Obituary of Bryce Symonds

Bryce Dale Symonds, 56, of Lebanon Township, NJ died on March 19, 2015 at Morristown Memorial Hospital. He was born May 7, 1958 and resided in Lebanon Township, until he moved to Sarasota, FL twelve years ago. Bryce graduated from North Hunterdon High School, Class of 1976. He continued his education at Centenary College where he bore the distinction of being the very first male admitted to a previously all-female college. If you knew Bryce at all, this was certainly no coincidence!! He was trained as a draftsman and worked for several architectural and engineering firms; including Biggs Engineering in Washington, NJ, owned by Bryce's brother, Jess Symonds. He continued his career in drafting while in Florida. Bryce was very active while residing in Lebanon Township. He was elected to the Township Committee and followed in his father's, Howard Symonds, footsteps serving as Mayor of Leb. Twp. He was a talented photographer and his skills were highly prized by friends, family, and his many clients. Bryce was an avid fisherman and hunter and traveled extensively pursuing his love of these sports. A highlight of his was hunting big game while on safari in Africa. Bryce was a gift. He was born with Spina Bifida, and proved that disability is NOT inability. His generosity of spirit was unique in that he made every person feel, no matter what, that he had all the time in the world for them, their lives, and their stories. He is survived by his mother, Genevieve Twining Symonds; his brother, Jess Symonds & wife, Marnie, and their three daughters, Kaitlyn, Lindsay, & Tori, all of Lebanon Township. He was predeceased, recently, by his father, Howard Symonds. Many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends will all dearly miss his friendship. There will be visitation on Sunday, March 29 from 12:30 - 1:00 pm, followed by a short prayer service at DeVoe Funeral Home in Washington. There will be a Celebration of Bryce's Life for family & friends immediately following from 2:00 - 5:00 pm at Hawk Point Country Club in Washington. In lieu of flowers, we are accepting donations for a bench, in Bryce's memory, to be placed in the Lebanon Township Memorial Park garden: Symonds Family, 139 Mountain Top Road, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826. Or, in Bryce's name to the Spina Bifida Assoc.: SBA, PO Box 17427, Arlington, VA 22216 or www.spinabifidaassociation.org The DeVoe Funeral Service has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please see www.devoefuneral.com for online condolences.