Bryce H. Rathbone

Easton resident Bryce H. Rathbone, 84, passed away after a short illness on Sunday, October 24, at Bridgeport Hospital accompanied by his family.  

He was the son of Robert Charles Rathbone, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer, and Mildred Huntly Gordon.  Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Mr. Rathbone spent his younger years in the Northwest Territory of Canada before his family moved to the United States in 1951.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Gretemeyer Rathbone, and his two children:  Britt Rathbone and his wife Sue of Chevy Chase, MD, and Laura Mestre and her husband Ruben of Falling Waters, WV.  He has his four grandchildren:  Shannon Giles, Tyler Giles, Michael Giles and his fiancé Olivia Zura, and Huntly Rathbone.   He also has several nieces and nephews, many of whom reside in Canada.

Two special family members – Siamese cats Sir Galahad and Morgan le Fay – made him smile on a daily basis.

Bryce was predeceased by his brother, The Reverend Canon Bruce Rathbone, and sister Joan Cooley.

His career spanned 46 years, beginning with Arbitron where he served as Vice President, Station Sales.  He then joined the ABC Television Network where he initially worked on the ABC News Advisory Service before his promotion to Vice President, Station Relations. These positions enabled him to visit 48 of the 50 states in the U.S.  After leaving ABC, Bryce spent nine years with Gemstar/TV Guide as a consultant and distribution specialist.

After retiring, Bryce spent 17 rewarding years as a volunteer with AARP/CT.  In 2004 he was appointed statewide coordinator for the Benefits Outreach Program.  Shortly thereafter, he became a member of the AARP/CT Executive Council.  In 2010, he was recognized by AARP/CT as its volunteer of the year. 

Bryce always considered himself a very fortunate person.  He loved his wife, cherished his family, and adored his friends.  Bryce enjoyed every job he held in his career, and felt particularly fulfilled by the work he did with the staff and fellow volunteers at AARP/CT.

He will be remembered for his affability, light-heartedness, generosity, and optimism. 

Interment will be private and a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Easton Senior Center, 650 Morehouse Road, Easton, CT 06612.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.spearmillerfuneralhome.com.

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