Darrington — On January 11, 2026, surrounded by his family, Frank Hilliard Bryson Jr. peacefully left us in search of the perfect fishing hole.

Frank was born on December 13, 1924, to Frank Sr. and Lelia (Wilson) Bryson in a log house built by his father just outside of Darrington, Washington. He spent his childhood between his family’s farms in Darrington and Lyman. As a young boy, he attended primary school at the old Bennettville School and later built his retirement home on that very property, once inhabited by his uncle, Lyle Bryson. During his senior year of high school, his family moved from Darrington back to the family farm in Lyman, where he graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School.

Frank met his first love, Cordelia Mae Leavitt, at Sedro-Woolley High School in 1942. They married on May 22, 1943, and spent the next 64 years building a wonderful life. After they married, they bought part of the Bryson farm in Lyman, where they lived during the early years of their marriage. They later made their home in Darrington, where they raised their children, Diane and Dan.

In the early years, Frank and Cordelia followed logging work throughout the Pacific Northwest, spending time in Lyman, Sedro Woolley, Lake Quinault and Darrington. In retirement, they played a key role in relocating the Hamilton Baptist Church to higher ground. They also loved to travel, rarely missing a chance to visit friends and family, or to hit the road in pursuit of a grandkid’s ballgame. Their life together was shaped by simple things, shared faith, a deep devotion to family, music, and a love of a good picnic or fishing trip. Frank and Cordelia’s home was always open and welcoming to guests.

Early in his logging career, Frank worked for his father-in-law, Claude Leavitt. In 1951, he co-founded Bryson Brothers Logging with his brother, JC, and continued the operation until 1974, when he joined Scott Paper Company. In his early years with Scott Paper, he worked as a logging camp supervisor in Lester, WA and ended his career in Sedro-Woolley. Frank was the last of the old-guard Darrington high-lead loggers, preceded in death by many legendary friends and colleagues. Never one to shy away from a good prank or a challenge, he kept an annual tradition of climbing a tree on his birthday — a tradition he continued until he reluctantly hung up his spurs on his 90th birthday.

Throughout his life, Frank was happiest gardening, razor clam digging, hunting in the high country on horseback, and fishing. When he wasn’t outdoors, he spent many years teaching Sunday school, singing in a quartet, and–more often than not–singing an old hymn in his deep bass voice wherever he happened to be.

Frank later married Frankie (Jones/Nations) in 2009, and together they shared many wonderful years enjoying one another’s company and family gatherings, travel, fishing, and gardening. They enjoyed keeping their can room full and always trying to do at least one good thing a day for someone else. Their house was always welcoming and full of warmth, love and good food!

To his grandchildren, Frank will always be remembered for his steady, unwavering support, the twinkle in his eye, and the constant candy in his pocket. To this day, they still wonder whether they inherited the ear-wiggling gene — or why he always said, “I gotta go home to feed the chickens,” despite never having chickens during their lifetimes.

Frank leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, to whom Uncle Frank was legendary. He never failed to impress them with his ability to find the perfect fishing hole, the best berry patch, or grow an abundant harvest from his bountiful garden.

He is survived by his wife, Frankie; his sister, Eloise Kell; his son-in-law, Bob Boyd; his grandchildren Ryan, Danielle, Jennifer, and Lindsay; and a handful of great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind children through marriage, Diane (Jim) Faucett and Dennis (Judy) Nations, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Frank was preceded in death by his first wife, Cordelia; his grandson, Aaron; his son, Dan; his daughter, Diane; sister Alma (Ross) and brother JC. Oh what a reunion he will have with them and countless other close friends and family.

Frank touched countless lives in his 101 years. While it is impossible to name them all, our family is deeply grateful for the care, love, and support shown to him — especially in his final days.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026 at the Darrington Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Darrington Community Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Darrington Community Center, P.O. Box 263, Darrington WA 98241 or to the Darrington Memorial Dinners, P.O. Box 698, Darrington WA 98241.