Blair Bradford
1937-2007
Blair R. Bradford, our husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully in his home on June 15, 2007, after courageously enduring to the end, following a 3 year battle from a stroke.
Blair and his twin brother, Blaine, were born December 21, 1937 to Bert D. and Blanche Roach Bradford of Spanish Fork. He graduated from Spanish Fork High and Snow College, where he played football and excelled in baseball. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Darling in the Manti Temple July 1, 1958. Blair was a gifted builder and built the home where they reside in Salem. They are the proud parents of 3 daughters and 1 son; Sharon (Donald) Coombs; Linda (Thomas) Hunter; Janiel (Michael) Marcus; and Blake (Cindy) Bradford.
He worked for 27 years as a Utah Highway Patrolman. He enjoyed being a trooper and the officers he worked with, many became his lifetime friends. After he retired as a patrolman, he went to work for his brother at RB Construction as a Project Manager until he had his stroke in 2004. He enjoyed the associations he made in this job and especially spending so much time with Blaine and his other brothers. He also bought a farm and horses after he retired, and he and his family became avid horse lovers. Many happy days were spent there with the horses.
Blair was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, holding the office of High Priest. He served in many positions throughout the years. Coaching the sports was his favorite position. He influenced the lives of many young men that he coached. He loved sports, the Boston Red Sox, and his friendships he had through his sports activities. His favorite times were spent hunting and fishing, playing or watching sports with Blake and his grandsons, and the many trips they took together.
Blair always made life fun for those who were blessed to know him. His family and friends could always count on his clowning around and his jokes and his ‘not so funny’ jokes to brighten their day. He always put his family first. They were the most important things in his life. He was always proud of each of their accomplishments.
Blair leaves behind his wife Shirley, 4 children and their spouses, 14 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. His sister, Joann Stevenson (Dale), and his 3 brothers, Blaine (Shirley) Bradford, Clyde (Eva) Bradford, and Randall (Vicki) Bradford. Preceded in death by his sister, Diane, and his parents.
The family expresses their heartfelt thanks to the many people who made his last 3 years so special; the nurse’s aids, Susan, Stacy, Dawn, and Ashley for their awesome care and loving kindness they showed each morning; to Ed Lamb for lifting his spirits at night while helping him to bed; and to the many friends and family that made a special effort to spend time with him. He looked forward to each of your visits. He loved you all so much for your smiles and encouragement. He will be greatly missed and remembered by all.
Funeral Services were held on Friday, June 22, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in the Salem Ward Chapel, 60 North Main. Nursery services provided. Interment followed in the Spanish Fork Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.walkerfamilymortuary.com.
