DESIGN LEGEND ORVIS BRYANT PASSES

Furniture World Magazine

The home furnishings industry has lost one its brightest, most creative talents. Orvis Bryant has died of injuries he suffered after being struck by a car during October's High Point market. In his life long involvement in the home furnishings industry, Orvis had difficult time maintaining relationships with clients. None of them lasted long enough before turning into deep, personal friendships. Perhaps one of two people responsible for turning retail merchandising in out industry completely around during the 1960's, Orvis adapted the display and merchandising concepts Nat Ancell created for his Ethan Allen galleries and took them out on the road, making the same dramatic improvements available to small' independent retailers across America. His ongoing support and dedication to the people for whom he worked saved many businesses and added significantly to the bottom line of literally hundreds of retailers and manufacturers across the country. His tireless support to make our industry better included teaching courses at High Point College, inspiring students to pursue careers in home furnishings. To this end, Orvis' brother, Carroll Bryant and those who loved him are establishing a living memorial in the form of an endowment scholarship fund at High Point University. It will be awarded annually to ~ deserving, bright student who wants to pursue ~ career in interior design and the furniture industry. "We're hoping retailers and manufacturers will choose this way to honor Orvis' memory and to keep him alive through our brightest young talents." Said Mr. Richard Bennington' a close, personal friend and Director of Interior Design studies at High Point University. Tax deductible contributions can be sent to the Orvis Bryant scholarship fund at High Point University, Office for Institutional Advancement University Station, Montlieu Avenue, High Point, North Carolina 27262. Plans for memorial services are being made and will be announced by the family in the near future. Condolences to E-Mail Link: lou@kwgroup.com