Bruce Bryant, 81, of Vancouver, WA died December 19, 2024 at Brookfield-Cascadia, in Battle Ground, WA.
Bruce, born in 1943 in Pasadena, CA, was the son of Audrey (Shumate) and Maurice "Maury" Bryant, of San Gabriel, CA.
He graduated from the University of California-Irvine with a degree in history, an interest he explored while working in many parts of the world. In 1979, while revolution was upending Iran, Bruce was part of a crew filming at Perseopolis, ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire.
After working in instructional media and teaching television production at UC-Irvine for several years, Bruce shifted into writing, producing and directing for a variety of syndicated documentaries and educational films, and later served as co-director of special effects for 10 syndicated science fiction movies for television.
With this impressive portfolio of cinematic accomplishment, Bruce, with his partners, became a leading figure in the field of television title sequences. He co-designed, produced and directed opening titles for some of the best-known network television series and specials including The X-Files, Becker, Frasier, As The World Turns, Cheers and many more. His innovative, whimsical and informative sequences were highly regarded in the industry and won four Emmy Awards.
Bruce's principal partner in this work and all that came after was Carol Johnsen. Bruce and Carol married in 1985, making their home in North Hollywood, CA before moving to Vancouver several years later. As Bryant/Johnsen Media Design, they expanded the services they offered to include designing, writing and consulting for small businesses and individuals. Eventually, they launched another small business of their own, JumboBumbo.com, an online gift gallery showcasing unique items created by more than 70 artists.
Bruce and Carol shared a love of animals, and over their four decades together rescued countless dogs and cats, taking them into their home to become "forever family." Some of the lucky canines were featured in Reading With Rescued Dogs, a book by Bruce and his niece Laurie Bryant to be published this year. Bruce enjoyed visits to dog parks and especially taking his best friend, Sam, on long walks in the Groth Nature Preserve in Brush Prairie, WA.
Bruce is survived by his wife Carol Johnsen, his son Adam Bryant and wife DeDe, grandchildren Shiloh, Kiowa, Ford and Harper, and his brother Roger, nephew Charles and wife Laurie, and niece Betsy. He is preceded in death by his parents and Roger's wife, Maureen.
Those who knew Bruce will remember him as a big man and a good man, whose intelligence, imagination and good humor graced our time with him.
