NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (North Platte Post) – A great number of us are mourning the loss of a dear friend, brother, father, husband, mentor, and so much more today. This week, we must all say goodbye to Royal Bryant.
It is hard to write something like this about someone who we were sure would outlive us all; Royal was the epitome of strength, resiliency, toughness, and honesty. Royal approached life with the vigor and fearlessness that the rest of us wish we possessed. He was the one we could look to when our own lives got out of hand. As hard as his own life had been and despite all the demons he himself overcame, he would never turn away a friend or family member in need.
Royal was with me on my darkest day. From that, our friendship grew.  He told me that he respected me. From a man like Royal, those words meant the world to me and still do.
To hear that from someone who I placed on a pedestal, like many of us did, his words, his friendship will remain with me for the rest of my life.
Royal could have easily taken the wrong road. He battled adversity just like the rest of us, had weaknesses just like the rest of us. But, he rose above, like most of us are not able to do.
He left this world way too early and with so much more that we needed from him. I pray for his family, his children, and for him. God knows Royal had a wonderful heart, and I guess it was time for him to go.
Every time I saw Royal, it was the same. Huge smile, that strong hug, just letting me know he cared. His love was as big as he was. I will miss him so much, and I am not alone.
This week we say goodbye to a great leader, a true friend, a real man.
Royal was aptly named, for he was truly a king.

Royal Mandale Bryant, age 38, of North Platte passed away November 16, 2011 at his home of natural causes.  He was born February 24, 1973 in Sioux City, Iowa to Glen Hicks and Brenda Bryant.  Royal grew up in Sioux City and Omaha, moving toNorth Platte when he was 15 and attended North Platte High School .  He was an avid boxer, making it to the USA Boxing Nationals twice, becoming a professional boxer and was a two time Golden Glove Champion in Omaha .  Royal founded the North Platte Young Inspirations Boxing Club and inspired many young boxers and had future plans to open a gym.  His family was the center of his life, with him always the peacemaker.  He had tremendous faith.

Survivors include his wife, Veronica of North Platte; children, Royal Guzman and Rashad Guzman both of Lincoln, Rashawn Bryant, Ryece Bryant and Rianica Bryant all of North Platte; grandchildren, Amaya Guzman and Laziah Guzman both of Lincoln; mother, Brenda (Sam) Bryant of Omaha; grandmother, Shirley Plummer of Sioux City, Iowa; grandparents; Alfred and Carol Gall of Hawley, Minn; siblings, Brian Plummer of Sioux City, Iowa, Patrice Baldwin of Omaha, Glen Bryant of Sioux City, Iowa, Larenzo Ford of Sioux City, Iowa, Melissa (Charles) Alexander, Joshua Hicks, Ronnie Stubbs and Will Hicks all of North Platte; in-laws, Peggy and Larry Hopper of North Platte and Ron and Kathy Mayo of Douglas, Wyoming; sisters-in-law, Jennifer (Steve) Paul and Shelly (Bill) Enyeart all of North Platte; brother-in-law, Daniel (Angie) Hopper of Stapleton; and numerous other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Glen (Darlyn) Hicks.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name at First National Bank and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2011 at Harvest Christian Fellowship with the Reverend Ron Lauber officiating.  Those wishing to sign the register book may do so from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. today at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home.