Bryan joined the British Navy after leaving Magdalen College School and served on HMS Birmingham whilst it was on escort duties for Russian convoys. On leaving the Navy he joined his father’s shoe manufacturing firm, a business he went on to run.

He married Angela in 1954 and they had two daughters, who in turn provided three granddaughters and two grandsons.

Upon retirement, he volunteered with the Citzens’ Advice Bureau, where he specialised in helping people with their state benefit entitlements.

Bryan passed away in a care home at the age of 83 on 31 August 2010.