Brad Jones

It is rare these days to say you had the privilege to know someone. In today’s world one fanaticizes about movie stars and athletes, rarely do we look across at our friends and say “wow”.

I had the privilege of knowing Brad. As many of you know Pete, Eric, Brad and I embarked on an adventure last year. The run across the country to celebrate what would be Brad’s last birthday is filled with memories. None of us will soon forget Denny’s in New Mexico, Pete telling us that it was 200 feet to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, the cowboy hats or unmentionable parts of Brad hanging out the truck window at 90 miles an hour. None of us will ever forget a campfire in Missouri with Eric teaching us the most infuriating game “I am going to Alaska”.

After Brad learned he was ill he could have gone into a shell, felt sorry for himself. Nobody would have questioned Brad spending hours on the couch, sleeping the days away or just giving up. No, that was not for Brad. Brad packed more activities in his last year than you could imagine. Trips with Jake to Sea World, Bears games in Minnesota or trips to his old base where the norm. I think he wore us all out.

Wow!

Brad taught us what it means to live your faith. Everyone would be scrambling for the food on the dinner table and Brad would bow his head, pause and then be right back in it. Brad showed up at the soup kitchen to help others even when he could hardly stand.

Wow!

Brad was a gentleman in every sense of the word. And I had the distinct privilege to know him.
Thank you Brad.