Brian T. Bradford, 68, of Huntley, died peacefully, January 20, 2017 at his home with his family and friends by his side.
Brian was born March 3, 1948 in Chicago, IL, the son of Copeland and Isabel (Madden) Bradford. He was raised in Chicago, then the family moved to Bull Valley & Woodstock. Brian graduated from Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock, Class of 1966. He then enlisted in the US Air Force, served from 1966 to 1970 during the Viet Nam War as a jet mechanic, and received an Honorable Discharge. Brian worked for Deere & Co., Elliott Flying Service in Moline, IL and as Branch Manager for Cooper Aviation Supply in Elk Grove Village, IL. He retired from Trimcraft Aviation in Genoa City, WI. Brian earned his Bachelor of Art degree from Black Hawk College of East Moline, IL in 1978. Brian was a licensed private pilot. On July 4, 1999, he married the love of his life, Lisa M. Burton, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The couple settled in Huntley. He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa, his children, Brian (Melissa) Bradford, Carrie Bradford (Dominick LoBue) and by his precious grandchildren, Mackenzie, Cameron, Ashley and Nicky. He is also survived by his brother, Copeland (Judy) Bradford and by his nieces and nephew, Katie Earl, John Earl, and Kerstin Berlinski. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister and her husband Susan Earl (John), brother Neil Bradford, and two nephews, Neil and Aaron Bradford.
Nothing made Brian happier than time spent with his kids and grandkids, nieces and nephew. He was a great story teller and loved to embellish to get even more laughs. He surely lived more than his 9 lives and will be sorely missed. We know he is finally at peace and pain free. We wish him blue skies and calm breezes.
Special thanks to our wonderful friends & neighbors, and to the staff of JourneyCare Hospice and Griswold Home Care for their loving support during his final weeks.
A Celebration of his life will be held later. For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or on-line condolences may be directed to www.defiorejorgensen.com
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Lisa, you are in our thoughts and prayers while you mourn the passing of your loved one. We hope you find peace in the happy memories you shared. Love, Leigh and Olivia
Lisa, I will always remember Brian with that impish smile of his Im sorry for your loss. Prayers are being said for you in this time of sadness. Take care. Cindy
Lisa, My heart is so sad for you during this difficult time. I know how precious he was to you and so many. Brian was one of a kind, no doubt. I'll always remember his keen sense of humor and straightforward way of looking at things. I could depend on him for an honest answer every time. I hope to see you soon; please keep in touch. Love to you always, Sandi
Lisa, I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Lisa and family, I so sorry to learn about Brians passing. Just know hes in a better place pain free. He will truly be missed. We will keep you and family in our daily prayers, stay strong my friend.
Lisa, So sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed.
Lisa, So sorry to hear of Brian's passing. He was so fortunate to have you by his side while he was sick. Take care.
We will always have wonderful, funny stories about Brian to remember. We were a family when we all worked at Cooper Aviation and that will never change. Sending prayers to Lisa and family, Brian is watching over you
Lisa you are in my thoughts and prayers. The two of you had a beautiful relationship, and for that you both are an inspiration to me. Take Care, Kim Gaxiola
Lisa & family, A sadder world without Brian, that smile & kindest heart behind the wicked humor. Many, many jokes came into our home attributed to him, followed by Cam's head tilted back big laughter! May your love & memories always comfort you. Heaven is just out of our sight, always near to you like in the next room wherever you are.
Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss. Brian always had a way of making people laugh. Keeping you in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Lisa, you know youre in my prayers. The love you and Brian shared was so incredibly special. You were blessed. I love you.
Lisa, my prayers and condolences are with you and your family. I didn't know Brian, but he sounds like we would have been good friends. Always remember that he will always be in your heart and memories and he is finally out of pain. Love and prayers are with you all.
Lisa, I'm so very sorry. Brian was a sweetheart and he will be missed. I love you and hope to see you soon.
Lisa, we are so sorry for the the loss of Brian. Our love and hearts are with you.
The world is short one more good man today. Brian was a colleague and always a friendly voice from Wisconsin. Condolences from Pennsylvania to all of you.
Lisa, we are so deeply saddened by the news of Brian's passing. We will keep you and your family close in our prayers during this difficult time of sorrow.
Brian, Melissa, Mackenzie Cameron - I just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Since things have been rocky lately in the relationship with your dad - I am sure this is a very difficult time for all of you. Keep in mind that he is in a better place now. Remember the good times you had with him and hold them in your heart.
Dear Lisa, Brian and I were high school friends & participated in a hilarious skit our senior year. His sense of humor & desire to entertain made him the special person he was. Sending you peace & comfort knowing that he is in the arms of our savior & free from pain. God Bless - Teri
To hear of Brian suffering before his death is unbelieveable for me, as this mans heart was so good and kind. I have so many wonderful memories of Brian and I at Marian Central and as neighbors later in Crystal Lake. His smile and joking always filled my heart. May the Family find comfort in his love forever. God Bless