On June 2, Bryan Kachur, long-time Newtown resident, succumbed to a lengthy illness.

The family grew up on Taunton Hill Rd. It was a neighborhood full of boys who have all stayed in touch so shout-out to the Taunton Hill gang. Bryan was a graduate of the 1981 class of Newtown High School. Bryan earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Connecticut State University and an MBA from Sacred Heart University.

Bryan’s successful career took many turns. From 2020-present Bryan was employed as a procurement manager for Mirion Technologies in Meriden. He previously worked for Legrand US (2005-2020) in West Hartford as a purchasing manager.

First and foremost, Bryan was a loving father with an adventurous spirit. He wanted his sons to have experiences they would always remember. His life with his four boys took them on trips to National Parks, camping in the Caribbean, exciting expeditions, and memorable musical experiences.

Always an athlete, Bryan was a standout player and a mainstay of the Newtown Men’s Softball scene for many years, as well as leagues in Woodbury, Norwalk, Danbury, and Bethel. Bryan played the mandolin and loved bluegrass music. He was also an avid fly fisherman. Bryan loved to travel to rivers in Canada, Montana, and upstate New York, but he spent his most peaceful hours on the Farmington River here in Connecticut in all four seasons of the year.

Bryan had a gregarious personality with an infectious and unmistakable laugh. Those who knew Bryan often witnessed his ability to make new friends easily by starting conversations with complete strangers and finding something in common with them. Then, like Jimmy Stewart in the movie Harvey, inviting them out for drinks or over for dinner. He had an innate capacity to remember all the details of his acquaintances for their next meeting. But most of all Bryan cared about the people around him having just the BEST time and, if he could facilitate that in any way, he would.

Bryan is survived by his four sons Maxwell (and Joslyn), Jackson (and Olivia Ballou), Dylan (and Margot Prow), and Evan (aka Snapper doodle); all reside in Bethlehem. Bryan is also survived by his extended family Stephanie Grise of New Canaan, and her three children Michael, Griffin, and Riley (the apple of his eye). Bryan is also survived by his mother Taffy, father Donald (and Martha), brother Christopher (and Carol) and sisters Kelly and Michelle, all of Southbury, and sister Carrie (and Kurt Naasz) of Suntree, Fla.

A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, June 9, at the Alexandria Room on the second floor of Edmond Town Hall in Newtown from 12-2 pm. This is an informal event; please wear your happy clothes.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Bryan’s name to CT Dept of Energy and Environmental Protection, which is funded by private donations and not taxpayer funds: portal.ct.gov/deep/state-parks/centennial/donations.