OXFORD – Lauren Sanford “Steve” Bryden, 79, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2006, at the New York State Veterans’ Home, Oxford. Surrounded by his family, Steve died peacefully after a long-term battle with lung disease.
He was born in Meredith June 24, 1927, the son of Thomas Junius and Edith Elizabeth (Dart) Bryden. A long-time Franklin resident, Steve resided most recently in Sidney before moving to the Veterans Home in March, 2005.
Steve grew up on the family farm on Elk Creek and attended Delaware Academy Central School. He left school to join the U.S. Army during World War II and was proud to return to Delaware Academy and receive his diploma as part of graduation ceremonies in 2002.
Steve was, first and foremost, a dairy farmer - the occupation he followed lifelong in Franklin. He was also known in the area as a cattle trucker and had driven for Chenango County Transit after retirement. A World War II veteran, he was a member of the Ouleout Valley Legion Post 1689 in Franklin, longtime member of the Franklin Fire Department and a member of the BPOE Elks in Sidney. He also had been an active member of the First Congregational Church in Sidney.
Steve is survived by his sons, Tom (Michelle) Bryden of South New Berlin, Ronald (Paula) Bryden of Lewisburg, Pa.; his daughters, Doris Michalovic of Johnson City amd Penny (Chris) Tremain of Otego; his grandchildren, Taryn (Bill) Hubbard, Heather Bryden, Dawn Bryden, Trevor Bryden, Steven Bryden, Steven Michalovic, Teresa Michalovic, Colleen Michalovic, Tyler Tremain and Kailee Tremain; his week-old great-grandson, Owen Charles Hubbard; his “adopted” sons, Hank Michalovic and Arthur Hughes, as well as many well-loved nieces, nephews and close friends. Also surviving are his former wife and mother of his children, Jeanne Slawson Bryden of Oneonta.
Besides his parents, Steve was predeceased by five brothers, three sisters, three half-brothers and a half-sister.
Steve loved most his family, God, friends, farming, animals, hard work and country music and the loving, care giving staff at the NYS Veterans’ Home, Oxford.
Calling hours will be Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, corner of West Main and Circle Drive, Sidney. A celebration of his life will be Saturday, also at the Lutheran Church, at 11 a.m. followed by Committal Services, Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Franklin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NYS Veterans’ Home, Resident Activity Fund, 4211 Route 220, Oxford, NY.
Funeral arrangements are by C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney.