Mr. Keith Bryan and for many who know him as, Mr. B, has served Kingston College, our noble institution, for over forty (40) years. He has served at this school with an outstanding performance as a teacher, excellent student and old boys’ relations as well as parents and any other entities that are linked with the operation of Kingston College. I know it takes a strong hearted and strong willed person to keep focus at Kingston College and indeed he has truly proven to us that “the brave may fall but never yield.” I am quite certain that this long journey of forty years must have at times revealed his other side, which many are waiting to see but will never be given that chance. It must have been rough and tough for a man of his stature, of which he speaks about continuously, to have been a Religious Education teacher, a history teacher, Coordinator for various grades, Vice Principal and Acting Principal among other positions. Indeed Mr. Bryan may be of a short physical stature but he stood tall in terms of accomplishment, overflowing with faith, persistency, consistency, pride and determination.
Words cannot tell how much the different parties appreciate your service to this school. Therefore from our Principal who sang a very beautiful song for you, from me on the behalf of the student body, the many old boys near and far, all other parties, kudos to Young, Mr. Keith “Iron” Bryan. We will surely miss your presence.
We indeed acknowledge Mr. B for his services, but most of all and what we as student cling to him for and admire him for, is the fact that Mr. B will always extend a listening ear even when we are in the deepest of trouble. He will not compromise, yes, but he listens and that is an attribute we try to emulate. An attribute we hope others will emulate.
I am at this moment wondering, when has there been that day, that Mr. Bryan comes to or leaves school in a depressed state of mind. It is very hard for us to figure if he has problems of his own. He keeps on relating to us as students that it’s not your height but what you can do and the usual, “if you tie your tie short you lack something down there.” Oh, let me not forget his favourite saying, “Bwoy, leave me alone and go look for your girlfriend.”
I can say personally, I have known this man for all my life at KC, many others may know him more than I do, but when it comes to student relationship, Mr. Bryan allows us to see him as that father figure many have lost hope of ever seeing and sensing. Not just any father figure but one that is tender, loving, stern when he must but listens. Mr. Bryan is a fun filled person, he is amicable and most of all he is faithful. Mr. Bryan, indeed has served this school with such dignity that I think (my opinion) for the many years of service, the Melbourne Park Campus ought to be renamed Sir Bryan’s Campus. Kingston College has lost one of its giant and an irreplaceable one.
When it was announced that Mr. Bryan was leaving us shortly, some of the 12 Art Sub Prefects decided to mount a demonstration in front his office, appealing and proclaiming that Mr. Bryan not leave us so soon, at least not until they have left the school. However sad and emotionally filled his departure may b,e we all will have to live with that reality. Mr. Bryan will always be in our hearts, our memories and lives and I am doubtful that Mr. Bryan will ever truly leave KC. Mr. Bryan has left his never ending story for each and every one at Kingston College. He has set that example for all to follow. It was quite shocking to most people that Mr. Bryan was not a KC Old Boy. To that effect, Mr. Bryan has showed us that you do not have to be a KC Old Boy to have the purple blood running through your veins, just as how “you don’t have to be dread to be rasta.” Mr. B wears his purple shirts with pride, he wears his two KC rings with extreme pride also and undeniably he is so much involved with the Old Boys that one cannot say he is not one himself. Mr. Bryan, we still see you as a Kingston College Old Boy and we see you as one of the giants of this great institution.
To show our appreciation, a special service was held on Monday, December 18, 2006, along with a carol service where Mr. Bryan was presented with a gift highlighting the students’ appreciation. A staff social was held for Mr. Bryan on the Melbourne Park Campus, earlier (the previous Friday) in recognition of his invaluable service.
MR. KEITH BRYAN IS NOT FORGOTTEN. HE WILL BE MISSED BUT LIFE GOES ON. THANKS FOR YOUR MANY YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO KINGSTON COLLEGE. WE ARE INDEED APPRECIATIVE.
