Brys Estate founder Walter Brys died at Munson Hospice House on September 5 at the age of 77, the winery shared in a Facebook post this weekend.

Brys and his wife, Eileen, purchased property on Old Mission Peninsula in January 2000 to follow their "decades-long dream of starting a winery," according to the post. "Through his leadership, hard work, and keen business sense, Brys Estate has grown to become the special place we all know and love today. Those who knew Walt knew him to be a warm and light-hearted person who was dedicated to his family, his land, and the business he created. A kind, generous, hard-working, and fun-loving man, Walt never missed an opportunity to make a joke or bring a smile to someone's face. Walt will undoubtedly be missed by all who were inspired by his presence, especially his Brys Estate family."

A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, September 13 at 3:30pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Old Mission Peninsula. Visitation will begin at 2 pm. All are invited to Brys Estate for a “Toast to Walt” following the services from 5pm to 7pm.

Photo credit: Brys Estate