Bryan M. Olney

Bryan M. Olney of Canfield, 62, died Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at Mercy Hospital in Youngstown after struggling with health issues for many years. Mr. Olney was born in Youngstown on October 8, 1954. He was raised in Canfield and graduated from Canfield High School in 1973. He attended Kent State University and The Ohio State University, majoring in journalism and communications. While at Ohio State, Bryan served as a Student Assistant football coach under Woody Hayes. He was a member of multiple Big 10 champion teams and coached in several Rose Bowl games. Following college Bryan was the Cleveland Browns' equipment manager, including during the famous 1980 "Kardiac Kids" season. Bryan had been a long-time employee of Canfield Schools. Bryan's passion was sports. He was a die-hard fan of Buckeye football and the Cleveland Browns, Indians and Cavaliers. He possessed a remarkable, almost photographic memory of players' names and statistics. He rarely missed watching a game. The NFL draft was the highlight of Bryan's year. He was a perpetual optimist about Cleveland sportshe would find the bright spot in a 37-3 Browns loss during a dismal season. Needless to say, his family and friends appreciate the Cavs' NBA championship last year which ended decades of frustration for Bryan. Bryan was a natural athlete, but a battle with serious illness as a teenager and its aftereffects kept him from personally competing. Coaching filled the gap. In addition to Ohio State and the Browns, for years Bryan coached youth soccer. Bryan loved being with people. Nothing gave him more pleasure than social gatheringsthe more in attendance, the better. He never missed a high school reunion or any opportunity to reconnect with friends. He enjoyed the Canfield Fair and visiting extended family in Lake Placid, New York. He could often be found at the Austintown Eagles Club or Davidson's watching a game and having fun. Besides his mother Betty of Canfield, he leaves his wife of 33 years, the former Debbie Kalischak; a daughter Darla (John) Reardon of Columbus; his beloved grandson, Jack; and a brother, Greg ( Cheryl) Olney of Champion. He was preceded in death by his father Calvin and a brother Gary. Friends may call on Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., with a brief funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m., at Lane Family Funeral Home, 65 N. Broad St. in Canfield. In lieu of flowers, the family requests material tributes take the effect of contributions to help defray medical expenses.