I loved you so much that I married you 3 different times.  You always knew how to make me laugh, you knew how to challenge me.  You often asked why did God choose you to have cancer, I now have an answer for you...it was so that you could show others through your strength, faith & charity how to fight for your life.  I wish we had more time but you spent your life loving me.  I lost my heart, my dance partner, my blackjack teacher.  Watch over us when you take a break from building our home in glory.  I will love you forever, until we see each other again.

	Thank you for everything. Thank you for the best childhood memories, so much of me came from you. My love of weird foods, love of reading, music, my stubbornness, my weird humor. I like to think we challenged each other through this life, and I will never forget everything I have learned from you. You are my dad, always and forever and there will never be a day that I will not miss you. I am going to keep this short since you already received my other letter, but I love you, I miss you, you will always be apart of me. 
	I never thought I would reach a point where I wouldn’t get to hear “Young Lady,” coming through the phone again. 


I got to know Bryan through the Knights of Columbus. What’s sad ,our paths crossed only three years ago. As short of time that  it was.
 Bryan was a huge inspiration , and a lot of strength, when I was falling. Both of us spent a lot of time at UT Southwest Hospital. I’m an amputee as of 2019, we both were in a battle  for years
Bryan showed me, just keep pushing, keep going, don’t stop. I’m truly going too miss him. 

RIP 
Brother

Bryan, you and my dad Cecil were in school together at Dunne. I was the younger classmate that always looked up to you guys. Even today, I've always admired your strength and additude.  Please give my brother a big hug for me. 
Marty Velasquez 

You were my best skating buddy, my best dance partner, and my number one protector. As a child I will always remember holding your pinky as you guided me through life. Countless weekends spent doing every activity imaginable, and many trips that I will forever cherish because they hold some of the best memories. As I grew into a young woman I recall fighting you every step of the way because I knew you hated, and probably secretly loved the challenge... I knew you always had to be right, but I was a Banks girl and I was not willing to back down. You taught me above all else to be strong, to protect my sister at all cost, and to never ever be bullied. At the age of 38, I can say that I have not failed you in any of those areas. Although sometimes I think Michael wishes I weren’t so headstrong and stubborn like you. 
The day I made you a grandpa was the happiest day of my life and I know it was yours too. Seeing you hold my son for the first time has always been a cherished memory. The way you looked at him and smiled, I knew this was the best gift I could have ever given you, and then 20 months later I gave you another grandson. Ashton looks so much like you...  most of all his smile and his jawline. Caleb hands down has your personality and your will to fight - he will be my greatest challenge as I was to you. But when I look at them both, I will always see you shining through them. Your legacy will continue on with them.
A piece of my heart will forever be at Laurel Land now. I know you were worried about leaving us all so early but just remember dad, “Oh, but I'll be alright, As long as there's light, From a neon moon”. I know you are dancing among the angels now. 
I will love you always dad. 

Bryan and I were married and had two daughters together.  Stephanie and Ashley.  No matter how it ended for us, I still feel the pain of losing someone who was once part of my life.  I am sorry you had to fight this horrible disease. And knew you gave it your all as you were not ready to go or give up to cancer.  I hope your family finds the peace and comfort they need at this time. May you rest in heavenly peace Bryan.  

Photo's from Bryan's Class of 75 40th year reunion.

Bryan is my cousin.  Actually, he is my dad’s cousin but we are very close in age. Our family was close when we were young.  Bryan played the organ very well as I remember.  Life took us in our different directions but we reconnected recently.  Bryan has been so strong, so faithful.  I feel very blessed and thankful to have the last few years to spend time with him again.  He has been an amazing testimony and inspiration to me.   I could never begin to express how much he means to me and the love I have for him and his family.   

OBITUARY

Bryan Gene Banks

12 October, 1957 – 1 June, 2021

Laurel Land Funeral Home & Laurel Land Memorial Park

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