CUYAHOGA FALLS: They renewed their wedding vows on 12-12-12. A week later, they said their final goodbye.
Robert and Valerie Bryan were among a number of couples who participated in the Cuyahoga Falls Bicentennial Weddings on Dec. 12. On Wednesday, Robert lost his long battle with pancreatic cancer.
They were the first couple of the evening to stand before Mayor Don Robart to once again declare their love and devotion for each other. They said they were still in love after 12 years of marriage.
The idea of participating in the ceremony was Robert Bryan’s idea. He feared he would not live long enough for the couple’s anniversary in January.
Valerie Bryan’s son, Bobby Melzer, said Robert Bryan was “surrounded by those who loved him” when he died.
After renewing their vows, Valerie Bryan said last week her husband is “the kindest, sweetest, most fun man I’ve ever known.”
Robert Bryan is survived by his wife and stepson; his mother, Shirley Bryan, two sons, two grandchildren, a sister, and a great-niece and great-nephew.
A memorial service is planned for Sunday at Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home in Cuyahoga Falls.
