Derek John “DJ” Bryant was killed on Oct. 21, 2019, in an automobile accident on County Road 577 in Menominee County on the way to a job site.

“He was carpooling with four co-workers when a drugged driver hit them — DJ was the only one affected in the crash,” his mother said.

The 29-year-old Faithorn man was just two months into his new career when his life was cut short. Bryant in August 2019 began his electrical apprenticeship with B&B Electric, which then was a subcontractor at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wis.

“He was so excited to learn the trade — he loved it,” Hanna said. “He also felt it was a great opportunity for him and his family.”

DEREK JOHN “DJ” BRYANT

The fifth-annual DJ Bryant Memorial Fun Run will take place on Sept. 7, at The Long Branch Saloon in Faithorn. Registration starts at 10 a.m., with ride at 11:30 a.m.

Participation fee is $10 per ATV/UTV, regardless of the number of people per vehicle. Food is included with registration.

As an annual tradition, the group will travel to the Faithorn Cemetery to have a “shot” with DJ at his grave site before departing on the ride.

The group will stop at the Sturgeon River Campground in Faithorn for lunch, which is included in the registration fee. During the stop, they will conduct a special raffle for the riders.

Hanna noted the route, which is about 15 miles, will be a little different this year.

WHEN DIANE HANNA lost her son, Derek John “DJ” Bryant, in 2019, she created a non-profit as a way to honor his memory while continuing her late son’s tradition of hosting a “fun run” that he started in 2013. Last year, about 100 ATVs/UTVs took part in the event to raise funds for the annual scholarships. (Contributed photo)

“Because of the deteriorating condition of the trail, we are unable to make a stop at Trappers Cabin,” she said. “It’s unfortunate, because it was one DJ always made on his ride.”

Entertainment will be provided by Ian Cavalieri from 3 to 6 p.m. at The Long Branch.

At about 5 p.m., the 2024 recipients, Grayson Palmer and Gage Gendron, will be presented with their $1,000 scholarship.

Tickets for the raffle, with a grand prize of a deer blind, will be sold all day. The drawing begins at 6 p.m.

The fun run is a family-friendly event and will go on rain or shine, Hanna said.

The ride is planned the weekend after Labor Day each year at The Long Branch, she said. “This is where it began, so it has to be here,” she said, adding the event has grown over the years, with hundreds in attendance.

All proceeds from the DJ Bryant Memorial Fun Run go towards the annual scholarships that are awarded to local graduates who want to continue their education in vocational trades.

The scholarships are funded solely through donations from sponsors and the money raised annually through the memorial trail ride.

Hanna noted after the first fundraiser in 2020, they presented a donation to Holy Spirit Catholic School in Norway. In 2021, they created the scholarship fund, which they hope to be able to continue for many years.

They have now expanded to open up applications to schools in northeast Wisconsin, as well as North Central and Stephenson.

When creating the non-profit, the DJ Bryant Memorial Fun Run, she knew she wanted to honor his characteristics as well as incorporate the annual ride he started in 2013.

Bryant had a strong love for the outdoors and took great joy in four-wheeling, snowmobile, hunting and fishing.

“He was big on social events — that’s what his fall fun run was all about,” she said.

The 2008 Norway High School graduate always made the trip an adventure. “The muddier the better, and if there were obstacles, even better,” Hanna said.

She joked that his rides included many stops. “He just loved to get out and talk to everyone — that was DJ,” Hanna said. “We tried to do that the first year we did the ride, but people were like, ‘Are we going to ride or sit and talk?'”

Bryant was well-known for his fun personality, contagious smile and kindness. “He could make everyone laugh,” she said.

Bryant made friends wherever he went, and to this day Hanna continues to hear stories. “It shows the impact that DJ had on everyone,” Hanna said.

In addition to his mother, he is survived his daughter, Austyn, who was only 4 months old at the time; wife Laura; father Gary Bryant Jr.; his siblings, Tyler (Sam Walechka) Laurin, Destin Laurin and Nicki Inglese (Sean); and his grandparents, Darlene Hanna and Pat and Gary Bryant.

He was a hard worker and always there to lend a hand to those in need.

“Not only are we continuing what DJ started, these scholarships are a way we honor him,” Hanna said. “He would approve.”

Other committee members include Nick and Sarah Hess, Dan and Lisa Axberg, Charity and Jordan Kollman, Randy Ball, Mike Lyons, Julie Poquette and Alex Jauquet.

Hanna also credits his grandmother, Pat, for all the help she does with the fun run.

The group thanks all the sponsors and donors who make the event a success each year. “We appreciate all the contributions,” Hanna said.

They will accept donations and/or raffle prizes until the day of the ride. Those who need donations picked up can contact Hanna or Nick Hess.

A limited number of shirts will be available for purchase.

Anyone unable to attend who wishes to donate can mail or drop off checks at incrediblebank, 101 W. B St., Iron Mountain, MI 49801. Checks can be made to the Bryant Memorial Fun Run. Donors are asked to leave their name and address, but are welcome to remain anonymous.

The account remains open all year for donations.

“It’s a fun day and everyone is encouraged to come spend the day celebrating DJ’s memory,” Hanna said.

Any questions or to donate contact Hess at 906-290-0971 or Hanna at 906-869-7514.