Donald J. Brydon

Knowing my father as I did…..i feel he would not want people to grieve after his passing- and would instead want people to have fond memories and stories about him- so with that, I will share some humorous stories.My father was the president of his high school graduating class. As is customary in high school year books, they published each student’s answers to various questions they were asked. One of these questions was…..”what is your favorite book?” his answer was…..”bank”He served in the military in WW2- And signed up himself- as he feared that if he was drafted, he might end up in the navy, and hated boats and water- so he joined the army- he was eventually stationed in the ALLUETIAN ISLANDS, the trail of islands that are off Alaska. Most of his time was on ATTU, the last island in that chain of islands. Being so remote and isolated- they had a hard time getting supplies- and food- which lead to his nickname in the army. He was called “RUDE”- not because of how he acted or treated others- but because he was know as willing to trade his goat meat for your rudabagas!Years later, when he first met my mother….she learned that his middle initial was J- and asked what his middle name was. He told her it was JOSE. As you probably know, my father worked for OAKHURST DAIRY FOR MANY YEARS- AND I THINK I GOT A LITTLE TOO INVOLVED IN HIS BUSINESS- HE WAS THE TREASURER OF OAKHURST DAIRY- AND I REMEMBER FOR YEARS THE ARCH ENEMY FOR OAKHURST WAS OLD TAVERN FARM- AND WHEN I WAS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL- OLD TAVERN GOT THE CONTRACT TO PROVIDE MILK TO THE SCHOOL- and I had never drank anything but OAKHURST MILK and was telling all the kids at school to not drink the milk because it was no good! Apparently I was convincing all the kids to not drink the OLD TAVERN MILK to the point that it got so bad the school had to call my parents to get me to stop protesting old tavern milk. Well, my father knew how to get me to stop! He told me that he was responsible for bidding the school contracts- and if old tavern got the contract- they must have been lower in price than OAKHURST- and if they were, they were loosing money on every carton of milk! So I then had 2 a day and encouraged others to drink their milk! Thinking that we still were victorious!I also being at the MAINE MALL with him one night- and there was a milking cow inside the MALL that was being used to educate the public about milking. They were running a contest to see how much milk the spectators could get from the cow. Once you signed up- they gave you a clear plastic cup so everyone could see how much milk each person got. Most got nothing- a couple people got just a squirt on the side of the cup- my father entered the contest dressed in a suit and tie- as he had just come from work. The crowd and people chuckled as this guy in a suit thought he could win the contest- so he got in line and when it was his turn- he filled the cup to the rim and surprised everone watching. The organizer said….well that is clearly not the first time you milked a cow!When I was in college- I had a class where we had to separate into groups and pick a debate topic from a list published by the professor. There were many interesting topics from events of the time that everyone wanted. Then there were less popular topics- such as should we abolish the maine milk commission? Pro or con? I was trying to talk my team mates into taking the against abolishing the maine milk commission. My team mates were all saying- no- we don’t want to do that- that is boring- lets take something more interesting…..i finally convinced my team mates to take that topic by telling them….if we take that one- you all wont have to do anything- I will do all the work and prepare the whole debate- just show up on the day of the debate and I guarantee we will win! So they agreeded- and as I told them, did nothing- and I asked my father for information. He gave me a file box filed with documents- all organized in folders for quick reference. I brought it to the debate and had everything I needed. When the other side tried to make a point- like saying it would lower the price of milk- I was able to document the price in any state in America and every point they made- I had documentation to show them wrong. Needless to say- we won the debate easily- and after the professor asked me…..that was outstanding!…where did you get your research? I told him my father was on the maine milk commission.

– STEVEN BRYDON

Dawn, Steven and family;My condolences and prayers are with you as you grieve. In the many years I worked with Don at Oakhurst Dairy he was my go to guy; my Oakhurst Father! When I needed insight or wisdom of what is the right thing to do wether it was to do with work or life he was always there for me and was always right on target. We shared many great times together wether discussing work or life on the farms; especially about what our fellow dairy farmers were doing it always made my day better. We shared opposite views when it came to swimming pools; I liked and wanted one and he was lets say not so much. So one day he asked me have you seen my pool now and I replied No but should I and he had that I gotcha now smile and of course we know what became of the pool. He is a man among men a friend forever. Thank You Lord for sharing our friend Don Brydon here on earth until we meet again RIP friend!

– Tom Nelson

I had the great honor of knowing Mr Brydon for many years while he was at the gardens in Fairfax,Va. He was a very special man and I will always have very fond memories of him . He brought me the most beautiful bouquet of Christmas flowers and we had our picture taken just a few days before he left to go to heaven. I will always cherish that day. I will miss my Mr Brydon. Rest in peace

– Donna Aghabeh

Dear Dawn, Tim, and Kevin:Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. May Mr Brydon’s memory be a blessing for you. Much love, Murray, Kate and Jonathan Mack

– Murray Mack

Donna, As I know you knew, my Dad adored you. You were a light in his wonderful life and our family will always be grateful for your friendship and kindness.

– Dawn Sweeney