Obituary of Bryan A. McGee

Bryan Allison McGee was born on June 1, 1947, in Sigel, PA to Bryan Leroy and Dora Marie (McCool) McGee. Bryan was a humorous and selfless man who always tried to help others even after being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and strived to live a wonderful life even as he battled his disease for over 10 years. Bryan passed away on March 3, 2023, from cancer and ALS. His wife, daughter, and son-in-law were by his side during his final days. Bryan is preceded in death by his parents, Bryan and Dora McGee. He is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia (Haecker) McGee, his daughter, Christina (Timothy Josephson) McGee, his grandson, Rylan Josephson-McGee, and his sisters, Beverly Yeany and Debby (John) Valkosky. Bryan grew up in Brookville, PA and met his wife on a blind date. They were devoted partners for 56 years and lived in Jamestown and Bemus Point, NY. During that time Bryan was drafted into the military where he served in Turkey during the Vietnam era, was a mechanical engineer at Anderson Precision for 43 years, and helped raise his beloved daughter. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking. He built two grandfather clocks for his wife and parents. He also loved motorcycling, antique cars, target practice, working outside, building and fixing things, but mostly helping friends and neighbors. Bryan's life can be encompassed by the Baha'i Faith's words, "Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart" and "That which is truly spiritual must light the path to God, and must result in deeds." As ALS progressed, Bryan continued to do as much as he could, including playing with his grandson, mowing the neighbor's lawn, clearing trails in the woods, and helping with yardwork, using his tractor for mobility. Bryan will be remembered for his acts of kindness, quick sense of humor, and his signature haircut that turned from black to silvery white with time. Cindy and Christina wish to thank the UPMCA Chautauqua in Jamestown for the excellent care Bryan received from Dr. Bommireddipalli and Bryan's nurses, especially Joanne, Beth, and Suzanne, who helped him be comfortable in his final days. Bryan would want to thank his dear friends and family who gave him haircuts, made sure he had comfortable armchairs at his favorite restaurants in Ellery, and especially the friends and family who continued to call on the phone, come to visit, play cards, accompany him when clearing trails, and made him laugh even as his disease progressed and made it difficult to walk and talk. He appreciated the time and love showered upon him infinitely. There will be no visitation. Lind Funeral Home will provide a private graveside service for close family and friends. A private celebration of life will be held in the summer. In lieu of flowers, Bryan would ask that you provide an act of kindness or service to a stranger or someone you love. Memorials are welcome to be made to the Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department or research at the ALS Association to make progress toward a cure.