Obituary of FREDERICK ERNEST BRADLEY

FREDERICK ERNEST BRADLEY

May 15, 1924 to February 26, 2018

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Fred Bradley, on Monday, February 26 at the age of 93.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 64 years, Lucy; his parents, Walter and Alice Bradley; and his sisters, Lillian, Violet and Blanche. He is survived by two daughters, Bonnie (John) Cuthbert and Mary Lou (Don) Wilson; 6 grandchildren, Cory (Keri), Kelly (Allan), Dustin (Farren), Trent (Wendy), Derek and Kristin; and 5 great-grandchildren, Eric, MacKenzie, Docker, Isabelle and Marisa.

Dad was born in Winnipeg and attended Luxton School and St. John’s High School. He worked for the Winnipeg Transit for 39 years, until his retirement in 1989. Summers were spent at Grand Beach. In 1963, Mom and Dad purchased a lot at Boulder Bay and began the process of clearing the land and building a cottage that would stay in the family until 2017.  Upon retirement, they purchased a home in Florence, Arizona, where they spent 6 months out of the year.  They were a fun loving couple who made lasting friendships wherever they went.  They loved to golf, curl, travel and party.

Dad was a member and past president of the Fort Garry Curling Club for many years and was on a foursome that managed to score the illusive 8-ender. He golfed every chance he got and received, not just one, but two, hole-in-one trophies.  Dad was always avid about exercise. Upon retirement, he would usually walk 5 miles in the morning and another 5 in the evening. His hobbies were coin collecting, making stained glass pieces and reading science fiction. He would also never miss any rocket or shuttle launches.

Dad was a lifelong Blue Bomber fan. Through thick and thin, good years and bad, his devotion never wavered. 

Dad was a kind, gentle, loving, patient, hard-working, and above all, an honest man who was dedicated to his family. He always led by example. He had a very dry English type sense of humour and was the definition of a true gentleman. He was always there when we needed him and adored spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We will miss him dearly.

 Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the nursing staff of Selkirk Mental Health Centre. Their care of Dad and our family, especially in his last days, was appreciated more than words can say. Thank you also to Deb, Kerron, Paul, Dorothy, Linda, Mark and Cheryl at Fred Douglas Personal Care Home, who all went above and beyond for Dad.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba.

A celebration of Dad’s life will be held on Thursday, March 15 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street at 1:00 p.m. with Paul Peters Derry, D. Min. officiating. A private family interment will take place at Glen Eden Cemetery at a later date.