William G. Bryce, age 81, died on Saturday July 2, 2011. Worshipful Brother Bill was raised a Master Mason on February 23, 1953. He was very active in in his Blue Lodges, serving as Worshipful Master of Manchester Lodge No. 73 in 1994 and Philosophic Lodge of Research Lodge in 1999. He was also members of Frederick Franklin Lodge No. 14 and Columbia Lodge No. 25 as well as the Valley of Hartford, A.A.S.R. and the York Rite Bodies of East Hartford. Roberta requested that  Columbia Lodge No. 25 conduct a Masonic Service. Manchester Lodge No. 73 will be participating. Gerry Thompson will be officiating. If you want a role in the service, please contact Gerry at 860-536-8106 and he will work in all requests.  The service is scheduled for Tuesday July 5, 2011 at 7 PM at Watkins Funeral Home, 142 East Center Street in Manchester, Connecticut. All brethren wanting to participate are asked to assemble at 6:30 PM.

BRYCE, William George
William George Bryce was born, November 14, 1930 in Bristol, CT, the only son of the late Claude J. and Elizabeth W. Bryce. Passed away July 2, 2011. He attended local schools, graduated from Bristol High School in 1948. Then was enrolled at Hillyer Jr. College and Bentley School of Accounting, until his Connecticut Air National Guard Unit was activated during the Korean Conflict. He served from March 1, 1951 until his discharge on June 2, 1952. Bryce's employment included the Bristol Press, Putnam Coffin & Burr, Connecticut Bank & Trust Company and the United States Post Office until his retirement in 1993. Bill married Roberta Hinman of Hartford April 27, 1957. They have lived in Manchester for over 50 years. He is survived by his wife, Roberta, his son Robert (wife Sara Gorman) of Baton Rouge, LA, his daughter Sarah (Bryce) Smith of Manchester and several nieces and nephews. His numerous activities included lay reading at church, Sunday services at Seabury Episcopal Retirement Community Center, and anything else his church asked him to do. Bill's Masonic Career began on February 23, 1953 when he was raised in Franklin Lodge #56 Bristol, CT (now Frederick Franklin #14 of Plainville) After his marriage and move to Manchester, Bill affiliated to Manchester Lodge #73. Bill Served in many offices and as Associate Grand Marshall. Bill was an active member of the following Lodges; Manchester Lodge #73 AF & AM PM 1994; Philosophic Lodge of Research PM 1999; Columbia Lodge #25; Oriental Evergreen #88 (Treasurer); York Rite Bodies; Scottish Rite Bodies; Masonic Veterans Association (Treasurer). Retirement was fun but Bill needed activity so he worked part time as a courtesy driver for Carter Chevrolet, and as a volunteer at Manchester Memorial Hospital. He and Roberta also enjoyed their retirement by traveling around the United States and abroad.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 11 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church 444 Hills Street East Hartford. Burial with military honors will be in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill, CT. Family and friends may call Tuesday, July 5, from 5-7 p.m. at Watkins Funeral Home 142 East Center Street Manchester, with a Masonic service to be conducted following the calling hours at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to All Saints Episcopal Church, 444 Hills Street, East Hartford, CT 06118 in his memory. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com