When Bryan passed away, his friends wanted a way to remember him that seemed fitting to his memory. The idea was born, to put on an annual swap meet as a method of celebrating his life, rather than simply mourning his death. In June of 2012, that idea became reality when the first Bryan Halling Memorial Swap meet was held in St. Charles, Minnesota. With the success of the first swap, it became obvious there was broad support for this, and plans are for it to continue into the indefinite future. Each year, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to cancer research, to fight the disease that claimed Bryan's life.

Obituary from Rochester's Post Bulletin.

ROCHESTER — Bryan Richard Halling, 57, passed away peacefully at his residence Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011, surrounded by his loving family.

Bryan was born Jan. 11, 1954, in Rochester, to Donald and Louise (Schultz) Halling. He married Janet Brakke on Sept. 14, 1974. He was a 1972 graduate of Mayo High School, and a member of Evangel United Methodist Church. Bryan worked at IBM for 13 years and left to pursue his love of cars at Automotive Recyclers, from which he retired in September 2010.

Bryan was also a member of the Minnesota Street Rod Association and the Good Guys Automotive Club. He had a passion for cars whether he was building a car, going to swap meets or racing his stock car. Bryan was the proud owner of 158 cars in his lifetime. He also had a big heart for animals.

Bryan's main love in life was his family. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren building towers, reading stories and giving tractor rides. Bryan was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather.

Bryan is survived by his loving wife, Jan of Rochester; daughters, Katie (Bart) Jones of Van Meter, Iowa, and Kristen (John) Tenley of Eden Prairie; grandchildren, Gabriel Robert Jones and Noah Bryan Jones, and he was anxiously awaiting the arrival of another grandchild, Baby Tenley, due in the spring; brother, James (Sharon) Halling; nephew, Chris Halling; his beloved cat, Jada; and a host of other family and friends.

Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Louise Halling.

Jan, Katie and Kristen wish to thank all their family and friends for their outpouring of love and support, and a special thank you to Dr. Andrew Greenlund, Dr. Rick Nishimura and Mayo Hospice for their compassionate care and guidance.