Former Drumheller Mayor Dr. Phil Bryant passed away on November 4 at the age of 84.
Drumheller has lost a community builder and leader in Dr. Phil Bryant.
The former Reeve of Badlands and Mayor of Drumheller passed away at the age of 84 on November 4.
Professionally, Dr. Phil was a veterinarian and it was his work that brought him to the valley, but it was his community involvement that made Drumheller his home.
“He had a passion for doing the right thing, everything he did he did with passion,” said Phil’s son Aaron. “He has been on more boards than I remember and some I probably never knew about.”
Born in Rosedale, B.C. he would often joke that he came from a community named Rosedale with four churches, to a community of the same name with four bars. He arrived in the valley in the late 1950s for a couple years, but then went into private practice in Bow Island. Political involvement was always a part of his life. His son Aaron recalls that in Bow Island he served as Mayor, and was also a big part of the local movement of the day that saw Peter Lougheed sweep into power provincially.
He made his way back to the valley in 1976 and his political involvement continued. He was appointed to the Advisory Council for Improvement District #7. At the time, there was no formal council governing Rosedale and area, and the Minister of Municipal Affairs acted as the political head. In 1983, his position became an elected seat and he continued. It was not until 1991 that the area became the Municipal District of Badlands.
The Mail sat down for a conversation with Dr. Phil in 2011. He highlighted the most significant point in his political career and that was the amalgamation of Drumheller with the MD of Badlands.
It became apparent to Dr. Phil that the MD was not financially feasible, and each year saw more and more of its reserves dwindle.
“He was in a tough spot, but he saw the writing on the wall, there wasn’t enough money to keep the MD going,” said Aaron. “It was the right thing to do at the time, he had good vision.”
Phil and then Mayor of Drumheller Brock Wood began talks of amalgamation. It was an understatement to say it was hotly contested, but in January of 1998, the first combined council was sworn in with 13 members. That fall was the first municipal election for the new Town of Drumheller and Bryant became Mayor. He served as Mayor for a united Drumheller for one term.
Aaron remembers his father’s dedication to the community. He walked with a purpose and a fast gate. Aaron recalls he would wake up to start a long day of work, only to find his father had left hours before him. He would arrive home after a 12-hour day, and his father was still working. Despite this, Phil’s family was always important.
At Phil’s request, there will be no formal memorial service. In lieu of flowers, Phil asks that you do a good deed for someone in need and always hug your loved ones.
