Bryan Dykes

Bryan Ladon Dykes was born Nov. 6, 1974 in the small town of Union Springs, Al population 15. His parents Rebecca and Don Dykes loved him instantly. After spending time moving around the country, including a special time spent with his father in Kansas during the summer of 1977, the family settled in Portsmouth Virginia. As a child Bryan had a love for baseball. His father coached him from ages 4-16 taking them to the state championship tournament of 1987 in Winston-Salem, N.C. Although they didn't win the state champ title,his love of baseball made him a life time sports fan. It was no secret that the Boston Red Sox were his baseball team of choice, and-much to the dismay of his wife-he has a Red Sox vending machine in the middle of his kitchen to prove it. Like any normal teenage boy he got into his fair share of trouble. Whether it was throwing away report cards or throwing parties when his mother and stepfather were away, Bryan was constantly keeping his parents on their toes, even with his stepfather Paris listening in on his phone calls. His first car will never be forgotten. His purple Volkswagon could be heard from five miles away. He would wake up the neighbors if he came home too late. Lucky for the neighbors he "neglected" to put oil in the car and blew the engine. He did however manage to get a few speeding tickets first. He met his future wife by chance while she was visiting a friend in Virginia. They stayed in touch for months until shortly after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease and Amy moved down for the summer to help him with the beginning of his six month course of chemotherapy treatments. The cancer eventually went away, but Amy became a permanent fixture in his life and they were married Sept. 28 2000 on Sandbridge Beach. Bryan always said the birth of his children was the most significant moment of his life. Corinn was born July 10,2000 and his world completely changed. He worshipped his daughter and found unimaginable joy rolling on the floor and playing hide and seek with her. His happiness was doubled when in April of 2004 Reagan completed the family. They decided to move to Michigan shortly after Reagan was born. Soon after the family moved across the country to relocate, Bryan was hired to work for Citifinancial. Bryan thrived as a loan officer, constantly winning awards and accolades until he was promoted to Branch Manager of the newly opened Ludington Branch. His hard work paid off as the Ludington branch did remarkably well and when the executive branch Manager position opened up at the Muskegon location he was promoted once again. His most memorable achievement was Charimans Forum 2008, a trip to Florida that he and his wife will never forget. Bryan had more than a successful career at Citi, he always felt like he had a family there. Some of the greatest friendships of his life were amongst his co-workers. He always felt fortunate to work with such an amazing group of people. Bryan wasn't all work, his stepfather Paris taught him to play cards while he was in high school. Many night found them in the room above the garage playing Texas Hold-Em and Acey Ducey with his friends. Unfortunately for some of his friends, whole paychecks were lost in that room. His love of cards remained with him and family card nights enjoyed with friends were one of his favorite past times, even if he would have to rip up tiny pieces of paper to write lOU'S Fun betting was a fixture in the Dykes household. Every year there was a standing bet with his wife over American Idol-she would like to point out he still owes her a one hour back rub, and competition between husband and wife could be fierce. A simple trivia question could end in a weeks worth of dishes. Loving father, devoted husband and son, Bryan passed peacefully on 7/21/2008 at 4:00 am in the arms of his wife, with his loving mother at his side. He will always be remembered by those who loved him for his amazing ability to put others first. Even in the darkest times of his sickness it was he who cast the light on those around him. They found strength in his strength, love in his love, and now peace in the memory of his smile.