Robert E. Bryenton, 74

Robert Earl Bryenton, 74, known to family and friends as Bob, passed away on May 25, 2026, following complications related to Parkinson’s disease.

Bob lived a remarkable life defined by adventure, humor, hard work, service and deep devotion to his family. Born on May 1, 1952, in Laconia, to Earl Amos and Nell Clark Bryenton, Bob was the youngest of two children and developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. Upon graduating from Plymouth State University, his adventurous spirit led him west to Alta Ski Resort in Utah, where he worked as part of the ski patrol specializing in avalanche mitigation.

That same passion for adventure eventually brought Bob to Asheville, North Carolina, in 1979. There, he built a successful career as a sales representative in the outdoor industry, forming close friendships that often felt more like family. During a sales meeting in Longmont, Colorado, Bob spotted a woman walking down the hallway and confidently declared, “I am going to marry that woman,” despite not yet knowing her name. After several years, and no small amount of persistence, Bob and Debbie were married at Old Mill Park in Longmont, Colorado, on May 27, 1984. Along with becoming a devoted husband, Bob proudly embraced his role as Dad to Travis and Kibby, making family the center of his life.

In later years, Bob turned to real estate, drawn by the relationships, strategy and energy involved in bringing a deal to life. Bob was also dedicated to serving his community. He served on the boards of Carolina Real Estate Investment Association and as chair of the board for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina.

Bob’s love of travel and fly fishing took him across the United States, and around the world, including to England, Iceland, Russia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Australia, Belize, the Bahamas, and Argentina. He also traveled extensively throughout Europe. Bob was known for his dry humor, endless “dad” jokes, and enthusiastic support of his children from the sidelines of countless soccer games. Becoming “Gramps” brought him even greater joy. He loved spoiling his grandchildren and often joked that the rules of parenthood did not apply to grandparents.

Bob leaves a legacy of love and devotion in his wife of more than 40 years, Debra Motz; his children, Travis Bryenton and his wife, Ellen Persons, and Kibby Fergusson and her husband, Ret. Capt. Donald Fergusson; and his beloved grandchildren, Iain and Anna Fergusson, and Everett and Emerson Bryenton, who lovingly knew him as “Gramps.” He is also survived by his sister, Fay Nutter, her husband, Bob, and their three children, Chris, Kim and Amy. He leaves behind countless dear friends, many of whom shared decades of memories, adventures and laughter with Bob.

A celebration of Bob’s life and legacy will be held at a later date, when family and friends can gather to raise a glass of wine or a dram of Irish whiskey in his memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Bob to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or Big Brothers Big Sisters.