Gary was born in Seattle, Washington on November 14, 1934 to Mildred (Rock), and Herbert Bradford. He passed away peacefully in his home on October 15, 2014, which was his sisters birthday. He was accompanied by his niece Sandy, and her husband Robert.
He was raised in Seattle, along with his sister Bonnie, and brother Herb. Gary was the youngest child of the three. His father was a land surveyor, and his mother did emergency foster care. He loved to help his mother with the children that she cared for in the home. He finished the ninth grade, and went off to trade school to become a carpenter. He retired as a carpenter from the King County Courthouse in 1999.
He enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1953. He was a medic, driving the injured to safety, and also worked in the kitchen. He later discharged from the Army Reserves in 1961.
Gary was married twice. His first marriage was to Jane in 1962. Jane had three children from a previous marriage, which he adopted as his own. Jane and Gary later had four children of their own, totaling seven. His second marriage was to Bronwyn, in 1974. She had three children from a previous marriage that he welcomed as his own. Together they had a daughter in 1975.
He was a very loving and caring person. He was very fond of all of his grandchildren. After his retirement in 1999, he cared for his granddaughters on a regular basis. They enjoyed going to the park, museums, walks, and making them lunch with his sack full of sandwich makings. He was called Papa by his grandchildren.
Gary loved to talk about all of the different cars that he owned over the years. His first car a Model A, then a 1955 Chevy, and 1969 Roadrunner. He wasn't afraid to boast about their significance. His daughter, Lisa, even had a cane made with several of his cars on it. It made for a great conversation piece.
He was also very musically talented. He carried on the legacy of his mother. He played the organ, keyboard, guitar, accordion, and the ukelele. He sometimes was a bit shy of playing in front of other people, but if you asked him enough, he would play for you.
Gary was known for his magic in the kitchen. He was most famous for his hamburgers. He would wrap them in foil, and place them in the oven to melt the cheese and warm the bun. He really enjoyed making them for others. Other favorites where his potato salad, apple pie, gravy, and salvation army donuts. Again, carrying on the legacy of his mother.
He was very strong and will minded. He battled colon cancer in 2007. He later suffered from Alzheimer's Disease, Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Emphysema. Through all of the suffering, Gary never lost his sense of humor. He always made you laugh. He taught us to never “take any wooden nickels”, and to “come back when you can't stay so long”. He will be missed by all that knew him. May he rest in peace.
Gary is survived by his children Jane Morris, Debbie Hathaway, Dennis Bradford, Scott Bradford, Lisa Hannan, Becky Bradford, Bronwyn Bradford, and several grandchildren.
“See you in the moonshine”