Obituary: Richard Jones Bradford

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Aug 9, 2003

"The Silver Fox"

8/30/1916 ~ 8/6/2003

Richard Jones Bradford known to his many friends as "The Silver Fox" for his exploits in racing took the final checkered flag August 6, 2003 from complications of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Dick was a lifelong sportsman, accomplished boat racer, and ardent supporter of University of Utah athletics, especially the women's basketball and softball programs. Dick was chosen Fan of the Month for the Utah Men's basketball program. His friends knew him as an outgoing, friendly person, easy to get to know, and willing to discuss any of his favorite subjects at the drop of a hat.

Dick was active in other sporting areas. He consistently meddled in the Black Rock to Antelope Island swimming race during his youth and swam competitively in the Masters swimming program until a stroke impaired his ability to compete. He is a multiple medal winner in both the Utah Senior Games and the Utah Summer Games in swimming. He holds several age group records. Dick loved gardening and liberally shared the fruits of his labors with neighbors and friends.

He was the consummate family man sharing his talents and abilities with his family; building counter tops, shelves, and other home improvement items with whoever needed them.

Professionally, Dick was a building contractor who built affordable homes in his early career and did home makeovers and later, remodeling. He was well known for his craftsmanship as well as his work ethic.

Dick is survived by a brother (Ted); and two sisters (Jessie, Margaret); children, Larry (Karen), Pat (Dick) Gates, Marsha (Doug) Anderson, Ran-dy (Linda); 17 grandchildren; and 27 great- grandchildren, who will all miss "grampa" terribly. Dick was preced- ed in death by his beloved wife, Helen.

Graveside services Redwood Memorial Cemetery, 6500 S. Redwood Rd 10 a.m. Mon. Aug 11, 2003. In addition, a celebration of his life will be Aug 30, his birthday, Sandy Regional Park, 10300 S. and 7th E. Family and friends are encouraged to join us then. In lieu of flowers, the family en-courages donations in Dick's name to the Utah Junior Golf Association or the University of Utah Athletic Scholarship Fund.