Dalton Earl Bryan

Dalton Earl Bryan, 22, was taken from us way too early on December 2, 2017. He was born October 31, 1995 in Billings, MT to Kirk Bryan and Heather Griffis. He attended Big Timber Grade school and graduated from Sweet Grass County High School in 2014.

Throughout High School Dalton worked at Ullman Lumber Company. He loved working there and they soon became his second family. He Joined the U.S. Navy in July of 2014 and was stationed in Norfolk, VA as a Machinist Mate/Fireman, aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). He was deployed to the Mediterranean as part of the “Global War on Terror” with “Operation Inherent Resolve”. He returned home to Belgrade in July of this year and began working at Split Mountain Metals. Brad and Carley quickly became Dalton’s idols. He loved his job so much and was excited to go to work every day. Brad took him under his wing and was guiding him along. Dalton kept saying that he couldn’t wait for the day that he would have his own business, with a cute little blond working alongside of him just like Brad did. He was very proud of the fact that he played a small part in the building of the star that is sitting atop the Capitol Christmas Tree this year.

Dalton’s passions were music, guitars and fast cars. He had a natural talent with music. He would grab a guitar, pick at it for a while and say, “I got it now, here, listen to this!” He was notorious for his little videos he would send or post every time he would master a new song. He loved all types of music from classic country to Blink 182, and everything in between. His love for fast cars began at an early age and I suppose it was nurtured some by his Grandfather Bob Bryan. Bob always had a project going and was tinkering on something. Dalton spent many hours “Helping Pa on the Cuda.” Dalton acquired his dream car, a GTO that he drove home from Virginia. Winter set in early this year and he soon figured out that the GTO was not a Montana car, but he refused to sell it and get a more logical vehicle. It was his baby.

Dalton was best known for his goofy grin, quick wit, contagious laugh and his crazy ideas. He had the biggest, kindest heart of anyone I have ever known and made an impression everywhere he went.

Dalton is survived by his parents Kirk Bryan and Heather and Mark Griffis. Brother: Levi (Shelby) Bryan, Step Brother and Sister; Luke (Carlene) Griffis, Laura (Justin) Blake. Great Grandmother, Theresa Grasky, Grand Parents; Robert and Phyllis Bryan, Bernie Schieffert, and L.J. (Carol) Schieffert. Aunts and Uncles; Lucinda Klostermeier, Julie (Stace) Hovland, Stormy (Danny) Stevens, Chance (Cassandra) Schieffert, and Colt Schieffert. Cousins; Lisette (Osmany) Delbrey, Mitchell (Katie) Hovland, Morgan Myrstol, Josie Hovland, Natasha (Cody) Stevens, Billy Stevens, Hailee Schieffert, Chase Schieffert, Osmany Jr. Delbrey , and Anthony Delbrey. Nieces and Nephews, McKinna Griffis, Bo Griffis, Aubrey Blake and Ava Blake. He is also survived by his close military family and brothers in arms.

A Celebration of Dalton’s Life will be held Saturday, December 9th at the Sweet Grass County High School in Big Timber at 1:00 p.m. with a reception following the service, upstairs at the American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you make donations to any drug awareness, prevention or education program of your choice, or to the American Legion.