been established by his friends

"We are receiving donations to a fund for the benefit of Mike's family. Any of you who were friends with Mike, and wish to contribute something...no matter what the amount, you may do so by writing a check to: Mike Bryant Memorial Fund, and mail to me, David Caldwell, P.O. Box 339
Georgetown, Ky. 40324"

All of these funds collected will be given to Mike's family for their support.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by David Caldwell : 08/13/03 - 13:44:13 hs

Or you may donate using PayPal ....

RETURN TO HOME PAGE