Remembering Dr. Darrol Bryant

It is with deep sadness that we share news that long-time Renison professor Dr. Darrol Bryant has passed away.

Darrol was a professor at Renison for over 30 years, from 1973 until his retirement in 2005. During this period he also served as Acting Principal in 1997. After retiring, Darrol received the honour of Distinguished Professor Emeritus, and in 2010 became a Renison Senior Fellow.

Darrol was an active part of the Renison community, both during and after his time in the classroom. He was a frequent attendee of Renison events, often alongside his wife Susan Hodges Bryant. He remained an academic, serving as Director of Renison’s Centre for Dialogue and Spirituality in the World Religions long into retirement. Darroll’s gentle nature and curiosity led him to many deep conversations with countless members of the Renison community. He will be dearly missed.  

In 2022 Darrol and Susan helped establish a new garden space, the Bryant Stone Garden, on the Renison grounds. This serene garden serves as a community space, and the site of the Renison Stone Garden Ceremony. A few times each year, students and other community members are invited to participate by placing a stone into the garden as a way to demonstrate the impact each individual has on the life and story of Renison. After releasing a stone into the Bryant Stone Garden, participants are invited to choose a stone bracelet as a reminder of their Renison journey. The new garden was part of the Bryant’s legacy of care for Renison’s landscape, and was preceded by years of both Darrol and Susan tending to the East West garden, which occupies Renison’s central courtyard.

In accordance with Darrol’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A commemoration gathering will be held in the Spring.

Read Darrol’s obituary by visiting the Erb and Good Family Funeral Home website.